As a yardstick to assess the extent to which the existing legislation on freedom of information in your country is adequate for complying with the human rights principle of transparency, you can use the ‘Principles on Freedom of Information Legislation’, drafted by ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation with a specific mandate and focus on the defence and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide.

Principle 1 – Maximum disclosure: Freedom of information legislation should be guided by the principle of maximum disclosure.

Principle 2 – Obligation to publish: Public bodies should be under an obligation to publish key information

Principle 3 – Promotion of open government: Public bodies must actively promote open government.

Principle 4 – Limited scope of exceptions: Exceptions should be clearly and narrowly drawn and subject to strict “harm” and “public interest” tests.

Principle 5 – Processes to facilitate access: Requests for information should be processed rapidly and fairly and an independent review of any refusals should be available.

Principle 6 – Costs: Individuals should not be deterred from making requests for information by excessive costs.

Principle 7 – Open meetings: Meetings of public bodies should be open to the public.

Principle 8 – Disclosure takes precedence: Laws which are inconsistent with the principle of maximum disclosure should be amended or repealed.

Principle 9 – Protection for whistleblowers: Individuals who release information on wrongdoing –whistleblowers – must be protected.

Source: ARTICLE 19 (1999) Principles on Freedom of Information Legislation.