The UNCAC Coalition Regional Coordinators reached out in their regions to gather stories of how Members have been advocating for better access to information (ATI). The following examples are the result of this outreach.
Centroamérica Videovigilada
by IPANDETEC, Central America
This project documents mass video surveillance systems across Central America through access to information requests to public authorities.
Its aim is to make transparent whether acquisitions were legal and open, and to ensure citizens know which municipalities use these systems. By mapping surveillance practices and their procurement, the initiative promotes accountability, civic oversight, awareness and public debate on privacy and transparency.
Defending Digital Transparency Repositories – Mexiro A.C.
by Mexiro A.C., Mexico
Mexiro leads a collective initiative to defend Mexico’s digital portals of the INAI and the National Transparency System after the INAI’s extinction in 2024.
The project highlights how eliminating these repositories undermines the right to information, collective public memory, and accountability. Through monitoring, advocacy, and alliances with 100+ CSOs, the initiative has partially reactivated portals and now seeks legal and international remedies before the IACHR and UN to safeguard digital archives and citizen rights.
Corruption Risk Map
by Acción Ciudadana, El Salvador
The Corruption Risk Map is an interactive tool that visualizes areas of corruption risk in El Salvador using data gathered through access to information requests.
It identifies institutional weaknesses and patterns of corruption risks across sectors. By systematizing and displaying data, the map helps target anti-corruption interventions more effectively and equips citizens and organizations with actionable knowledge for oversight
Alianza Regional por la Libre Expresión e Información
by Justicia Transparente
Justicia Transparente is an index that measures and compares access to judicial information across 18 Ibero-American countries.
Using 88 indicators, it evaluates legal frameworks, institutional practices, and compliance with active and passive transparency duties. The platform promotes accountability, citizen participation, and monitoring of judicial systems, enabling civil society and journalists to push for more open and trustworthy justice institutions.
Plataforma JusTA – ACIJ
by JusTA, Argentina
JusTA is a civic platform publishing data on judicial appointments, disciplinary cases, and transparency levels in Argentina’s judiciary.
It combines requests for information, investigative reports, and analysis, offering a space for dialogue and monitoring. By making judicial data accessible and fostering debate, JusTA strengthens public oversight and advocates for a more transparent, accountable judicial system.
Transparency Index
by la Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia (ACIJ), Argentina
The Transparency Index systematically monitors Argentina’s compliance with its Access to Public Information Law (Law 27.275).
It evaluates active and passive transparency, the role of oversight bodies, and institutional independence since 2017. The project provides reliable evidence on advances and setbacks, formulates recommendations for obligated institutions, and empowers journalists, academics, and CSOs to demand stronger enforcement of transparency standards.
Ranking of Access to Information Laws in 15 European Countries with Public Request Platforms
by Access Info Europe
Access Info Europe has released a study comparing access to information (ATI) frameworks in 15 European countries, all of which operate public request platforms.
Access Info conducted a detailed legal assessment of ATI frameworks of the 15 countries in Europe that have a public request platform, such as AskTheEU.org, which enables citizens to file ATI requests directly with public authorities. To strengthen transparency, all requests, responses and released documents are published online. The study measures how well national laws align with the Council of Europe’s Tromsø Convention, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in national legislation and providing a roadmap for reforms in line with international standards. It was carried out under the Access to Information Network Project, a three-year collaborative initiative which aims to build a strong European community advocating for better access to information.
Access Info proposes to replicate this campaign in more countries through using the tools below:
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- Methodology to analyse your access to information law in line with the Tromsø Convention and international standards
Strengthening Transparency: New Roadmap for Moldova to Align Access to Information Laws with Global Standards
by Access Info, Lawyers for Human Rights and Vouliwatch
Lawyers for Human Rights conveyed legal reform recommendations to bring the Moldovan law into line with international standards.
In Moldova, the Public request platform vreauinfo.md is implemented by Lawyers for Human Rights. The organization conveyed legal reform recommendations to bring the Moldovan law into line with international standards, which were welcomed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry suggested forming a working group for further analysis. The recommendations were picked up and reported on by the online platform Anticoruptie.md, which reports on cases of corruption and related crimes in the Republic of Moldova. In parallel, Lawyers for Human Rights continues to pursue strategic litigation as a tool for systemic change. A recent legal victory against the Tax Office underscores their effectiveness in challenging the misapplication of access to information laws and setting important legal precedents for future cases.
Awareness raising campaign to strengthen the right to information in Greece
by Vouliwatch, Greece
Vouliwatch launched a public campaign to raise awareness about the right to information, and hosted a workshop to train local journalists and civil society on leveraging access to information to drive real impact.
