Government Secrecy in an Information Age Report & Children’s Declaration on ATI launched: Namibia once again made history in the field of freedom of expression when a Children’s Declaration on Access to Information (ATI), the first of its kind, was launched at an event which also awarded the Golden Key to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare for being the most open public institution, and the Golden Padlock to the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) as the most secretive public institution, on Tuesday, 30 September. The Children’s Declaration on ATI was developed by 21 children who participated in a Children and ATI workshop held on 28 September, annually commemorated as International Right to Information Day and Day of the Namibian Child. Participants mainly consisted of members of MISA’s Regional Children & the Media Project, as well as MISA Namibia’s Think B4 U LOL Youth Media Action Group. The event was also hosted by them, with Junior Mayor and member of Think B4 U LOL Emma Theofelus and Joseph Matheus, Child Ambassador for the Children & the Media Project serving as directors of ceremony. A poem, I am a Child Seeking for My Rights, inspired by the Children & ATI workshop was also recited by 14-year old Shandre Feris. Other hosts were the Vice-chairperson of the Children’s Parliament Shaandre Finnies, Child Ambassador Rachel Ngimulitete, Elvi Hamweya and Children’s Parliament Chief Whip Norman Ndeuyeeka. When presenting the declaration Ndeuyeeka highlighted that if children can develop a declaration, and clearly express themselves on issues of importance, it is a sign that children can be capable of much more than just being seen, but not heard. The NHE receives the Golden Padlock award for the second year running, it is important to note however that they scored the same as the National Council, but they were given the award because the National Council at least acknowledged receipt of the written request for information, although they did not respond to the questions. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is closely followed by the National Planning Commission, which ranked third in 2013. Last year’s first runner-up, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry dropped to the third most secretive public institution, which can mainly be attributed to a change in their staffing component. In order to assess whether there has been any change in an institution’s accessibility in regard to the provision of information, we surveyed those ranked highest and lowest in 2013. The main purpose of the study is to assess the level of transparency in government and public institutions against international standards and principals on ATI, and through this hopefully influence the adoption of practices, laws and a culture that promotes transparency and openness in government and public institutions, as well as encourage citizens to exercise their fundamental right to access to information generated, held and under the control of government institutions necessary for accessing other socio-economic rights. Keynote speaker, the former Secretary General of the National Commission Dr. Marius Kudumo, expressed his concern that the case for the right to access to information still needs to be argued in this day and age. He also noted that the Constitution clearly provides for freedom of expression, which includes the right to access to information. He also congratulated the children for pioneering a Children’s Declaration on ATI, and encouraged them to promote it, and to continue to empower themselves. MISA Regional Director Zoe Titus provided a regional overview on ATI, emphasizing that despite ongoing campaigns, only three southern African countries have access to information legislation. She however warned that access to information legislation is not enough, just as important is the implementation of such a law, calling on citizens to ensure that it is put in practice, and to hold public institutions accountable if they do not implement it. She further highlighted that public institutions in the region continue to improve with respect to the provision of information through information and communication technologies, but have been unable or unwilling to improve their ability to respond to public requests for information.
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 08:38:29 +0000
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