CLD frequently produces detailed legal analyses of the extent to which various draft laws (and sometimes adopted laws) comply with international human rights standards. These are listed in reverse chronological order here.
Kyrgyzstan: Note on the new Law on the Right of Access to Information
Kyrgyzstan adopted a new Law on the Right of Access to Information which entered into force in January and which replaced the earlier, 2007 right to information (RTI) law. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has updated its assessment on the RTI Rating, which measures the strength of legal frameworks for RTI globally. The Law now earns 103 points out of a possible total of 150 points, up from 87 previously, increasing the ranking of Kyrgyzstan from 64th out of the 150 countries assessed on the RTI Rating to a strong 36th place globally. In addition to updating the RTI Rating assessment, CLD has prepared a Note on the 2024 Law on the Right of Access to Information, highlighting areas where the Law could be further improved.
Republic of Congo: Analysis of 2001 Law on Freedom of Information and Communications
15 April 2024. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD), at the request of our local partners, prepared an analysis of the Republic of Congo’s 2001 Law on Freedom of Information and Communication and more recent amending legislation based on international human rights standards, in particular relating to freedom of expression. The CLD Analysis is available in English here.
Zambia: Analysis of New Access to Information Act
20 December 2023. On 15 December 2023, Zambia finally signed its Access to Information Act into law, following years of public debate about the importance of such legislation. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) released its Analysis of the Access to Information Act, 2023 in addition to completing an RTI rating of the law. The Analysis can be found here.
Maldives: Note on the Right to Information Act
23 October 2023. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) launched its Note on the Right to Information (RTI) Act of the Maldives. The RTI Act is already very strong, but there is always room for improvement and the Note by CLD puts forward a number of recommendations to this end. Originally prepared to support a planned official review of the RTI Act, which may now be on hold, CLD has disseminated the Note in the hope of stimulating further discussion about possible reforms. The Note is available here.
Myanmar: Analysis of the Organisation Registration Law
21 August 2023. Myanmar’s military junta, which has claimed lawmaking authority since the February 2021 coup, announced an Organisation Registration Law, or NGO Law, in late 2022. The NGO Law imposes substantial restrictions on both domestic and international NGOs. It makes ordinary NGO operations administratively complex and dependent on the whims of the military, undermining NGOs’ ability to respond to the widespread humanitarian needs in Myanmar. This Analysis assesses the NGO Law based on international human rights standards governing freedom of association and expression. It is available in English and Burmese.
Myanmar: Note on Printing and Publishing Enterprises Law Amendments
24 July 2023. On 6 March 2023, the military council ruling Myanmar issued amendments to the Printing and Publishing Enterprises Law (PPEL). These amendments weakened the already inadequate safeguards contained in the PPEL to protect the printing, publishing and news industries from abuses of power. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has published a brief note analysing the implications of the amendments for freedom of expression as part of its wider work focusing on Myanmar. The Note is available in English and Burmese.
Myanmar: Note on 2021 Amendment to Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law
26 January 2023. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) released a brief Note on a 2021 Amendment to Myanmar’s Counter-Terrorism Law. This Amendment, introduced by the military regime after the February 2021 coup, increased the penalties for a number of vaguely defined expressive acts linked to terrorism from one to three years’ to three to seven years’ imprisonment, thereby exacerbating the already problematical nature of these offences. The Note is available in English here and in Burmese here.
1 November 2022. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) released its Analysis of Azerbaijan’s Media Law, which was adopted in early 2022. Despite some positive elements, the Media Law does not bring a forward-looking approach to regulating online media or modern broadcasting, fails to insulate regulatory powers from the government and imposes far too many constraints, including content restrictions, on different media sectors. The Analysis is available in English here.
Myanmar: Note on Police Force Law
19 September 2022. On 25 March 2022, the military regime ruling Myanmar enacted the Myanmar Police Force Law, which replaced several laws previously governing Myanmar’s police forces. Several provisions of this Law impact freedom of assembly and expression and are analysed in a CLD Note. CLD’s Note on the Myanmar Police Force Law can be found in English here and in Burmese here.
Myanmar: Note on New Draft Cyber Security Law
2 May 2022. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) prepared a Note on Myanmar’s New Draft Cyber Security Law. Myanmar first proposed a draft Cyber Security Law in February 2021, but strong criticism from a number of companies and organisations, including CLD, led to the temporary withdrawal of those proposals. The new version of the law retains all of the repressive elements of the original version and adds further restrictions.
CLD’s Analysis of the Amendments is available here in English and here in Burmese.
Canada: Submission on British Columbia Right to Information Law
31 March 2022. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) made a Submission to the British Columbia (BC) all-party Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the local right to information law. This followed an appearance before the Committee by CLD Executive Director, Toby Mendel, on 16 March 2022.
Myanmar: Analysis of Amendments to the Broadcasting Law
8 November 2021. The military regime running Myanmar adopted amendments to the country’s formerly progressive Broadcasting Law on 1 November 2021. Adopted without any public consultations, the amendments make profound changes to the scope of the law so that it defines various online activities as “broadcasting”. They also add imprisonment as a sentence to the key offences in the Law, which had formerly just been subject to administrative fines. CLD’s Analysis of the Second Amendment of the Broadcasting Law provides a detailed assessment of the impact of the amendments and how they breach international human rights guarantees. It is available in Burmese and English.
Mauritius: Proposals to Monitor and Control All Social Media Traffic Very Repressive
12 May 2021. Mauritius proposed new amendments to its Information and Communication Technologies Act to address the “abuse and misuse” of social media. These amendments would route all social media traffic to and from Mauritius through a proxy server to be run by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, breaking any encryption provided by social media companies and allowing for official surveillance of all communications between users and social media companies. CLD released two documents: a submission on the proposed changes and a Note that applies international human rights standards to the existing Act.
Myanmar: Analysis of the Military’s Changes to the Penal Code, May 2021
Myanmar’s military took control of the country in a coup on 1 February 2021. Just two weeks later, on 14 February, they introduced important changes to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code which have become the primary legal provisions being used to charge journalists, student leaders, civil servants and others who are opposing the military regime. CLD released an Analysis, in English and Burmese, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the amendments as against international human rights standards. It is accompanied by a shorter document, also in English and Burmese, which is designed to provide a quick overview of the scope and impact of the amendments.
Namibia: Analysis of Access to Information Bill, April 2021
CLD conducted an Analysis of Namibia’s Access to Information Bill. This Bill, which was tabled in parliament in 2021, would give individuals a right to access information held by government. Overall, the Analysis shows that the Bill is largely in line with international standards but could still be further improved. When assessed against CLD’s RTI Rating (www.RTI-Rating.org) the Bill earns a score of 114 out of a total 150 points. This would place it in 20th position from among the 128 laws currently assessed on the Rating. A few tweaks to the Bill could increase Namibia’s score, placing it among the top ten countries globally, alongside Liberia, the only African country currently in that group.
China: Analysis of Hong Kong National Security Law, April 2021
CLD has published an Analysis of the national security law for Hong Kong. The law has become notorious for its broad restrictions on commonplace expressive activity and the extensive control it gives mainland China over criminal prosecutions in Hong Kong, as well as its frequent use, including against leading media and pro-democracy personalities, such as Jimmy Lai. The CLD Analysis, which was produced with support from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), outlines the precise legal means used in the law to achieve those repressive aims.
