[CivilSoc] Freedom of Information Center, Armenia

[Center for Civil Society International]

In July 1, 2001 the "Association of Investigative Journalists"
established a "Freedom of Information" public center in Armenia. The
aim of the Center is to advocate everybody's right to access to
information.
It is impossible to realize human rights and freedoms if the right to
seek and receive information is neglected or illegally restricted.
State officials and public authorities have constantly been trying to
restrict the right to access to information thus violating not only
the freedom of information, but also the right of the whole society
being informed. In spite of the fact that the Constitution of RA
stipulates the universal right to seek and receive information, these
rights are being violated at all levels. There is a full absence of
both the laws providing this right and the mechanisms accomplishing
it. The key mission of the "Freedom of Information" Center in Armenia
is the struggle for Public's right to know.
The Center:
1. Provides the citizens, NGOs, reporters, as well as the
representatives of legislative, executive and judicial authorities
with advisory concerning the right to access to information.
2. Through mass media (as well as through the internet site of the
"Association of Investigative Journalists") makes the public be
informed about every baseless and illegal case of rejection access
rights and thus making this case a subject of public concern and
discussion. In case of necessity it helps the citizens appeal to the
court on receiving baseless rejections. This is all aimed at creating
precedents of legal struggle in Armenia against restriction and
concealment of information.
3. Studies the current legislation of RA in order to reveal all the
defaults concerning the access to information. Based on the thorough
study suggestions will be worked out to reform the current
legislation. The FOI Center has received an active role in the
process of elaborating and adopting "Freedom of Information" draft
law.
The project is realized by the assistance of "Eurasia" foundation.
The "FOI Center" of Armenia is the honored member of the "National
Freedom of Information Coalition" of the US.
We are also looking forward to your cooperation with us.
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