The public request platform https://www.arthro5a.gr/ allows citizens to submit information requests. To make them aware of this right, Vouliwatch launched a public campaign and hosted a workshop to train local journalists and civil society on leveraging access to information to drive real impact. Through this workshop, Vouliwatch formed the “Alliance of Civil Society Organizations and Journalists,” which sent a joint letter to the Greek executive and legislative authorities, requesting a meeting to further discuss necessary reforms.
For this, Vouliwatch used the legal reform recommendations of the project coordinated by Access Info during the consultation on amending Article 5 of the national access to information law, which previously required individuals to prove “legal interest” to request information. These efforts proved successful: the amendment to Article 5 now ensures that individuals no longer need to prove “legal interest” to submit a request. Additionally, the recommendations and the joint letter were covered by media outlets such as efsyn, iMEdD and MediaTVNews, highlighting the widespread support and growing momentum for transparency reform.
FOI for Media: Strengthening Access to Information in Armenia
by The Freedom of Information Center of Armenia
Support media’s access to information right and knowledge in Armenia.
The Freedom of Information Center of Armenia (FOICA) has strengthened the media landscape by ensuring the effective application of the Armenian Freedom of Information law, through its year-long Media Program in Armenia undertaken during 2024. A key component of this initiative involved enhancing journalists’ proficiency in navigating FOI legislation and international standards through targeted capacity-building training and continuous advocacy on access to information rights.
Key achievements include:
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- building capacity of 120 media representatives including regional journalists and local government officials;
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- promoting the Information Request platform e-request.am via a workshop,
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- creating a practical toolkit and three animated videos;
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- conducting research on “Access to Information Rights of Journalists in Armenia”;
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- policy input with an in-depth Paper to analyze Armenia’s framework against international best practices;
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- and legal support to journalists, updating the “Defamation and Insult: Handbook for Journalists and Lawyers”, including a dedicated section on hate speech.
Transparency International France’s pilot project on “information laundering”
by Transparency International France
TI France will adapt investigative and analytical tools traditionally used in anti-corruption work to the informational sphere.
Transparency International France is leveraging its expertise in tracing illicit financial flows to address the growing challenge of disinformation, which now circulates through opaque and sophisticated networks of dissemination, legitimization, and financing. Taking an innovative approach, the project aims to better understand and map the mechanisms enabling the amplification and monetization of deceptive content, identify gaps in current legal frameworks, and propose actionable policy recommendations to strengthen democratic resilience. TI France is currently seeking partners to bring this project to scale ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election.
Spanish Court Orders Government to Disclose UNCAC Self-Assessment Documents
A Spanish court has ruled that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was wrong to refuse Access Info’s request for documents related to Spain’s self-assessment of its implementation of the UNCAC.
In October 2021, Access Info requested unpublished documents from Spain’s UNCAC review to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, in the framework of the UNCAC Coalition’s Access to Information Campaign. Partial access was granted to documents from the first cycle; however, the Ministry refused to release those related to the ongoing second cycle. In 2022, we appealed to Spain’s Council for Transparency and Good Governance (CTBG), which ruled in favour of Access Info. The Council asserted that confidentiality clauses under the UNCAC apply only to the reviewing states — not to the country being reviewed. Rather, the UNCAC encourages transparency, and the Council therefore found insufficient justification for applying the limitation provided for in the Spanish Transparency Law. The Ministry appealed the decision to the courts, however in March 2025 the National Court upheld the CTBG’s interpretation. The Court states confidentially does not extend to information generated prior to the review process, such as the self-assessment phase.
Transparency International Kenya Integrity Walkathon
by Transparency International Kenya
Transparency International Kenya Integrity Walkathon is a grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness about the adverse effects of all this corruption. It calls upon citizens and leaders alike to reject corruption in all its forms. The Walkathon seeks to mobilise a more diverse array of participants, including youth, women, civil society organisations, public institutions, and the private sector.
Held annually in commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), this year on September 27, more than 5,000 Kenyans are expected to join the Integrity Walkathon, under the theme, “Stepping Forward for Transparency & Accountability.”
Feel free to support the initiative here!
Strengthening Access to Information for Transparency and Accountability in Senegal
by ARTICLE 19
Under Senegal’s 3rd OGP National Action Plan, ARTICLE 19 has championed the adoption of a long-awaited Access to Information law as a foundation for transparency and accountability. Following the 2024 elections, the project mobilised advocacy with parliament and civil society to push for reforms, based on Senegal’s low open parliament scores and the urgent need for citizen participation in governance.