Analysis of Access to Information Act, Newfoundland and Labrador, November 2020
This Analysis reviews Newfoundland and Labrador’s Access to Information and Privacy Act, 2015. This is the first review since the law was substantially overhauled in 2015, after which it earned 111 out of a possible 150 on the Right to Information Rating (www.rti-rating.org) and became by far the strongest right to information law in Canada. Despite these strengths, CLD has identified a number of areas where improvements are needed to bring the law into line with global best practice.
Note on Recent Legal Developments Impacting Freedom of Expression, Myanmar, November 2020
This Note review recent legal developments introduced in Myanmar in 2020. The first part of the Note covers legal updates related to COVID-19 which could impact freedom of expression, while the second part discusses other recent legal developments related to freedom of expression. The Note is available in English and Burmese.
Analysis of the Access to Information and Open Data Laws, Puerto Rico, May 2020
Puerto Rico adopted two laws giving individuals a right to access information held by public authorities in 2019, in the form of the Law on Transparency and Expedited Procedures for Access to Public Information and the Law on Open Data. This is a very welcome development but the rules on transparency in these two Laws fall far short of established international standards in this area. As a result, they fail to establish an effective right to access public information for the citizens of Puerto Rico.
This Analysis is also available in Spanish. The Executive Summary is also available in English and in Spanish.
Analysis of the Freedom of Information Bill 2019, Zimbabwe, November 2019
Zimbabwe is moving forward with a draft law to replace its 2002 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This CLD Analysis examines the Freedom of Information Bill that was provided to local activists and Members of Parliament in September 2019. It finds that while reform is badly needed, the Bill only scores 72 points on the RTI Rating, a mere two points above the 2002 Act. Substantial revision is needed to bring the Bill in line with international standards.
Note on the Draft National Records and Archives Law, Myanmar, August 2019
A draft National Records and Archives Law, prepared by the government of Myanmar, was made public in July 2019. This Note, prepared by CLD with the support of International Media Support, FOJO Media Institute and Pyi Gyi Khin, finds that while the Law’s overall goal of better records management is a positive one, the draft has several key weaknesses which could seriously undermine access to information.
Analysis of the Access to Information Bill 2019, The Gambia, July 2019
This Analysis evaluates a draft Access to Information Bill pending in The Gambia. Positively, the Bill earns a high score of 116 on the RTI Rating. If enacted, it would place 16th out of the 124 countries assessed by the RTI Rating. Although this is overall a high score, the Bill could be further improved by a strengthened guarantee of the right to access, more user-friendly and comprehensive request procedures, more effective promotional measures and removal of the Minister’s power to expand the exceptions regime.
Analysis of the Public Access to Information Act 2010, Bermuda, March 2019
This Analysis of the Bermudian Public Access to Information (PATI) Act shows that it scores 97 out of a possible total of 150 points on the RTI Rating, which would put it in 45th place out of the 123 countries around the world whose laws are currently assessed on the Rating. The Analysis, which was requested by the local Office of the Information Commissioner, makes a number of recommendations and calls for a review of the Act to strengthen and improve it.
This Analysis by CLD in collaboration with International Media Support and FOJO Media Institute assesses Myanmar’s News Media Law and Printing and Publishing Enterprises Law, both adopted on the same day in 2014. The Analysis called for enhancing the structural independence of the Myanmar Press Council and positioning it as the main regulatory body for the print media. It makes additional recommendations, such as replacing broad content restrictions, narrowing the scope of the law to cover professional news media outlets and incorporating stronger protections for the rights of media workers.
This Note by CLD and the Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development, based in Pakistan, analyses a recent white paper released by the Government of Pakistan which proposes the establishment of a new Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority. The Note highlights challenges going forward and recommends robust consultations with interested stakeholders.
Note on the Judicial and Legal Provisions Act 2018, Mauritius, November 2018
This Note by CLD assesses the provisions of the Judicial and Legal Provisions Act 2018 of Mauritius which impact freedom of expression. It raises concerns with broad content restrictions in the Act, especially those regulating contempt of court, blasphemy and hate speech.
Analysis of Right To Information Bill, Ghana, June 2018
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has released an Analysis of Ghana’s 2018 Right to Information Bill, which is now before parliament. The Analysis welcomes the fact that Ghana is finally moving forward to adopt this key piece of democratic legislation. At the same time, it highlights a number of weaknesses in the Bill, which would only be in 49th place globally according to the RTI Rating.
Analysis of Digital Security Bill, Bangladesh, May 2018
An Analysis by CLD shows that the Bill fails in several important ways to respect international guarantees of freedom of expression. This is despite the fact that a lot of criticism has already been directed at provisions in Bangladeshi laws which restrict freedom of expression online, under which 21 journalists were charged over just four months in 2017.
Analysis of Draft Right to Information Bill, Myanmar, April 2018
A new Analysis by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) of the latest proposed Right to Information (RTI) Law reveals a relatively robust draft but with some shortcomings. The RTI Law, which will allow citizens to obtain information from public bodies, is key in any democracy, enhancing government accountability and improving trust between government and the people.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) published a Draft Policy on Public Information in January 2018. According to Comments by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) and Bank Information Center (BIC), the draft Policy is a good start but far more is needed if it is to serve as a stable, effective mechanism for promoting transparency and access to information at the Bank.
Analysis of Bill C-58 Amending the Access to Information Act, February 2018
CLD found that Canada’s proposals to reform its Access to Information Act, Bill C-58, which have now been passed by the House of Commons and are before the Senate, can only be described as massively disappointing. The Government has completely reneged on its promises to extend coverage of the Act to the Prime Minister, Ministers, Parliament and courts, and delivered only partially on other promises, such as to abolish all fees and give the Information Commissioner order making powers.
The Centre for Law and Democracy prepared an analysis of some of the provisions contained in Myanmar’s Electronic Transactions Law, Official Secrets Act, Telecommunications Law, News Media Law and certain provisions of the Penal Code which restrict freedom of expression online. A workshop with the Myanmar Media Lawyers’ Network (MMLN) and civil society groups was held on 9 December 2017 to discuss their reform.
Analysis of the Right to Information Law, Pakistan, October 2017
The Centre for Law and Democracy prepared an analysis of the Pakistan Right of Access to Information Bill. The Bill, is identical to the version of the Bill that was passed by the Senate in May 2017. The Bill earned 105 points on the RTI Rating. Whilst this is far better than the right to information law in force, the 2002 Freedom of Information Ordinance, the Bill is still far weaker than the groundbreaking laws adopted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces in 2013 (link to the Law).
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently conducting a consultation on its proposals to reform its right to information policy, the Public Communications Policy 2011. An submission to the consultation by CLD concludes that, after important advances at the ADB in 2005 and 2011, the current Draft Consultation Paper can only be described as disappointing. There are few innovations over 2011 and, in the most problematical area, namely the regime of exceptions, there are even some rollbacks.
