Access to Information

The right to obtain certain types of information is crucial if communities and individuals are to participate in decision-making that affects their lives. For example, if a company is planning to establish a mine or an industrial project in your locality, you cannot effectively challenge them without knowing what exactly they intend to do.

This guide focuses on

• the main concepts of access to information rights common to many countries
• how to request information
• dealing strategically with situations where information is denied or unfair obstacles are imposed
• how to handle information after you have obtained it (“disclosure”).