On the 26th and 27th of August 2010, NGO Education Partnership (NEP), a coalition of around 60 NGOs, conducted an important consultative meeting/workshop on Access to information. The purpose was to reinforce networks related to education. It was also to develop recommendations and to encourage the Government’s efforts to adopt a law related to Access to information.

 

"Information is a great democratising power, allowing us a chance to effect change and alleviate poverty."

Koffi Anan, former UN General Secretary

 

According the Advocacy and Policy Institute in Cambodia, “access to information is a necessary component in fostering a culture of human rights and increasing democratic space throughout Cambodia.” One can argue that free information would allow people to be involved in the political development process and would allow the Government to operate with more transparency and accountability.

 

We believe that Cambodian people need much greater transparency and equal access to relevant information. Genuine participation is requested by rural people and communities in the countryside. They demand for information related to decisions that affect their livelihood, security and well-being.

 

 

 

Workshops and forums conducted in 2009 also clearly revealed that people want to be better informed about various topics: development policies, commune development plans and budgets and expenditure. Without access to information, people loose trust and confidence in their Government. Citizens can hardly make decision, formulate and voice opinions, contribute to public debates, monitor local government actions, or effectively negotiate with public officials.

 

Towards an efficient Access to information law

Currently, there does not exist an Access to Information Law in Cambodia. As part of the Council of Ministers’ (CoM) Judicial and Legal Reform work-plan, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) committed to pass an international-standard Access to Information law by the end of 2003. This task was assigned to government ministry MONASRI.

 

However, no law has been passed. While some progress has been observed in the development of the Policy Framework, there have not been any steps forward towards its approval although Access to information is part of the Anti-Corruption Joint Monitoring Indicators.

 

In collaboration with the Government, the Freedom of Information Working Group was formed in 2003 with nineteen national and international organizations. It plays a crucial role in supporting the adoption of an Access to Information Law. In 2010, consultative meetings are organised in various sectors : education, media, health, labour, private and agriculture... NEP is part of the process in order to increase public access to information related to education issues.

 

> More information on the NEP website