Right to information still an ‘empty promise’ for billions: UN expert
Access to information is fundamentally the oxygen of democracy and sustainable development, yet billions remain excluded due to the persistent digital divide. Without universal connectivity, the right to information remains an empty promise, exacerbating inequalities along gender, geographic, and economic lines. This exclusion deepens vulnerabilities for marginalized groups, undermining the very foundations of equitable progress and meaningful participation in societal decision-making. Governments frequently adopt laws recognizing internet access as a right, but implementation remains critically flawed. Restrictive tactics, including internet shutdowns and communication blocks in numerous countries, actively deny citizens the ability to hold power accountable. These barriers disrupt essential services and stifle the vibrant civil society and media needed to challenge discrimination, address global crises, and foster transparent governance. For open data enthusiasts, this highlights that technical infrastructure alone is insufficient; legal frameworks must be enforced to ensure equitable access. The gap between policy and practice poses a significant risk to data transparency and civic engagement. Closing the digital divide is not just a technological challenge but a human rights imperative, requiring concrete state action to transform digital access into a reality for all, thereby enabling true accountability and inclusive development.
Source: app.com.pkPublished on 2023-09-29