United Nations(UN)’s International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is annually observed across the globe on September 28th to create awareness about the importance of access to information and its importance in sustainable development and for claiming human rights.
- 28th September 2021 marks the observance of the 2nd IDUAI.
- The theme of the 2021 IDUAI is “The Right to Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information.”
Background:
i.In2015 during the 38th session, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference adopted a resolution and proclaimed the 28th September of every year as “International Day for the Universal Access to Information”.
ii.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/74/5 on 15th October 2019 and proclaimed the 28th September as the International Day
for Universal Access to Information.
iii.Thefirst UN International Day for Universal Access to Information was observed on 28th September 2020.
IDUAI 2021:
IDUAI 2021 highlights the importance of expanding access to the information laws and their implementation across the globe to build back strong institutions for sustainable development.
Objective:
To accelerate the sustainable solutions that aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by mobilizing governments, civil society and people to contribute to Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
Universal access to information:
i.Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to search, receive and provide information.
ii.This is a vital part of the right to freedom of expression.
iii.The right to universal access to information is associated with the right to freedom of the press since the media plays a major role in informing the public about the issues of interest.
