International Day for Universal Access to Information Celebrated in Nepal

Kathmandu. The International Day for Universal Access to Information is being celebrated in Nepal today with various programs. This day is celebrated every year on September 28. The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to celebrate this day on October 15, 2019. This decision was made keeping in mind the recommendation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the need for access to information for democracy in the world. The National Information Commission has stated that this day is being celebrated with various programs with the objective of making the right to information accessible to ordinary citizens worldwide. In July 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Committee recognized the right to access information as an inherent part of freedom of expression. This right has two main dimensions, which include the state's obligation to provide information except for limited exceptions and the automatic publication of information of public interest. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal index has also assigned the responsibility of formulating and implementing effective laws related to the right to information. Especially, adequate information and awareness about the right to information have not yet reached citizens in rural areas, marginalized communities, and backward classes. The Commission states that continuous efforts are being made to increase the level of awareness among public bodies responsible for disseminating information through the National Information Commission, right to information campaigners, and mass media, and among citizens who need information. The Commission has been emphasizing the proper use of electronic media such as social media, internet, and email for the flow of correct information, which is believed to have made it easier for both information seekers and public bodies. The National Federation for the Right to Information has been emphasizing the need to take the right to information to the grassroots level. The Federation has been conducting programs like awareness and interaction for this. Despite the enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2064, the Rules, 2065, and procedures and directives, the environment for all three levels of government to prioritize the issue of the right to information in their budget, policies, and programs has not yet been created, said Umeed Bagchand, President of the Federation. The Federation states that it has taken activism as a civil society to implement the right to information as it empowers citizens. Former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Taranath Dahal, who played a leading role in enacting the Right to Information Act, 2064, drew attention to creating an environment for the speedy appointment of officials in the Commission and informed that the day is being celebrated with constructive programs.