As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUIA), we are reminded that the ability to access information is more than a right—it is the foundation of democracy. This year’s focus, “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector,” could not be more relevant. Across the globe, we see how transparency and public participation are essential in shaping governance and ensuring accountability. Without access to information, citizens are left in the dark, unable to participate in decisions that affect their daily lives and the future of their communities.

The IDUIA is a gift from Africa, and today, the right of access to information is widely recognized as a fundamental human right. Very recently, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) made a landmark decision regarding Ethiopia’s 2015 elections, recognizing that suppressing access to information can undermine the very core of democratic processes. Ethiopia’s media clampdowns and restrictions on civil society meant that voters were deprived of the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. This decision, in a case brought by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and the Institute for Human Rights in Africa, is a powerful affirmation of the importance of free access to information, especially during elections, where the stakes for democracy are at their highest.

But what does it mean to “mainstream access to information” in the public sector? Simply put, it is a call for governments to embed transparency into the fabric of their institutions. This means creating systems that do not just allow for information to be accessible but proactively ensure that it is shared, clear, and reliable. Citizens should not have to wrestle for the right to know how public funds are spent, how policies are crafted, or what decisions are made behind closed doors. Information must flow freely—and be actively pushed into the public sphere—because participation is impossible without it.

When it comes to elections, the right to access information is even more critical. Trust in democratic institutions hinges on citizens’ ability to verify and scrutinize election processes. In Venezuela’s 2024 elections, the real vote tally has not been disclosed, casting major doubts on Maduro’s claims of electoral victory not only in citizens but the international community at large. The lack of transparency undermined the legitimacy of the results, confirming once more the complete erosion of trust in the institutions. Access to information during elections is not just about publishing results; it is about ensuring transparency in every step of the process, from voter registration to vote counting. Without this, public trust in the entire democratic process crumbles.

Around the world, we are witnessing what happens when governments fail to live up to this standard. Silencing independent voices, manipulating facts, and hiding critical information not only erode trust but also strip citizens of their power. Information is power, and when those in authority hoard it, they leave citizens powerless. 

The ACHPR’s decision on Ethiopia is a reminder that this isn’t just a regional issue—it’s a global one. It underscores that access to information is non-negotiable for democracy. Governments that restrict this right, especially around elections, violate international human rights standards. The decision underscores the importance of transparency not as an abstract ideal but as a concrete right that affects the legitimacy of governments.

This year’s IDUAI theme highlights the urgent need to mainstream access to information in the public sector. But what does this mean in practice? It requires governments to proactively publish information on all aspects of governance—from budgets to policy decisions. It’s not enough for information to be technically available; it needs to be understandable, accessible, and useful for everyone.

When public institutions embrace this openness, they empower citizens to engage more deeply with their governments. This engagement fosters greater accountability and transparency, two pillars that are critical to combating corruption and reinforcing public trust. Access to information is more than just knowing what’s happening; it’s about enabling people to challenge, influence, and shape their societies. Without participation, even the best transparency efforts fall flat.

UNESCO’s focus on this theme reflects a broader call for transparency in governance. The right to know how decisions are made and to hold leaders accountable is central to ensuring power is used responsibly. As technology advances, governments have more tools at their disposal to provide real-time, accurate information to their citizens—whether through digital platforms, public announcements, or open government data initiatives. However, the digital era also brings challenges. Misinformation, disinformation, digital divides, and government censorship are recurring barriers we must confront. While digital tools can democratize information, it’s essential that these tools are deployed following international human rights standards, particularly for communities often left out of the digital conversation.

In this sense, “mainstreaming access to information” is not just about making data available but ensuring that the tools and infrastructure exist for all citizens to access and use this information effectively. This means investing in digital literacy, designing inclusive policies, and actively combating disinformation that clouds public discourse. 

International Day for Universal Access to Information serves as a reminder of the transformative power of transparency. Access to information is the cornerstone of democracy, and our ability to hold institutions accountable depends on the free and open flow of information and ideas.