Article 19 Sept. 21 proposed a Global RTI Index, calling it “a new tool to compare and contrast right to information laws, highlighting weaknesses and best practices.”
The working paper of the Global RTI Index describes a rating system with 14 categories and more than 180 indicators.
The London-based group has tested its proposed tool by comparing state laws within Mexico (see report on this pilot), and now is seeking comment on the methodology in anticipation of using it to compare right to information laws internationally.
“In the past decade, many new right to information (RTI) laws have been adopted across the world. Despite such a promising development, it is often difficult to know and assess how adequate these laws actually are,” according to the Article 19 announcement.
Article 19 explained further: “The Global RTI Index will assist in the evaluation of right to information laws across the globe in order to identify and better understand their structural strengths and weaknesses. It will offer advocates and policy makers at all levels the ability to compare legal provisions between countries and examine experiences to see what works best.”
Work in Progress
Oct. 31 is the deadline for comments on what Article 19 termed a work in progress.
It specifically seeks comments on such topics as whether all elements should be given equal weight and whether negative indicators should be used for particularly bad provisions. The treatment of exemptions and the handling of affirmative disclosures and complementary laws also are highlighted as issues for discussion.
Following revisions, Article 19 will run an initial pilot for five to 10 countries. The results from the pilot will be released by the end of 2010. A further evaluation will be conducted in early 2011 based on the results and a revised final Global RTI Index tool will be released shortly after. Following this, a global review based on the index will begin by Article 19 staff and partner organizations. A full global study based on the Global RTI Index is anticipated to be released by the end of 2011.
David Banisar, Senior Legal Counsel mail to: banisar@article19.org, and Gabriela Morales mail to: gabriela@article19.org are identified as he primary contacts.
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