By appointing a cabinet minister rather than an independent commissioner as the head of the Independent Information Commission, the Palestinian government is currently debating a draft law on the right to access information. This law will increase the government’s control over the media. The Worldwide League of Writers (IFJ) backs its subsidiary, the Palestinian Columnists’ Organization (PJS), in dismissing the bill and approaches the public authority to focus on the draft regulation proposed in 2018, on which an agreement was arrived at by common society associations and free foundations, including the IFJ.
On June 1, the PJS held a workshop to talk about the draft law on the right to access information that is being talked about in the Cabinet of Ministers right now. The occasion was gone to by the leader of the Palestinian Enemy of Debasement Commission, Raed Radwan, the head of the Palestinian Autonomous Commission for Basic Liberties (PICHR), Ammar Dweik, delegates from basic freedoms and Opportunity of Articulation associations, and individuals from the association.
The bill, which raises concerns about transparency, media freedom, and the people’s right to know, was unanimously rejected by the attendees. They specifically criticized the government’s plan to appoint a cabinet minister rather than an independent commissioner to oversee the establishment and management of the Independent Information Commission, an independent body that regulates information access. a move that goes against international norms and the right of the public to know.
One more disputed matter is the way that the public authority doesn’t commit itself in that frame of mind to the deliberate divulgence of data, dismissing the standards of straightforwardness. Instead of waiting for a request to disclose the information, the government and administrations will be required to publish it systematically and voluntarily if the aforementioned article is included.
Toward the finish of the studio, the members asked the PJS and PICHR to send an authority letter to the Bureau of Pastors with their suggestions.
Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the IFJ, stated: It is unacceptable that successive Palestinian governments continue to deviate from previous efforts, demonstrating utter disregard for the people’s right to information. Since the Palestinian Legislative Council discussed the initial draft of the right-to-information law in 2005, it is time to end the two-decade lag. We approach the Palestinian government to focus on the draft regulation proposed in 2018, on which an agreement was arrived at by common society associations and free foundations, including the IFJ.
Source – ifj
