The right of access to information is an important human right, necessary for the enjoyment of other human rights.

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

The right to information can only be effectively exercised and implemented on the basis of laws, regulating this right in accordance with international standards

 


Best web-site of an institution with regard to the Access to Public Information Act

Evaluation Criteria for institutional web sites:

  • Has information pursuant to Art.15 of the APIA been published on the institutional web site:
    1. Description of its powers as well as data on the organizational structure, the functions and the responsibilities of the administration;
    2. List of the acts issued within the scope of its powers;
    3. Description of the data volumes and resources, used by the respective administration;
    4. The name, the address, the telephone number and the working hours of the respective administration's office which is authorized to receive applications for access to public information.
  • Has contact information about the officials been published: name, position, phone number, e-mail?
  • Is there an Access to Information subsection on the web site?
  • Does the subsection contain internal rules related to the access to information and the procedure for access to the public registers?
  • Does the web site contain upgraded:
    - Instructions;
    - Laws;
    - Draft Laws;
    - Reports;
    - Information about Public Procurements, signed contracts;
    - Information under the APIA—request form, procedure for its filing.
  • Is the request form accessible on the web site of the institution?
  • Are electronic requests under the APIA accepted?
  • Are electronic requests under the APIA accepted? Does the institution reply to electronic requests/provide requested information electronically?

 

Copyright © 2003 Access to Information Programme sep28@aip-bg.org