Analysis of the Draft Amendment to Right to Information Law, Bill C-58 , Canada, June 2017
The Centre for Law and Democracy prepared a note to show that Canada’s Bill C-58 of proposed reforms to the Access to information Act would only earn Canada an additional two points on the RTI Rating. The bill only included one really significant reform, namely granting binding order making powers to the Information Commissioner, and failed to address a number of serious problems in the Act, such as the vastly overbroad regime of exceptions, the broad discretion of public authorities to delay in responding to requests, the absence of any duty for public authorities to document important decision making processes, and the limited scope of coverage of the Act. In some areas, the bill even weakened the current rules (link to the Bill).
Analysis of the Draft Broadcasting Law, Mongolia, March 2017
The idea of adopting a broadcasting law has been an issue of debate in Mongolia for at least ten years and there have been various efforts to try to take this idea forward. The adoption of such a law is very important for a number of reasons, including to set clear rules for the licensing and operation of broadcasters, to ensure that broadcasters are regulated by an independent body, to promote diversity in the airwaves and to put in place an effective and appropriate system for ensuring professionalism among broadcasters (link to the Draft Law).
Note on Electronic Transactions Law and Telecommunications Law, Myanmar, January 2017
A workshop hosted by the Myanmar Media Lawyers’ Network (MMLN) and the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) on 21 January provided the setting for lawyers from across the country to agree that the Electronic Transactions Law and Telecommunications Law requires immediate reform. The discussion focused on the need to repeal the criminal defamation standards in the two laws (in sections 34(d) and 66(d), respectively), both of which have been used to imprison government critics.
The Centre for Law and Democracy and the Bank Information Center jointly prepared Comments on the Public Information Interim Policy of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in preparation for the first annual review of the Policy, due in January 2017. The analysis shows that the AIIB is lagging behind other international financial institutions when it comes to information disclosure (link to the Policy).
Note on Reforming Myanmar’s News Media Law, November 2016
The Centre for Law and Democracy, with the support of International Media Support and FOJO Media Institute, prepared an analysis of Myanmar’s News Media Law and the associated Rules adopted under the Law in light of international standards on freedom of expression. It highlights positive features while making recommendations for further reform.
Note on the draft Pakistani Right of Access to Information Act, 2016, October 2016
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has prepared a Note on the draft Right of Access to Information Act, 2016, which was prepared by the Standing Committee of Federal Cabinet for Disposal of Legislative Business of Pakistan. According to an assessment based on the RTI Rating, the draft receives 97 points out of a possible total of 150 points, putting it in 35th place globally out of the 111 laws assessed on the RTI Rating, below any other country in South Asia(Link to the Note).
Note on the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Bill, October 2016
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) released an analysis of the Sindh province of Pakistan’s draft Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 (draft Act), prepared by the government of Sindh. CLD’s Note on the draft Act reveals that it is a reasonable draft, scoring 96 out of a possible 150 points on the RTI Rating, but that much could be done to bring it more fully into line with international standards. The RTI Act currently in force in Sindh is a carbon copy of the 2002 Federal Ordinance, which languishes in the bottom 20 percent of the RTI Rating (Link to the Bill).
Comments on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Cybercrime Bill
Analysis of the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Act, 2015, Tanzania July 2016
This Analysis assesses Tanzania’s Whistleblower and Witness Protection Act, 2015 in light of international standards relating to whistleblowers. As a result of the broad recognition of the importance of whistleblower protection, there is a strong foundation of well-established principles for crafting an effective whistleblower protection law. Based on this assessment, the Analysis provides a set of recommendations for possible reform and improvement of the Act. We urge Tanzania’s government to consider these recommendations in light of the need to ensure that the benefits of a strong whistleblower protection framework may be fully enjoyed by Tanzanians. It is also important for the government to undertake appropriate measures to publicise the existence of the Act so that potential whistleblowers are aware of its existence (Link to the Act).
Recommendations for ATI Reform, Canada, June 2016
For years, calls from across Canada to improve the Access to Information Act fell on deaf ears. The government is finally moving forward with reforms but the opportunity to address the numerous shortcomings of the Act may be threatened by proposals to undertake a modest set of reforms now – as reflected in Canada’s draft Action Plan for the Open Government Partnership – with a full review coming only in 2018. In its Recommendations for improving the Access to Information Act, released today in response to a call for feedback from Canada’s Treasury Board Secretariat, the Centre for Law and Democracy is calling on the government to reconsider the idea of a two-stage reform process and, at a minimum, undertake a wide range of reforms in phase one.
Comments on Canada and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, May 2016
The Centre for Law and Democracy has prepared these Comments in response to an invitation by Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade for Canadians for submissions on whether the TPP, if implemented, would be in the best interests of Canadians. Our analysis focuses on the potential impact of the TPP on freedom of expression and there is significant cause for concern. The TPP will require Canada to implement highly problematical changes to our copyright framework, and it poses a threat to data protection and global principles of Internet governance. Against these negative impacts, the TPP includes only very weak protections for net neutrality and digital security.
Note on the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Myanmar Broadcasting Law, March 2016
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD), with the support of International Media Support (IMS), released an Analysis of Myanmar’s Broadcast Law, adopted in August 2015, to feed into the Myanmar Media Law Conference: Challenges to Myanmar’s Media Landscape, which will take place from 19-20 March. The Analysis notes that the Law goes a long way towards bringing the rules in Myanmar into line with international standards. It also points to a number of areas where the legal framework could be improved, either by adopting strong implementing regulations or in some cases by amending the Law.
Analysis of Malawi’s Right to Information Bill, February 2016
In November 2015, two years after the country committed to pass a right to information law, Malawi’s Ministry of Justice finally unveiled a draft Access to Information Bill. An Analysis of the Bill released by the CLD shows that, if passed, the Bill would be one of the stronger laws in the world, ranking in 15th position on the RTI Rating. The Analysis also reveals that there are important areas where the Bill should be improved before it is passed (link to the draft Bill). The CLD also found that the Information Bill could aid mining communities.
Analysis of the Sri Lankan Draft Right to Information Act, December 2015
According to a CLD analysis, the Sri Lankan Draft Right to Information Act is among the strongest in the world, scoring 120 out of a possible 150 points on the RTI Rating. However the authorities should introduce further improvements to provide an even more robust basis for the right to information in the country (Link to the draft Law).
Note on the UNEP Access-to-Information Policy, Revised November 2015
CLD released an analysis on the UNEP Access-to-Information Policy welcoming the improvements over the June 2014 Policy. However, there are significant areas where the draft Policy fails to accord with international standards or better international practice in relation to the RTI.
Analysis of the Vietnamese draft Right to Information Law, November 2015
According to an analysis by CLD, the Vietnamese draft Right to Information Law is a good start, however it still has a long way to go to come up to international standards. The Vietnamese authorities need to review the draft before adopting the law to bring about real change in terms of government openness (Link to the Analysis in Vietnamese) (Link to the Draft Law).
Analysis of the Italian draft Right to Information Law, October 2015
CLD carried out an analysis of the Italian draft Right to Information Law, resulting in recommendations that the Italian authorities introduce wide-ranging changes to bring it in more fully into line with international standards(Link to the Draft Right to Information Law).
