A new tool for evaluating and comparing national right to information frameworks was launched Sept. 28 by Access Info Europe and the Centre for Law and Democracy.
“The 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,” according to a press release.
The methodology is based on seven different thematic areas to assess specific strengths and weaknesses: 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, each with a possible score range (in most cases of 0?2), depending on how well the legal framework delivers:
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 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,” according to the announcement. An advisory council of experts has been advising CLD and Access Info Europe on the development of the indicators.
Access Info Europe and CLD “will continue to develop the scoring rules as we conduct pilot assessments on a representative range of countries around the world.” This will be followed with a comprehensive assessment of all national RTI laws.
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.” (See Freedominfo.org report.)
Filed under: What's New