Access to Information: A Pillar of Sustainable Development and Transparency
Universal access to information is an essential human right with profound implications for the development of more just, equitable and transparent societies.
Closely linked to other fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to education and participation in public and political life, it is a fundamental pillar for the enshrinement of citizens’ civil and political rights. It contributes to the plurality and democratisation of communication in societies and promotes transparency in governmental actions.
In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring this access is not only an obligation, but also a strategic pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. On 17 November 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 28 September as International Day for Universal Access to Information.
The right of access to information has been enshrined in various international standards and treaties, such as article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in Article 19, reaffirms this right, as does the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, adopted in 2000, which establishes in Article 11 the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to receive and impart information without interference.
Many countries have developed national laws that regulate this right, requiring governments and public bodies to be transparent in the management of information. The enactment of access to information laws has become a global practice that seeks to prevent corruption, promote transparency and enhance accountability.
Access to information is a cross-cutting factor in the SDG framework, but becomes particularly relevant in SDG 16, which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, facilitate access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. Target 16.10 calls for ensuring public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national laws and international agreements.
Universal access to information not only promotes transparency and accountability, but also enables informed citizen participation. For example, access to information on environmental policies, infrastructure decisions or economic development plans allows affected communities to express their views and participate in decision-making processes that affect their daily lives.
While the right of access to information is widely recognised, its efficient and effective implementation remains a challenge in many countries. For this right to be truly effective, it is not enough to guarantee its legal existence; governments, institutions and organisations need to create efficient, accessible and understandable mechanisms for information to reach all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographic location or technological skills.
One of the most common obstacles is government bureaucracy and the lack of adequate infrastructure to manage access to information. In many cases, even if access to information laws exist, the complexity of the processes for requesting data or the lack of political will to disclose information can render the right inefficient and, consequently, inaccessible to many.
The digitisation of administrative processes, the training of civil servants and the strengthening of control institutions are key to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of information delivery. In the digital age, the internet and electronic platforms have radically transformed the way people access data and information resources. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier, especially in regions with limited access to information and communication technologies.
The universalisation of internet access and the creation of accessible platforms for the entire population are essential to ensure that the right to access information is truly inclusive and equitable. In addition, the use of open data by governments can boost transparency and foster innovation by making public information freely available and accessible for use, analysis and distribution by any person or entity.
The technological revolution and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) present both significant opportunities and challenges in this regard. On the one hand, AI has the potential to facilitate access to large volumes of information, improve efficiency in data search and analysis, and personalise access to information. However, these technologies also bring with them complex challenges that can compromise fairness and transparency of access. One of the main challenges in the context of AI is the lack of transparency in the algorithms that process and manage information. Often, AI algorithms operate as ‘black boxes’, where users do not understand how decisions are made or how the information they receive is prioritised.
Universal access to information is therefore a fundamental right that not only strengthens transparency and accountability, but also empowers citizens to actively participate in making decisions that affect their lives. As we move towards a more interconnected and digitised world, it is crucial that governments and institutions work together to overcome challenges and ensure that this right is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location. Only in this way can we build more just, equitable and sustainable societies, where information flows freely and contributes to the well-being and development of all people.
Javier Graña, contributor to FIBGAR
28th September 2024