Submission on Information Disclosure Policy by Green Climate Fund, September 2015
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) published a draft Information Disclosure Policy for purposes of public consultation. The Centre for Law and Democracy supported the preparation of a Submission outlining the vastly overbroad regime of exceptions in the draft Policy, which seriously undermines its potential to ensure access to information.
Analysis of Quebec Access to Information Reform Proposals, August 2015
The government of Quebec has put forward a detailed set of proposals to reform its law on access to information and protection of personal data. The Centre for Law and Democracy has prepared a submission outlining the further changes it believes are needed to bring Quebec’s right to information law more fully into line with international standards in this area(Link to the Follow-up Submission) (Link to the Follow-up Letter).
Analysis of the Trinidad and Tobago draft Cybercrime Bill, August 2015
A draft Cybercrime Bill prepared by the government of Trinidad and Tobago would criminalise a wide range of legitimate digital activity, according to an analysis of the Bill released 13 August 2015 by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD). Although the Bill has formally lapsed, it is likely that a similar draft will be introduced in the near future (Link to the Bill).
Analysis of the Pakistani draft Right to Information Act, July 2015
CLD released an Analysis of the draft Pakistani Right to Information Act, finding that the “remarkable” draft has a “superlative” score on the RTI Rating, and urging the Pakistan Parliament to move forward with adopting the draft law (Link to the Act).
Statement by the Nepal International Media Partnership, July 2015 (link to the Statement)
The government of Nepal released a new version of the draft Constitution for consideration by Parliament. This Joint Statement by the Nepal International Media Partnership (NIMP) provides an analysis of the draft Constitution from the perspective of international guarantees of freedom of expression. It is intended to support the government and Parliament of Nepal, as well as other local stakeholders, with a view to ensuring that the final version of the Constitution is as fully in line with international standards as possible.
Analysis of the Tanzanian draft Media Services Act, June 2015
CLD released an Analysis of the draft Tanzanian Media Services Act, 2015, which found that it does not conform to international standards of respect for freedom of expression. The new regulations are unduly intrusive on the media, overseen by entities controlled by the government, and in some cases not realistic on a practical level (Link to the Act).
Analysis of the Tanzanian Draft Access to Information Act, May 2015
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has prepared an analysis of Tanzania’s draft Access to Information Act, which was released by the government recently. The draft Act follows up on the Tanzanian government’s commitment at the October 2013 London Summit of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to adopt a right to information law. It scored 91 points on a quick assessment using the RTI Rating, which would put it in 42nd position globally out of the 102 countries which currently feature on the RTI Rating website.
Note on the Sri Lankan draft Constitutional Proposal on the Right to Information, April 2015
The government of Sri Lanka has put in place a process to prepare a right to information (RTI) law and proposed a set of constitutional amendments which would provide fundamental rights protection for access to information. An analysis by CLD, released today, suggests that the proposed constitutional guarantee needs to be strengthened.
Joint Submission on the draft revised European Investment Bank Transparency Policy, September 2014 (link to the Joint Submission)(link to the draft revised Transparency Policy)
18 civil society organizations, including CLD, drafted this Joint Submission to the European Investment Bank (EIB) on its draft revised EIB Group Transparency Policy, including recommendations for bringing the policy in line with international standards for international financial institutions.
Submission to Canada’s Open Government Consultations, September 2014 (link to the CLD Submission)
CLD responded to the consultation on Canada’s second Open Government Partnership Action Plan by calling on the government to commit to clear and ambitious measures to advance transparency across the public sector. CLD’s Submission to Canada’s Open Government Consultations points to problems with both the consultation process and the substantive commitments the government is proposing to make.
Analysis of Kenya’s Draft Freedom of Information Bill, September 2014 (link to the Analysis)(link to the draft Bill)
CLD released an Analysis of the draft Kenyan Freedom of Information Bill, 2014, which found that, although the draft is relatively robust, it is significantly weaker than the version which was proposed in 2012. The biggest change is the decision to scrap the dedicated oversight body, the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Commission, and instead delegate oversight responsibilities to the Commission on Administrative Justice. Many of the other problems noted in the Analysis are relatively minor, however, and could easily be corrected through small drafting changes.
Note on Morocco’s Draft Law No. 31.13 on the Right of Access to Information, September 2014 (link to the Note)
CLD has prepared an analysis of the latest version of Morocco’s draft right to information law, Draft Law No. 31.13 on the Right of Access to Information, which finds that the draft scores only 65 points out of a possible 150 on the RTI Rating. It is notable that this is substantially weaker than a previous draft published in August 2013. CLD urges the Government of Morocco to reconsider the current draft and, instead, to prepare a strong law which will properly implement Article 27 of the 2011 Constitution.
Submission to the Independent Review of the Newfoundland and Labrador Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, July 2014 (link to the Submission)(link to the Law)
CLD prepared this Submission analysing the problems with Newfoundland and Labrador’s access law, and proposing reforms.
Comments on the Draft Media Law in East Timor, May 2014 (link to Comments)(link to Draft of RDTL Media Law)
CLD has released Comments on the Media Law currently awaiting Presidential signature in East Timor. An analysis of the Law reveals serious problems in terms both of human rights and of the stated goals of the law.
Note on the Newfoundland Public Interest and Whistleblower Protection Act, May 2014 (link to the Note)(link to Bill 1)
CLD released an Analysis of the main problems with Bill 1, Newfoundland and Labrador’s proposed whistleblower protection law. The Analysis provided several concrete recommendations, including extending whistleblower protection to the private sector and removing an exception for Cabinet documents.
Comments on the draft Palestinian Access to Information Law, March 2014 (link to the Comments)(link to the draft Act)
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has done an analysis of the latest draft of the Access to Information Law being prepared by the Palestinian authorities which indicates that the law has been substantially weakened since our last analysis in December 2013. Using the RTI Rating (www.RTI-Rating.org), the December draft obtained a score of 92 points out of a possible 150, which has now declined to just 85 points, well into the bottom half of all countries globally with right to information (RTI) laws.
Comments on the Pakistan Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2014, March 2014 (link to the Comments)(link to the draft Act)
The CLD released Comments on a new cybercrime law, the draft Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2014, which is being considered by the government of Pakistan. The CLD Comments highlight the fact that the draft Act threatens to undermine the development of the Internet in Pakistan. The draft Act does contain some positive aspects, such as rigorous procedural protections regarding cybercrime investigation and limitations on intermediary liability, but its broadly defined crimes threaten to turn almost every Pakistani Internet user into a criminal.
Note on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Right to Access Information Law, January 2014 (link to the Note)
The CLD and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) prepared this Note analysing the Right to Access Information Law, No. 11 of 2013, adopted by the government of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Law is a relatively progressive piece of legislation, garnering 98 points out of a possible 150 on the RTI Rating (www.RTI-Rating.org), which would put it in 28th place globally out of 95 countries, as of the time of publication.
Note on the draft Palestinian Law on the Right of Access to Information, December 2013 (link to the Note)(link to the draft Law)(link to the RTI Rating)
CLD carried out an assessment of Palestine’s draft Law on the Right of Access to Information using the RTI Rating which found that the draft would obtain a rather modest score of 92 points out of a possible 150.
