Access to information

The right of access to information empowers citizens to obtain information held by public bodies, with limited and clearly defined exceptions. It includes the positive obligation of the State — and, by extension, of all State institutions — to provide its citizens with access to the information in its possession, and the corresponding right of individuals to access the information held by the State.

Ensuring access to information means, inter alia, proactive publication of relevant documents and data by public authorities, adopting and enforcing functional legislation and regulations on access to information, including an obligation to respond to information requests in a timely and meaningful manner, and overall conducive environment for free operations of media outlets and journalists. 

The right of access to information is a critical tool to guarantee transparency of State operations and accountability of public bodies and State representatives.

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) provides participating States with expertise on issues related to access to information, including recommendations for improving relevant legislation and its implementation.

The OSCE RFoM addresses the issues pertaining to access to information in both public interventions and bilateral communication with the participating States. Access to information is also an essential cross-cutting theme of all projects and initiatives implemented by the Office of the Representative.