In July 2025, the Council of Ministers approved a draft ATI law, now set for adoption by the National Assembly. Once passed, the law will give people in Senegal stronger tools to fight corruption, take part in decision-making, and hold leaders accountable.
Resolution on the need to undertake a study on the review of the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa. ACHPR/Res.639 (LXXXIV) 2025
This initiative builds on sustained advocacy by regional coalitions, including ARTICLE 19 and the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), working under the umbrella of the African Alliance for Access to Data (AAAD). The Alliance brings together civil society, academia, policy makers, and other actors to champion access to information and data as a core human right and as a driver of sustainable growth and innovation across Africa.
Following sustained advocacy, in August 2025, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) agreed to review and update its 2013 Model Law on Access to Information. The process will align the Model Law with the realities of the digital age and the principles of the 2019 Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
With 29 African states already having adopted ATI laws since 2013, the revised Model Law will guide governments in strengthening or drafting frameworks that reflect today’s challenges and ensure the right to information remains a cornerstone of democracy in Africa.
State of Data Disclosure of Climate-Related Departments
Report by Transparency International Pakistan (TIP)
Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) publishes an annual assessment of proactive disclosure by public authorities. The 2024 report focused on 59 climate-related departments at both federal and provincial levels, evaluating their compliance with the proactive disclosure provisions of Pakistan’s right to information laws.
Given that Pakistan loses billions annually to disasters linked to climate change, the project aims to incentivise public bodies to improve transparency in climate action. By independently assessing disclosure practices, the report highlights compliance gaps, enhances accountability, and pressures non-compliant departments to update their websites and publish required information. TIP complements the report with advocacy efforts to strengthen scrutiny and encourage systematic improvements in proactive disclosure across the climate sector.
Proactive Disclosure Under the RTI Act in Sri Lanka – Ranking Key Public Authorities in 2024
by Verité Research, Sri Lanka
Since 2017, Verité Research conducted assessments of online proactive disclosure by public authorities in Sri Lanka. This is the third of that series of reports, assessing 34 public authorities in terms of their content disclosure and usability. The important contribution that this research makes is the creation of a methodology to quantify and rank the availability and accessibility of information that is proactively disclosed online.
The assessment aims to measure compliance with proactive disclosure obligations of key public authorities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, highlight strong performers, compare performance across years, and expose gaps in practice. By publishing rankings, the project creates accountability, incentivises improvements in disclosure by the public and strengthens the overall implementation of the RTI framework in Sri Lanka. Over time, the report has also paved the way for collaborations with the Ministry of Mass Media (the responsible ministry for Access to Information in Sri Lanka) to train public officials on proactive disclosure in partnership with other civil society organisations.
Strengthening Right to Information Implementation and Defending Civil Society Space
by Samudayik Sarathi, Nepal
Samudayik Sarathi works to advance the Right to Information (RTI) in Nepal through studies, training, awareness campaigns, and advocacy. The organization advocates for protecting the citizen’s right to access information, often discussing how the approach of public authorities to information provision discourages information requestors.
By combining oversight, awareness-raising, capacity-building, and advocacy, Samudayik Sarathi seeks to safeguard RTI as a tool for transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption. Its efforts aim to strengthen citizen participation, defend civil society space, and uphold independent oversight mechanisms for RTI, which are essential for good governance, which is the demand of the hour in Nepal.
Initiatives to Protect and Promote Citizens’ Right to Information
by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Pakistan
The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) leads advocacy to protect and promote citizens’ right to access information in Pakistan. Their work emphasises ensuring the independence and effectiveness of information commissions, with particular focus on addressing delays in commissioner appointments that weaken the RTI regime. CPDI uses diverse strategies, including multi-stakeholder conferences, press releases and legal petitions.
These efforts seek to safeguard and strengthen the institutional framework necessary for people to exercise their right to information. By pushing for independent and functional information commissions, CPDI’s efforts aim to keep the RTI system in Pakistan intact and responsive, ensuring that citizens can meaningfully access public information and hold authorities accountable.
Implementation of RTI and Overcoming Practical Challenges
by Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL)
TISL organised a two-day capacity-building training program titled “Implementation of RTI and Overcoming Practical Challenges”. This training aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Right to Information (RTI) Act No. 12 of 2016, while addressing the practical challenges often encountered in its implementation.
Since the passage of the RTI Act in Sri Lanka, TISL has been implementing awareness and training programs across various sectors on the Right to Information Act and proactive disclosure practices. These initiatives have engaged stakeholders from political, public, private and community sectors. Through this particular project, by equipping Information Officers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the program sought to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency across public institutions, promoting RTI as a vital tool for good governance.