Analysis of the Draft Intellectual Property Chapter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, December 2013 (link to the Analysis)(link to the leaked draft TPP Chapter)
The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP) has been a magnet for controversy since its inception, largely due to the excessive secrecy in which it is being negotiated and rumours that its intellectual property provisions would threaten Internet freedom. The Centre for Law and Democracy prepared an Analysis of the TPP, based on a draft version of the intellectual property chapter released by Wikileaks, which notes several significant problems with the treaty from a freedom of expression perspective.
Comments on the Bhutanese draft Right to Information Bill, October 2013 (link to the Comments)
The Government of Bhutan has posted a draft of the Right to Information Bill, 2013, for comment. As part of a joint project with International Media Support, CLD prepared Comments on the draft Bill based on the RTI Rating, a methodology for assessing the strength of legal frameworks for the right to information, developed by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) and Access Info Europe. The RTI Bill measures up extremely well, garnering 125 points out of a possible total of 150. This score would place Bhutan in 5th place globally.
GCF: Comments on Proposed Information Policy, October 2013 (link to the Analysis)
The Green Climate Fund (GCF), an international financial institution (IFI) which uses lending to promote compliance with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has prepared a draft policy on information disclosure for consideration by the Board at its fifth meeting in Paris from 8-10 October 2013. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) has prepared a Note analysing the draft policy, prepared by CLD.
Canada: Review of the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, September 2013 (link to the Analysis)(link to the law)
CLD released an Analysis pointing to major problems with Nova Scotia’s transparency framework, the Freedom of Information and Protection and Privacy Act (FOIPOP). Among major recommendations are that the Review Officer should have the power to make binding orders, and an expanded mandate including investigative powers, that timeline extensions for response should be capped at 30 days, that unnecessary and overly broad exceptions should be removed or revised, and that the rules on release of information in the public interest should be strengthened.
Russia: Internet Freedom is Under Severe Threat, July 2013 (link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy is releasing an analysis today of key recent changes to Russia’s internet policy.In recent years, freedom of expression in Russia has come under severe attack. A number of pieces of legislation have been adopted limiting the ability of opposition voices to make themselves heard. The analysis demonstrates that, even against this troubling backdrop, the recent decision by Russia’s government to create an Internet blacklist is a particularly ominous development.
European Union: Data Retention Directive not Justifiable, July 2013 (Link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy has released an Analysis of the European Union’s 2006 Data Retention Directive, assessing it from the perspective of the right to freedom of expression. The Directive has attracted a lot of criticism, mostly on the basis that it fails to respect privacy. CLD’s Analysis highlights the ways the Directive exerts a chilling effect on freedom of expression, and its failure to pass muster as a restriction on free speech.
Global Right to Information Update: An Analysis by Region, July 2013 (Link to the Analysis)
The Freedom of Information Advocates Network (FOIAnet) launched a major global analysis of the development of the right to information (RTI) movement, broken down by region. The publication follows FOIAnet’s celebration of its 10th anniversary on International Right to Know Day, 28 September 2012. The analysis is a comprehensive effort to incorporate access to information issues from across the world and the different challenges that civil rights advocates face. CLD Executive Director Toby Mendel is also the chair of FOIAnet.
South Korea: Copyright Act Restricts Freedom of Expression, June 2013 (Link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy released an Analysis of the South Korean Copyright Act. The Act attracted a lot of criticism for 2009 amendments introducing a three strikes system whereby users could have their Internet services cut off after being warned three times about copyright infringements. Further amendments in 2011 failed to address the most serious problems with the system.
Jordan: Press Law Amendments Seriously Threaten Online Speech, June 2013 (Link to the Analysis)
On 2 June 2013, Jordan’s Press and Publications Department issued an order blocking hundreds of websites due to their failure to register with the government. The order drew international condemnation, mainly because it is the first high-profile case of implementation of Jordan’s new legal regime for the print media, which was amended in 2012 to extend onerous registration and other requirements to the Internet. The Centre for Law and Democracy released Comments on the Law Amending the Press and Publications Law of 2012, which highlights the severe problems with these amendments from the perspective of freedom of expression.
Tunisia: Freedom of Expression in draft Constitution, June 2013 (Link to the Note)(Link to the Note in Arabic)
The Centre for Law and Democracy is released a Note analysing the freedom of expression provisions in the new draft Constitution for Tunisia, dated 1 June 2013. As the foundational document for the system of governance in post revolutionary Tunisia, it is very important that the Constitution provide strong guarantees for human rights and particularly those rights, including freedom of expression, which were roundly abused under the previous regime.
Global Climate Fund Proposes Openness Policy, June 2013 (link to the Note)
The Global Climate Fund (GCF), a new international financial institution (IFI) which aims to use lending to promote compliance with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is proposing to adopt an information disclosure policy. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) has prepared a Note on Better International Practices on Access to Information for the GCF Board, which will discuss this issue at its next meeting in Songdo, Republic of Korea, 25-28 June 2013. The Note was prepared by Toby Mendel, Executive Director of CLD, with comments from GTI members.
Morocco: Concerns Remain over Media Law Reform, June 2013 (link to the analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) today released an analysis of four draft press laws in Morocco. While positive aspects do exist, the law has a number of seriously concerning elements with freedom of expression implications. The analysis points to a number of provisions, including requirements for press council membership, minimum requirements to become a journalist and overly harsh defamation laws as needing of revision.
RTI Reforms Would Leave Denmark in 78th Place Globally, April 2013 (link to the Analysis)(link to the draft Act)
The new right to information (RTI) legislation being proposed by the Danish government, the Act on Openness in Administration, signally fails to address the very serious problems in the current regime. The Danish proposals have come under significant fire for their restrictive treatment of ministerial information. However, an analysis by CLD demonstrates that this problem is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to several new exceptions, the major problems with the current system – including its limited scope, flexible time limits for responding to requests, the absence of a public interest override for exceptions and the lack of a dedicated administrative appeals body – have not been addressed.
Afghanistan: Comments on the draft Access Law, April 2013 (link to the Comments)(link to the Law)
The Centre for Law and Democracy has prepared a set of Comments on the draft Access to Information Law published by the Afghan government. There have been discussions in Afghanistan about a right to information law for some time. The Centre for Law and Democracy welcomes efforts to adopt a right to information law in Afghanistan, and urges the government to bring the draft law more fully into line with international standards before it is adopted.
Submission on Access to Information Reform in Quebec, April 2013 (link to the Submission)
Given the steady stream of corruption and mismanagement allegations that have emanated from the province in recent months, it is hardly revelatory to suggest that Quebec has a problem with transparency. This Submission was prepared for a general consultation and public hearing being held by the Province of Quebec’s Committee on Institutions that is meant to address, among other issues, the implementation of Quebec’s Act Respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information. The Submission identifies a litany of deficiencies, including overly broad exceptions, the limited scope of the law, routine breaches of timelines and overcharging of requesters. It also notes that several public authorities, including ministers’ offices, municipalities and members of the National Assembly, are under no firm obligation to disclose any information, instead having the discretion to release information only when they feel this would be expedient.
