Newsletter - July 2010
Access to Public Information
 The
Department of International Law organized a group of
experts on access to information, which drafted and
approved a Model Inter-American Law on Access to
Public Information and a guide for its
implementation.
In compliance with the mandate contained in
resolution AG/RES 2514 (XXXIX-O/09), the approved
texts of the documents were submitted to the
Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs on
April 29, 2010.
During its fortieth regular session in June 2010,
the General Assembly adopted resolution AG/RES 2607
(XL-O/10) which includes the model law. Resolution
2607 reaffirmed the mandates contained in resolution
AG/RES 2514 (XXXIX-O/09) and instructed the General
Secretariat, through the Department of International
Law, to provide support to the member states that so
request in the design, execution, and evaluation of
their regulations and policies on access to public
information by citizens.
Approval of the Model Law received ample media
coverage, and has already had a tangible effect in
states whose parliaments are discussing legislation
on access to information. It will also be a tool for
countries that already have legislation on the
subject and that wish to adjust it to the standards
of the Model Inter-American Law.
Late in 2010 the Committee on Juridical and
Political Affairs will hold a special meeting to
receive member states’ comments on the Model Law.
The member states have recognized that access to
information is a basic tool for citizen
participation in the democratic system and an
essential component to maintain accountability and
transparency in public administration, which is
indispensable for development and improvement of the
population’s living standard.
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