Government agencies are improving in their responsiveness to information requests, according to a new study by the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA), but “some difficulties and problems were noted.”
“More than two thirds of the information holders responded within the legal limit of 30 days and delivered the requested information,” according to the association’s announcement.
During July 2012, the group submitted 145 requests for access to information to a number of state institutions in order to obtain information about the dynamics of implementation of the National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis Communautaire (NPAAC 2012). “NPAAC 2012 is a strategic document which enshrines specific obligations for the state institutions whose fulfillment affects the process of the integration of Republic of Macedonia into EU. Considering the fact that NPAAC 2012 is quite voluminous document MYLA focused on the implementation of Chapter 23: Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and of Chapter 24: Justice, Freedom and Security.”
Besides those information holders who did not respond, the group pointed out that some “continue with the practice of redirecting the requests towards other state institutions, instead of delivering the requested information.”
In addition, some of those who denied the requests failed to provide the proper notification.
MYLA is a “nongovernmental, nonprofit and nonpolitical organization founded in 2004 as a professional NGO established with free association of citizens with aim to implement actions for full implementation of the rule of law principle, and enforcement of the contribution of young lawyers in the development of the legal profession in Macedonia through projects and activities.”
This report refers to the months of July and August 2012, and is part of the series of reports done as part of the project “Exercising of the Right to Free Access to Information with Securing Legal Aid and Strategic Advocacy.” More information is available on the www.spinfo.org.mk website within the “Cases” section.
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