Myanmar: Draft Law is a Step Forward, March 2013 (link to the Comments)
In association with International Media Support, the Centre for Law and Democracy released official comments on a draft law in Myanmar. The law represents a significant step forward for Myanmar and its commitment to ongoing democratisation and compliance with International standards. The law creates a registration system, regulates content and governs import and distribution of publication. The comments conclude that the law needs to be improved to meet established standards on government independence and its various procedures can be potentially confusing and can be used to limit press freedoms.
Submission on the Transparency Policy of the International Monetary Fund, March 2013 (link to the Submission)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has launched a review its Transparency Policy, last revised in 2009. As part of the Review, the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) has produced a Submission assessing the current policy against the standards developed by the Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) (www.ifitransparency.org). Some international financial institutions (IFIs) – including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank – have made significant progress on transparency in the recent years; the IMF Policy, in contrast, remains limited to a proactive disclosure list approach.
Indonesia: Analysis of Draft Law on NGOs, February 2013 (link to the Analysis)
The Government of Indonesia is proposing to replace its authoritarian 1985 law on civil society organisations (CSOs) with a new Law Pertaining to Mass Organisations. While this is generally a welcome development, an analysis by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) highlights a number of serious problems with the draft Law, which is currently before the National Assembly.
Somalia: Analysis of Legal Framework for the Media, January 2013 (link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy, working with the African Union/United Nations Information Support Team (IST), and in partnership with UNESCO, released the Somalia: Media Law and Policy Review, analysing the legal framework for media regulation in Somalia. There has been important progress in Somalia in recent months, with the drafting of an interim constitution, and the election of a parliament and a president. The Review is designed to help the new government move forward to implement media reforms in line with the interim constitution.
Canada: Right to Information Law Needs Major Overhaul, January 2013 (link to the Analysis)
Canada’s right to information system is broken and comprehensive legal reform is now an urgent priority. There has for some time been consensus on this among journalists, civil society, Information Commissioners and even Parliamentary committees. But successive governments have refused to take action to resolve the problem. On International Right to Know Day, 28 September 2012, Canada’s Information Commissioner launched a consultation to solicit broad national input into this issue. The Centre for Law and Democracy released its Response to the consultation, calling for ‘root and branch’ reforms to bring Canada’s right to information into line with international standards.
Egypt: Draft Constitution Leaves Wide Scope to Limit Rights, December 2012 (link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy released an analysis of the provisions in the draft Egyptian Constitution that protect freedom of expression, information and the media, as the days tick down to the constitutional referendum scheduled for 15 December. Although the draft contains reasonably solid positive protections for freedom of expression, it leaves the scope for restrictions wide open, subject only to the “Principles of Islamic Sharia”. Providing strong constitutional protection for freedom of expression is essential if democracy is to be established in Egypt.
UPDATE: August 2013: The Analysis is now available in Arabic
Philippines: Analysis Finds Major Problems in Cybercrime Law, November 2012 (link to the Analysis)(link to the Law)
Immediately after it was passed on 12 September 2012, the Philippines’ Cybercrime Prevention Act was met with a flurry of legal challenges from journalists and civil society organisations in the Philippines. An Analysis released by the Centre for Law and Democracy confirms and supports their concerns, finding that the law perpetrates significant violations of international standards on freedom of expression. The implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act has been suspended by the Supreme Court for 120 days, in order to allow the challenges against the law to proceed. We call on the Court to recognise the ways in which the Act breaches the right to freedom of expression, and for lawmakers in the Philippines to amend it so as to strike an appropriate balance between addressing crimes and respecting fundamental human rights.
Freedom of Expression in Egypt’s Draft Constitution, October 2012 (link to the Comments in English)(link to the Comments in Arabic)
Egypt is in the midst of a vitally important phase in its democratic transition, and a vibrant debate is ongoing over the nature of its constitutional protections for human rights. In order to provide support to this discussion, the Centre for Law and Democracy released a set of Comments on the Freedom of Expression and Information Clauses in the Draft Constitution for Egypt.
Failing to Measure Up: An Analysis of Access to Information Legislation in Canadian Jurisdictions, September 2012 (link to Analysis)
This Analysis discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial access to information laws based on an assessment of these laws using the RTI Rating. The Analysis points to severe problems with access to information frameworks across the country. The three biggest problems, all of which recur in every Canadian law, are limits on scope in terms of public authorities, procedural weaknesses, and overly broad regimes of exceptions. The Analysis probes these and other weaknesses in Canada’s access laws, providing specific recommendations on how to bring these laws more fully into line with international standards.
Myanmar: Analysis of Constitutional Guarantees, August 2012 (link to the Analysis)
The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) and International Media Support (IMS) released an Analysis of the guarantees for freedom of expression in the 2008 Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Although the 2008 Constitution represented an important step forward in terms of democracy and human rights, the Analysis highlights shortcomings in terms of both the positive guarantees for freedom of expression and the relatively wide latitude it allows for restricting that right.
Tahrir Square Protests – Image by monasosh
Egypt: Statement on the Need for Real Reform of Defamation Laws, August 2012 (link to the Statement)
On 23 August 2012, Egypt’s newly elected President, Mohamed Morsi, passed his very first decree after having wrested back legislative powers from the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) earlier that month. The decree cancelled the possibility of pre-trial detention for journalists charged with insulting the president, leading to the release of Islam Afifi, editor-in-chief of Al-Dustour newspaper. This is a positive measure, which has earned the President kudos. The laws on defamation, however, are in need of far more profound reform if they are to be brought into line with international standards. A Statement on the issue released today by the Centre for Law and Democracy describes the wider needs and offers recommendations for reform.
Yemen: Comments on the Law on the Right of Access to Information, May 2012 (link to the Comments)
The Centre for Law and Democracy has conducted an analysis of Yemen’s new RTI law using the RTI Rating. The law’s strongest features include its broad scope and applicability and its strong promotional regime. At the same time, the law has important weaknesses, including the lack of proper recognition of the human right right to information and the absence of a public interest override.
UPDATE: July 2012
The RTI Law rated by CLD in the Comments above was amended prior to passage.
Click here for a translation of the Law as amended
Click here for an updated RTI Rating of the Yemeni Law
Click here for a Note outlining the Amendments
Somalia: Analysis of draft Telecommunication Law, May 2012 (link to the Analysis)(link to the draft Law)
CLD published an analysis of the draft Somali Communications Act of 2012. The draft, which was prepared by the African Union/United Nations Information Support Team, at the request of the Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications, provides only a very framework set of rules for broadcasting, focusing instead largely on telecommunications. We understand that the idea is to adopt a full broadcasting law later on.
CLD Expands RTI-Rating to Provincial Laws, April 2012 (link to the ratings for: British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta)
This study, conducted using the RTI-Rating, found significant differences between the overall strengths of the provincial laws, while concluding that all four had deficiencies. The province of British Columbia topped the rankings, scoring 97 points out of a possible 150, while Alberta came in last, with 80 points. CLD plans to apply the RTI Rating to all 14 Canadian jurisdictions – the federal level, the ten provinces and the three territories, all of which have adopted right to information laws – in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation in the country.
