Access to Information

Abstract

One of the preconditions of public participation in any development is access to information. No or less availability of on-time useful information limits meaningful participation and sometimes makes it impossible. Prior to 2015, people in Afghanistan had very limited access to information at government offices. There was no law in this regard other than the very old understanding that all government information and reports were considered secret. To get official information and reports from the government offices, citizens were required to send written requests detailing why they needed such information. Sometimes, an official would even have rejected request letters to get reports or information and would ask for authorization from higher offices. In December 2014, Afghanistan passed a law on access to information, which was signed by the president. Approval of such a law was the first important step towards securing accountability and transparency. As instructed by the law, the government also established a monitoring commission on access to information in June 2015. This commission is responsible for the implementation of the access-to-information law.