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About Helen Darbishire

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So far Helen Darbishire has created 1914 blog entries.
13 Ago 2009

Documents not in a file

2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00

The Spanish Ministry of Culture refuses to provide information: On the grounds that the documents «are not part of a file» 17 September 2008 Access Info Europe today launched its campaign to litigate in defence of the right of access to information in Spain with a legal challenge against the Ministry of Culture for refusing to release information on how copyright royalties are spent. The request made by a citizen to the Ministry of Culture was for copies of the annual reports by Spain’s General Association of Authors (the SGAE) as well as the VEGAP (the society that manage the intellectual

Documents not in a file2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00
13 Ago 2009

Cuando lo Publico no es Publico

2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00

Spain: Study reveals that citizen’s information requests meet with silence, evasion, and absurd answers 1 October 2008 A report by Access Info Europe published today reveals that of over forty requests filed with more than twenty public bodies in Spain during the past year, a full 78% did not receive the requested information. Download the Report ‘Cuando lo Público no es Público’

Cuando lo Publico no es Publico2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00
6 Ago 2009

Transparency of the Stockholm Programme

2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00

Transparency of the Stockholm Programme On 15 April 2009, Access Info joined other members of the European Civil Liberties Network in a statement raising concerns about the potential detrimental impact of the EU's "Stockholm programme" on civil liberties in Europe. The "Stockholm Programme" sets the agenda for EU justice and home affairs and internal security policy from 2010 to 2014 and will extend militarised border controls, discriminatory immigration policies, mandatory and proactive surveillance regimes and an increasingly aggressive external security and defence policy. Access Info is calling for the process of adopting and reviewing any new measures to be transparent.

Transparency of the Stockholm Programme2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00
6 Ago 2009

Litigation

2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00

Access Info's Litigation at the European Union Access Info Europe v. Council of the European Union, Hellenic Republic and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – T-233/2009 The EU is reforming its rules on access to documents and Access Info wanted to know what position each government was taking on the reform. We asked the Council of the EU on 3 December 2008, and it responded on 17 December. The Council granted Access Info partial access to the documents requested: we were provided with the summary of the discussions but without the names of the countries which had

Litigation2018-11-13T10:14:04+01:00
25 Jul 2009

History of Right of Access to Information

2021-11-24T17:34:28+01:00

History of Right of Access to Information Access to Information: A Fundamental Right, A Universal Standard, 17 January 2006. [cited in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe during the debate on the new Convention on Access to Official Documents in October 2008]. · 1766 – Sweden adopts world’s first access to information law: The law establishes press freedom, including the freedom to print and disseminate materials about the government, courts, and parliament. The law, which forms part of Sweden’s constitution, recognises that press freedom is contingent upon access to information and states “to that end free access should

History of Right of Access to Information2021-11-24T17:34:28+01:00
25 Jul 2009

«Legal Leaks»: Access to information and data security for journalists

2021-03-04T13:41:37+01:00

Journalists play a central role in initiating and stimulating public debates but face constant challenges in accessing information from public bodies, particularly when that information relates to issues such as corruption and organised crime, violations of human rights, controversial international relations, environmental contamination, relationships with business and lobby groups, and the more sensitive aspects of EU integration. These challenges are increasing due to limitations on freedom of expression and access to information resulting from new counter-terrorism and security measures. At the same time increased use of electronic surveillance technologies by public (and private) bodies is making it harder for journalists

«Legal Leaks»: Access to information and data security for journalists2021-03-04T13:41:37+01:00
25 Jul 2009

Civil Liberties

2018-11-13T10:14:05+01:00

Promoting access to information for defence of civil liberties and human rights In the past decade, the European Union and its member states have introduced a large number of measures which are designed to prevent and combat terrorism. These measures include communications data retention, biometric passports, DNA collection and CCTV surveillance. In the post-September 11th climate it has proven remarkably easy for governments to advance and adopt measures which impact on fundamental rights including the rights to privacy, freedom of association and expression, detention without trial, and freedom of movement.

Civil Liberties2018-11-13T10:14:05+01:00
24 Jul 2009

Spain: Coalicion Pro Acceso

2018-11-13T10:14:06+01:00

7 October 2008 Spanish President Zapatero commits to adopt an access to information law Access Info welcomed today's announcement by the Spanish Government and called for the drafting of the law to be open and transparent, with full participation of civil society. Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero speaking today at the closing of the 64th Assembly of the Inter-American Press Association in Madrid, announced that his Government will adopted "a new law that guarantees the greatest possible access to public information in Spain". No further details on the proposed content of the law are yet available. Access Info noted that

Spain: Coalicion Pro Acceso2018-11-13T10:14:06+01:00
24 Jul 2009

European Union key problems

2018-11-13T10:14:07+01:00

Access Info has identified some key problems with EU transparency: People are having problems getting access to information: the European Ombudsman’s report for 2008 says that 36% of citizens’ complaints relate to transparency and access to documents. But at the same time, most users of the EU’s access rules are businesses rather than journalists, civil society organisations or members of the public. And even when these stakeholders might think about making requests the explanations given on the EU’s websites makes it seem quite daunting (despite the fact that making requests is really quite straightforward!).

European Union key problems2018-11-13T10:14:07+01:00
23 Jul 2009

Council of Europe Intro Section

2020-02-14T11:52:44+01:00

Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents The world’s first treaty on the right to know was adopted by the Council of Europe on 27 November 2008. This treaty, the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents, was opened for signature on 18 June. Any of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe can sign the Convention; so far 12 countries have signed. Access Info campaigned for this new treaty to be as strong as possible and is now working with partners around Europe to encourage countries to sign the treaty and demonstrate their

Council of Europe Intro Section2020-02-14T11:52:44+01:00
Original content developed by Access Info Europe and is made public under a Creative Commons Attribution, Share Alike licence.