New RTI Legislation Rating Methodology Launched
29 September 2010: A new tool for evaluating and comparing national right to information frameworks was launched today by Access Info Europe (Madrid, Spain) and the Centre for Law and Democracy (Halifax, Canada) as part of activities to mark the week of International Right to Know Day (28 September).
Th
e Right to Information (RTI) Legislation Rating Methodology is a tool to assess the overall legal framework for the right to information, based on how well that framework gives effect to the right to access information held by public authorities.
The seven key elements of the right of access to information are: the Right of Access, Scope, Requesting Procedures, Exceptions and Refusals, Appeals, Sanctions and Protections, and Promotional Measures. They are weighted as follows out of a possible total of 150 points based on 61 Indicators.
An Advisory Council of renowned experts on the right to information has been advising CLD and Access Info Europe on the development of the Indicators, available here. 
«This Methodology will provide a detailed comparative ranking of the world’s over 80 access to information regimes,” said Helen Darbishire of Access Info Europe. “This is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of the right to information and promoting compliance with common minimum standards.”
Toby Mendel of the Centre for Law and Democracy added: “By breaking down the rating into seven different thematic areas, this Methodology provides a detailed assessment of specific strengths and weaknesses. This is an invaluable tool for civil society groups promoting RTI law reform.”
The seven key elements of the right of access to information are: the Right of Access, Scope, Requesting Procedures, Exceptions and Refusals, Appeals, Sanctions and Protections, and Promotional Measures. They are weighted as follows out of a possible total of 150 points based on 61 Indicators
The 61 Indicators are drawn from a wide range of international standards on the right to information, as well as comparative study of numerous right to information laws from around the world and pilot testing of the Methodology on selected laws.
An Advisory Council of renowned experts on the right to information has been advising CLD and Access Info Europe on the development of the Indicators.