Comments on the Montenegrin draft Law on Free Access to Information, March 2012 (link to the Comments)(link to the draft Law)
These Comments were prepared at the request of some of the participants in the ongoing discussions over Montenegro’s proposed RTI reforms. The Comments find that, although the draft Law improves the RTI appeals mechanism, problematic changes in the exceptions regime mean that the draft Law is hardly an improvement.
Nepal: Comments on Constitutional Proposals, March 2012 (link to the Comments in English)(link to the Comments in Nepali)
These comments on the constitutional proposals on freedom of expression, media freedom and the right to information were prepared by Toby Mendel of the Centre for Law and Democracy on behalf of the International Media Mission to Nepal. The Comments highlight the positive nature of the proposals, while also identifying shortcomings, in particular their failure to sufficiently limit the scope of permissible restrictions on these rights. By letter of 26 March 2012, the comments have been sent to a number of key stakeholders in Nepal, including the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, leaders of the main political parties, and the Chair and key members of the Constituent Assembly.
Analysis of the Egyptian draft Civil Society RTI Law, March 2012 (link to the Analysis)(link to a translation of the draft Law)
A recent analysis by CLD of a draft right to information law for Egypt, prepared at the request of the group of civil society actors who developed the draft law, concludes that it largely reflects international standards, scoring 129 out of a possible total of 150 on our RTI Rating. The draft is particularly strong in terms of its wide scope, progressive requesting procedures, narrow regime of exceptions and extensive promotional measures. At the same time, the CLD analysis points to a number of ways in which the draft could still be improved, including a number of areas where clarification is needed, imposing overall time limits, say of 20 years, on exceptions and further bolstering the independence of the Information Commissioner.
Analysis of the Kenyan draft Freedom of Information Bill, January 2012 (link to the Analysis)(link to the draft Bill)
The Centre for Law and Democracy has published its analysis of the draft Kenyan Freedom of Information Bill. The draft Bill has a number of strengths, including its wide scope, the narrow regime of exceptions and the establishment of an independent and powerful oversight body. A number of CLD’s recommendations are fairly technical in nature, and should be relatively uncontroversial to implement. It is hoped that the current process will finally bring to fruition the long-standing campaign for right to information legislation in Kenya.
Report on the Erosion of Freedoms in Iraq, January 2012 (link to the report)(link to the report in Arabic)(links to the Laws: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Although the human rights situation in Iraq improved in the aftermath of the removal of Saddam Hussein, recent years have witnessed a troubling erosion of the fundamental freedoms which the new constitution was meant to have established. This report examines five pieces of legislation (one of which has already been passed) which have the potential to negatively impact freedom of expression and the right to assembly, and contrasts the restrictions and regulations contained therein with constitutional and international human rights standards. CLD hopes that this report will bring attention to the problems with these laws, particularly with regards to the legislative proposals that are still up for debate.
Comments on the Draft OGP Information Disclosure Policy, November 2011 (link to the Comments)(link to the draft Policy)
The Open Government Partnership, a global transparency initiative jointly sponsored by US President Obama and Brazilian President Rousseff, must significantly improve its internal access to information policy to meet the standards it is advancing according to an analysis by CLD and Access Info Europe. Two months after its launch in September 2011, when 46 countries pledged to work towards greater openness, the OGP is struggling with its own transparency rules according to the expert analysis submitted as part of a one-month public consultation.
Comments on Sri Lankan Draft Freedom of Information Act, November 2011 (link to the Comments)(link to the draft Act)
The Centre for Law and Democracy published an analysis of a draft Sri Lankan Freedom of Information Act. The draft Act was prepared by UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, an opposition Member of Parliament. Mr. Jayasuriya has been trying for some time, so far without success, to have this Bill introduced into Parliament. Although the draft Act is unlikely to move forward, it has generated important debate in Sri Lanka about this key human rights issue and is being discussed at a National Seminar on the right to information on 18 November 2011.
Comments on the draft Afghan Access to Information Law, November 2011 (link to the Comments)
The Centre for Law and Democracy has published its analysis of a draft Afghan Access to Information Law. The draft Law was created from two previous drafts, one prepared by civil society and one by government. The aim is to present a consensus version in the hope that this will help ensure that it becomes a legislative priority.
Note on the Pakistani NGO Draft Right to Information Act, 2010, October 2011 (link to the Note)
This Note contains comments by the Centre for Law and Democracy on a Draft Right to Information Act prepared by members of the NGO community in Pakistan. It provides recommendations for reform as relevant, with a view to helping to ensure that the NGO community can put forward a law which gives effect, as fully as possible, to the fundamental human right to information.
Comments on the Draft Model Law for AU Member States on Access to Information, August 2011 (link to the Comments) (link to the draft Model Law)
The draft Model Law for African Union Member States is being prepared by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is calling for feedback on the draft Model Law and CLD, in partnership with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), prepared these comments on it.
Towards a Presumption of Openness AfDB: A Long Way to Go: Comments by the Global Transparency Initiative on the Draft Policy on Disclosure and Access to Information of the African Development Bank, August 2011 (link to the Comments)(Link to the draft Policy)
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is currently holding consultations with interested stakeholders regarding the ongoing review of its 2005 access to information policy. As part that process, a new draft policy, the African Development Bank Group Policy on Disclosure and Access to Information, was posted on the Bank’s website in June 2011. The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) is a global network of civil society organisations, which includes CLD, and which advocates for greater transparency at the international financial institutions (IFIs). GTI has provided these comments on the draft Policy. As the Comments make clear, the new draft is a significant advance over the existing policy, but still fall far short of better practice by other IFIs and certainly the GTI’s own standards, as set out in the Transparency Charter for International Financial Institutions: Claiming our Right to Know.
Kazakhstan, Comments on the Draft Law of Kazakhstan on Information Access, August 2011 (link to the Comments) (link to draft Law)
The parliament of Kazakhstan is preparing a right to information law, following on from years of discussion about this important issue. These Comments by CLD analyse the most recent draft, noting that it has a number of important positive features, but also highlighting some significant shortcomings, such as the lack of an oversight body and an overbroad regime of exceptions.
ADB Public Communications Policy Working Paper, July 2011 (link to the paper)
This paper, entitled Missing an Opportunity to Take the Lead, offers comments on the Asian Development Bank’s communications policy. It was prepared by CLD Executive Director Toby Mendel and Nepomuceno Malalua, Co-Director of the Institute for Freedom of Information.
Iraq: Note on the Draft Journalists Protection Law, April 2011 (Link to the Note) (link to the draft Law)
A Journalist Protection Law, prepared by the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists and endorsed by the government of Iraq, has been laid before the Iraqi Parliament for its consideration. This Note by CLD notes that the draft Law includes a number of important protections for journalists. But it defines a journalist as a member of the statutory Syndicate of Journalists, the same body which drafted the law, and also grants a number of powers exclusively to the Syndicate.
Tunisia: Comments on the Draft Decrees Making up the Press Law, April 2011 (link to the Comments) (Comments in Arabic) (link to draft Law)
One of the first priorities of the new Tunisian High Commission for the Realisation of the Objectives of the Revolution and Democratic Transition has been to prepare a new press law to replace the repressive 1975 law that has been used for over 30 years as a mechanism of control. Unfortunately, despite its name, the draft Press Law released by the Commission in March 2011 fails to deliver on the goals of the revolution. These Comments by CLD highlight a number of both strengths and weaknesses in the draft Law.
