freedomofinformationaroundtheworld2006.doc

Freedom of Information Around the World 2006 A Global Survey of Access to Government Records Laws David Banisar - DRAFT COPY -[note: an updated version of the global survey,complete with a new, updated introduction, willbe made available in the near future.] July 2006  Table of Contents Albania 4 Angola 6 Antigua Barbuda 7 Argentina 9 Armenia 11 Australia 13 Austria 16 Azerbaijan 17 Belgium 19 Belize 21 Bosnia and Herzegovina 22 Bulgaria 24 Canada 26 Colombia 29 Croatia 30 Czech Republic 33 Denmark 35 Dominican Republic 37 Ecuador 38 Estonia 40 Finland 42 France 45 Georgia 47 Germany 49 Greece 51 Hungary 53 Iceland 55 India 57 Ireland 59 Israel 62 Italy 64 Jamaica 66 Japan 68 South Korea 70 Kosovo 71 Latvia 73 Liechtenstein 75 Lithuania 75 Macedonia 78 Mexico 79 Moldova 81 Montenegro 83 Netherlands 84 New Zealand 86 Norway 89 Pakistan 91 Panama 93 Peru 94 Philippines 96 Poland 97 Portugal 99 Romania 101 Serbia 104 Slovakia 107 Slovenia 108 South Africa 110 Spain 113 Sweden 115 Switzerland 117 Tajikistan 119 Thailand 121 Trinidad and Tobago 122 Turkey 124 Uganda 125 Ukraine 127 United Kingdom 129 United States 133 Uzbekistan 137 Zimbabwe 139  Country Reports Albania Article 23 of the 1998 Constitution states: 1. The right to information is guaranteed. 2. Everyone has the right, in compliance with law, to get information about the activity of state organs, as well as of persons who exercise state functions. 3. Everybody is given the possibility to follow the meetings of collectively elected organs. Article 56 provides, “Everyone has the right to be informed for the status of the environment and its protection.” The Law on the Right to Information for Official Documents was enacted in June 1999. The law allows any person to request information contained in official documents. This includes personal information on individuals exercising state functions related to the performance of their duties. Public authorities must dec