FREEDOM OF INFORMATION INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Freedom of information or right to know, a more than two hundred years old law but over recent decades it has gained recognition globally at both international and national levels. The United Nations and the advent of human rights it has become an international right.[i] It has evolved as a fundamental right .Today nearly 100 states have enacted freedom of information laws which till 1990 only 13 countries had such laws. Furthermore many international and regional financial institutions like World Bank and many Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) have adopted information disclosure policies.[ii] As an international right it has taken a global force not only to recognize it as right but also develop relevant law for protection of this right. The importance of FOI laws is not only as human right but it also played as an important tool to fight corruption and promote good governance and transparency. It can also be anticipated that new laws will be adopted due to international pressure through treaties like UN Convention against Corruption and domestic demands for better public participation and accountability.