UPDATE: The Tunisian government has since published a new draft, available in Arabic here
Comments on the Draft Law of Mongolia on Information Transparency and Freedom of Information, April 2011 (Link to the Comments) (link to draft Law)
In January 2011, the Mongolian Ministry of Justice submitted to Parliament a Draft Law of Mongolia on Information Transparency and Freedom of Information. This is the latest development relating to ongoing discussions around adopting a right to information (RTI) law that have been taking place in Mongolia for many years now. This Comment by CLD highlights a number of both strengths and weaknesses in the draft Law.
UN Human Rights Committee: Note on Draft General Comment No. 34 on Article 19 of the ICCPR (Upon Completion of the First Reading by the Human Rights Committee), January 2011 (link to the Note) (link to draft Comment)
In November 2010, the UN Human Rights Committee published draft General Comment No. 34 on Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). When it has been adopted, the new General Comment will replace an earlier Comment on Article 19, adopted by the Committee in 1983. As part of a process of public consultation, the Committee was seeking submissions on the draft Comment until 31 January 2011. CLD has prepared a Note detailing its recommendations for the draft.
Spain: Comments on the Draft Law on Transparency and Citizen Access to Public Information, January 2011 (link to the Comments) (link to draft Law)
In August, a draft right to information law being prepared by the Spanish authorities was leaked to the press. The government has not been forthcoming with an official draft since that time. In the meantime, CLD has reviewed the draft Law and its analysis and recommendations are contained in these Comments.
Securing the People’s Right to Information: ADB Must Do More: Comments by the Global Transparency Initiative on the Second Consultation Draft of the Public Communications Policy of the Asian Development Bank, 26 December 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to draft Policy published in November)
Following on from its Comments on the ADB’s existing Public Communications Policy (PCP) policy, published in April 2010, and Speaking Notes on the first draft of the new policy, published in June 2010, CLD, working with the Access to Information Network (ATIN) of the Philippines, prepared detailed Comments on the second draft policy on behalf of the Global Transparency Initiative (GTI).
Slovenia: Comments on the Radio and Television Corporation of Slovenia Act, December 2010 (link to the Comments) (Comments in Slovenian) (link to the version of the Law analysed)
Slovenia adopted a new Radio and Television Corporation of Slovenia Act on 20 October 2010, replacing a 2005 law adopted by the opposition party when it was in power. The Act will be the subject of a national referendum on 12 December 2010, in which the Slovenian public is being asked to either uphold it or call for it to be revised. CLDs analysis assesses the Act against international standards, with a particular focus on issues which have been a matter of debate locally.
Pakistan: Note on the draft Right to Information Law, July 2010 (link to the Note) (link to version of draft Law analysed)
Pakistan adopted a Freedom of Information Ordinance in 2002 which remains in effect. In April 2010, the Constitution of Pakistan was amended to provide for a right to information and there have, as a result, been various attempts to introduce new right to information legislation. These Comments are based on a July 2010 draft Right to Information Law was moved in the National Assembly of Pakistan by MP Sherry Rehman.
The Maldives: Comments on the draft Right to Information Bill, July 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to version of Bill analysed)
In 2008, the Maldives ratified a new constitution that enshrined the right to access any information held by government. The Maldives is in the process of preparing legislation to give effect to these guarantees. These Comments relate to the draft Right to Information Act that was tabled in the Majlis (legislature) in November 2009.
Securing the People’s Right to Information: Will the ADB Rise to the Challenge? Speaking Notes by the Global Transparency Initiative on the June 2010 Consultation Draft of the Public Communications Policy of the Asian Development Bank, 14 June 2010 (link to the Speaking Notes) (link to the draft Policy published in June)
Following on from its initial consultation inviting submissions on its existing information disclosure policy, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) issued a first draft of its new policy on 2 June 2010. Due to the fact that this draft was very close to the existing policy, on which the Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) had already comments, a decision was made simply to produce Speaking Notes for groups participating in the ADB consultations. CLD, working with the Access to Information Network (ATIN) of the Philippines, prepared the Speaking Notes on behalf of the GTI, of which both CLD and ATIN are members.
Comments on the Proposed Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, May 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to the version of draft Constitution analysed)
After the overthrow of the Government of Kyrgyzstan in April 2010, the Interim Government quickly published a draft Constitution, which was ultimately put to a referendum on 27 June 2010. These Comments relate to the freedom of expression provisions in the draft Constitution.
Bermuda: Statement on the Public Access to Information Bill 2010, May 2010 (link to the Statement) (link to the version of the Bill analysed)
The Bermudan government first released a Consultation Draft of the Public Access to Information Bill of Bermuda in October 2009 for public comment. A revised draft was released on May 2010, and this Statement relates to that draft.
Analysis of Computer Crime Act of Thailand, May 2010 (link to the Analysis) (link to the Law)
The Thai Computer-Related Offences Commission Act was adopted in July 2007 and, since that time, has been used extensively to prosecute various offences, including the dissemination of information over the Internet. This Analysis describes the main provisions in the Act and assesses the first three years of implementation as against international and constitutional standards.
Comments on the Draft Law of Mongolia on Freedom of Press, April 2010 (link to the Comments) (Comments in Mongolian) (Mongolian published version) (link to version of draft Law analsyed)
In Mongolia, the Special Advisor to the President prepared a draft Law on Freedom of the Press to replace the skeletal 1997 Law on Freedom of the Media, which contains only four provisions. A draft of the Law was released for public input and CLD provided these Comments as part of that process.
Securing the People’s Right to Information: Will the ADB Rise to the Challenge? Comments by the Global Transparency Initiative on the Public Communications Policy of the Asian Development Bank, 15 April 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to 2005 Policy analysed)
In mid-February 2010, the Asian Development Bank began a review of its Public Communications Policy, which was adopted about five years earlier, in September 2005. The first stage of the review was to solicit initial comments on the existing policy. CLD, along with the Access to Information Network (ATIN) of the Philippines, prepared these detailed Comments on the existing policy, on behalf of the Global Transparency Initiative (of which both CLD and ATIN are members).
Submission on the Paraguayan Law on Free Citizen Access to Public Information and Governmental Transparency, April 2010 (link to the Submission) (link to version of draft Law analysed)
A group of civil society organisations are working to prepare right to information legislation in Paraguay. They asked CLD to provide an analysis of their draft against international standards in this area, so as to ensure that it met international standards, as far as possible.
Comments on the Right to Access Information Bill: Sierra Leone, April 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to version of Bill analysed)
In Sierra Leone, civil society groups have been working with the government to prepare an access to information law. The working group asked CLD to comment on the Bill, with a view to helping them ensure that the law they put forward conforms as far as possible to international standards.
Comments on the Media Regulations for the 2010 Elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives, January 2010 (link to the Comments) (link to the Media Regulation) (link to the Media Regulation, VRU Period)
These Comments provide an analysis of two sets of draft regulations governing the media adopted by the Iraqi election commission in advance of the second set of elections for the Council of Representatives (parliament). They were prepared as part of UNDP’s support for the democratic election process.
