The right of access to information is an important human right, and one that is entrenched in legislation in Canada and other nations. Access to Information is a fundamental component that is necessary for the enjoyment of human rights and democratic freedoms.
The right to information is essential for transparent and accountable government. The right of access to information makes possible the public involvement in formulating social policies and in the decision-making processes of governance.
Exercising one’s right to gain access to information held by governments, public bodies, and corporations is essential for transparency, holding governments and corporations to account, understanding how public policy is formulated, and how tax dollars are spent, by whom, and for what purposes.
The right to information can only be effectively exercised and implemented on the basis of effective and enforced access to information laws, and regulating this right in accordance with international standards.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was proclaimed on 15 October 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly to be held on 28 September. Initially the day was designated by the UNESCO General Conference. It was inaugurated in November 2015 and was first held on 28 September 2016. The day had been recognised as International Right to Know Day since 2002 and was developed by international civil society advocates beginning in 2012.
Right to Know Day has evolved in many countries to become a week-long celebration and recognition of the importance of having and exercising a Right to Know.
