[euopendata] New RTI Legislation Rating Methodology Launched

Wed Sep 29 11:32:01 UTC 2010

access info_logoNEWcid:58E22EF4-9010-489A-8E2E-D4B449DE67F7 at eastlink.ca

<http://access-info.org/en/advancing-the-right-to-know/111-rti-rating-method
ology> New RTI Legislation Rating Methodology Launched

29 September 2010, Madrid/Halifax: A new tool for evaluating and comparing
national right to information frameworks was launched today by
<http://www.access-info.org/> Access Info Europe (Madrid, Spain) and the
<http://www.law-democracy.org/> Centre for Law and Democracy (Halifax,
Canada) as part of activities to mark the week of International Right to
Know Day (28 September). 

The
<http://access-info.org/en/advancing-the-right-to-know/111-rti-rating-method
ology> Right to Information (RTI) Legislation Rating Methodology is a tool
to assess the overall legal framework for the right to information, based on
how well that framework gives effect to the right to access information held
by public authorities. 

"This Methodology will provide a detailed comparative ranking of the world's
over 80 access to information regimes," said Helen Darbishire of Access Info
Europe. "This is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the right
to information and promoting compliance with common minimum standards."

Toby Mendel of the Centre for Law and Democracy added: "By breaking down the
rating into seven different thematic areas, this Methodology provides a
detailed assessment of specific strengths and weaknesses. This is an
invaluable tool for civil society groups promoting RTI law reform." 

The seven key elements of the right of access to information are: the Right
of Access, Scope, Requesting Procedures, Exceptions and Refusals, Appeals,
Sanctions and Protections, and Promotional Measures. They are weighted as
follows out of a possible total of 150 points based on 61 Indicators: 

Section

Max Points

1. Right of Access

6

2. Scope

30

3. Requesting Procedures

30

4. Exceptions and Refusals

30

5. Appeals

30

6. Sanctions and Protections

8

7. Promotional Measures

16

Total score

150

The 61
<http://access-info.org/documents/Access_Docs/Advancing/Indicators.D9.pdf>
Indicators are drawn from a wide range of international standards on the
right to information, as well as comparative study of numerous right to
information laws from around the world and pilot testing of the Methodology
on selected laws. 

An Advisory
<http://access-info.org/documents/Access_Docs/Advancing/Advisory_Council_lis
t.pdf>  Council of renowned experts on the right to information has been
advising CLD and Access Info Europe on the development of the Indicators.

For further information, please contact: 

Helen Darbishire
Toby Mendel

Access Info Europe
Centre for Law and Democracy

 <http://www.access-info.org> www.access-info.org
<http://www.law-democracy.org> www.law-democracy.org 

e-mail:  <mailto:helen at access-info.org> helen at access-info.org
e-mail:  <mailto:toby at law-democracy.org> toby at law-democracy.org 

tel: + 34 667 685 319
tel: +1 902 431-3688

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