UNDP Solomon Islands supports the country in developing ‘Right to Information framework’
The United Nation Agencies are committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government in developing a Right to Information framework.
This aims to empower individuals and communities by giving them a role in ensuring governments are accountable and transparent.
The UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) joint project made the assurance to the Pacific Islands during a virtual informative session on Right to Information sharing best practices for building resilient this week.
Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser for the UN-PRAC Project, Sonja Stefanovska-Trajanoska (PhD) said, establishments of mechanisms that provide necessary information to the public on Government decision-making provide the basis for the public to access topics of particular concern such as global health crises, climate change and serve as significant steps in bridging the dialogue between the government and the public.
“The right to information is not only about the commitments of governments but also about the empowerment of people to participate, advocate and monitor meaningful progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The right to information is a precondition to achieving progress on sustainable development and therefore, an important target under SDG 16 on Good Governance.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Mane said, the virtual discussion served as a platform to share experiences and best practices on the issue.
“Equal and transparent access to information is the foundation of a democratic society, the key to its successful development and the rule of law”.
The virtual discussion involved the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) joint project, and experts from Australia, New Zealand, and Vanuatu in close partnership with Solomon Islands integrity institutions.