UN: Remove all barriers to right to informationMany states have reportedly adopted laws on access to information, with some even recognizing access to the internet as a legal right, but these laws are often not implemented effectively, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan revealed. MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations has called on governments to remove all barriers to the right to information, which it described as “the oxygen” that would make democracy and development flourish. She noted that various tactics are used to restrict or deny access to information, both online and offline, to investigative journalists, human rights defenders and other civil society representatives. These measures affected access to information and disrupted health, education and other essential services. In the Philippines, the passage of a Freedom of Information Law is crucial for Filipinos to exercise their right to access government-held information.

Source: Philippine Star October 01, 2023 22:19 UTC