Transparency Maldives with UNDP launches new project on right to information

In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, Transparency Maldives (TM), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new project on Right to Information in the country.

With financial support endowed by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the two-year project titled “Promoting Transparency and Accountability through Access to Information in the Maldives”, aims to promote accountability within all branches of the state, through strengthening the national access to information.

“The right to information is most vital in preventing corruption,” said Ms. Ilham Mohamed, Executive Director of Transparency Maldives regarding the commencement of the project.

The project will promote the use of Right to Information (RTI) legislation and accompanying legal redress mechanisms, and create grassroots demand for transparency and accountability to strengthen the national access to information architecture. The project strategy focuses on building knowledge and capacity on RTI amongst a wide variety of stakeholders, establishing the necessary linkages between public institutions and beneficiaries, and engaging with the government to encourage proactive disclosure of information.

“Right to information is central to strengthening open and transparent decision making processes, as well as in promoting good governance and the rule of law. It is not only essential in an open and democratic society but is critical in the fight against poverty and in accelerating human development,” said Mr. Andrew Cox, UNDP Resident Representative.