Access to information tied to fighting corruption, enhancing democracy — experts

AMMAN — Experts during a dialogue session at Al Rai Media Training Centre highlighted the importance of access to information in addressing corruption and enhancing democratic participation.

UNESCO organised the session in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Al Rai Media Training Centre and targeted journalists in Jordanian media organisations. 

The event was held on the occasion of the International Day for the Universal Access to Information, which is being held this year under the theme “Leaving No One Behind”. 

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan Anders Pedersen said that the right of access to information, just like other human rights such as education and health, is vital for empowering people to make decisions, combat corruption, ensure participation and enhance the capability of the government. 

Pederson noted that access to information is part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda, calling on journalists to pay attention to the agenda, especially as it supports press freedom, which serves the right to expression and is threatened by wars and conflicts. 

For her part, UNESCO Representative to Jordan Costanza Farina reviewed UNESCO’s efforts in supporting endeavours to develop Jordanian legislation to support the right to access to information, as well as the UN agency’s role in supporting spokespersons and holding training courses.  

Legal expert Khalid Hneifat said that the Law of Access to Information is an achievement for Jordan, which is the first country to endorse such a law. He mentioned challenges facing the implementation of this legislation, including delays in response to requests for information and contestation periods at administrative courts.  

Ziad Rabbai, managing director at Al Rai, said that the “unclear role” of spokespersons and media offices at ministries and public departments has contributed to "hiding information" and made it harder to access it.