Palestine: Draft law on the right to information raises concerns over transparency / IFJ
Civil society and media organizations strongly oppose the current draft law on access to information, arguing it undermines transparency and media freedom. Critics highlight that appointing a cabinet minister rather than an independent commissioner to supervise the information commission contradicts international standards. This politicization of oversight risks compromising the institutional independence necessary for effective regulation. Furthermore, the draft fails to mandate the voluntary disclosure of information by government bodies. Without this commitment, administrations may withhold data until formally requested, disregarding core transparency principles. The lack of systematic, proactive information sharing limits public accountability and restricts citizens' right to know about governmental activities. This issue is crucial for open data initiatives, as robust access laws enable the widespread release of public records. The proposed legislation’s weaknesses threaten to stifle the flow of information essential for civic engagement. Advocates urge the government to adopt the previously agreed-upon 2018 draft, ensuring legal frameworks support true openness and accountability.
Source: ifj.orgPublished on 2023-06-07
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