Drive launched to inform public of Law on Right to Access Information

epa03642358 A Chinese technician debugs a row of video surveillance cameras for pubilc safety which are assembled on a pole in the Qingdao city, eastern China's Shandong province, 27 March 2013. China's public safety budget reaches at 128.989 billion yuan (Euros 16.227 billion) in 2013, up some nine per cent compared to last year, according to the Ministry of Finance. EPA/WU HONG

Transparency International Croatia (TIH) and the nongovernmental organisation GONG will carry out between September 9 and October 15 a national drive called “We have the right to know”, aimed at informing citizens about the Law on the Right to Access Information and prompting public authorities to put more effort in informing the public.

ZAGREB, Sept 9 (Hina) – Transparency International Croatia (TIH) and the nongovernmental organisation GONG will carry out between September 9 and October 15 a national drive called “We have the right to know”, aimed at informing citizens about the Law on the Right to Access Information and prompting public authorities to put more effort in informing the public.

TIH and GONG leaders said on Tuesday this law was crucial for the further development of democracy and suppression of corruption. Although it was passed five years ago, surveys show that only 42.3% of citizens know about its existence.

An early August survey showed that only 4% of those polled had asked public authorities for information, and only one-fourth received an answer, said TIH president Zorislav Antun Petrovic.

GONG leader Suzana Jasic said the authorities often avoided to directly respond to simple queries or sent vague replies.

(Hina) ha