The United Nations(UN)’s International Day for Universal Access to Information(IDUAI) is annually observed on 28th September to create awareness about the importance of access to information and to enhance the people’s rights to information.
28th September 2020 marks the first celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information since proclaimed by the United Nations.
The theme of IDUAI 2020 is “Access to Information in Times of Crisis”
2020 IDUAI:
The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2020 focuses on “Access of Information – Saving Lives, Building Trust, Bringing Hope” to enhance the advantages of having constitutional, permitted and policy guarantees for public access to information to save lives, build trust and support sustainable policies through and beyond COVID-19 pandemic.
Background:
i.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided to proclaim 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information on 17th November 2015 during its 38th session at Paris, France.
ii.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/74/5 on 15th October 2019 on the proclaiming the 28th September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Events 2020:
UNESCO organised the high level online panel “Access of Information – Saving Lives, Building trust, Bringing Hope” on 28th September 2020 and launched the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2020 and its theme.
Note:
Currently only 127 countries have adopted the access to information laws, which will support and empower the citizens and will hold the officials accountable during crises.
About The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director General– Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
