Strengthening the right to information in the Universal Periodic Review

Within the framework of the celebrations of the International Day of Universal Access to Information 2021, the 5th Panel will focus on how to strengthen the Right to Information in the Universal Periodic Review. This 1-hour panel will host representatives from Member States and experts on ATI sharing relevant examples where ATI and UPR reinforced each other. It will be followed by a moderated discussion. 

Strengthening the Right to Access to Information in the Universal Periodic Review 

How to mainstream Access to Information issues in the Universal Periodic Reviews?  
What are the lessons learnt by those Member States who implemented ATI related recommendations? 
How could these recommendations be better targeted? 

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States, and it is a unique opportunity for multilateral cooperation in the issue of Access to Information. The review itself provides an opportunity to assess whether the legal and constitutional frameworks sufficiently guarantee freedom of expression as well as access to information, and whether laws are sufficiently implemented. The UPR is, from the outset, an ideal space to share good practices between different stakeholders.  

This event will be an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the “right to know” sharing best practices and key lessons from Information Commissioners, Permanent Missions, International Organizations in Geneva and UNESCO experts on the issue of ATI.   

Panellists will have the opportunity to share domestic constitutional, and/or policy guarantees for access to information and their implementation. Further, panellists are encouraged to discuss the ways in which the UPR mechanism can enhance ATI as an overarching right.  

Moderator:

• Mr. Vincent Defourny, Director, Geneva Liaison Office, Switzerland

Speakers:  

• H.E Ms. Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations for Fiji;

• Ms. Suzanne Legault, Legal expert in Information Law / Information Commissioner of Canada, Canada 

• H.E Mr. Mxolisi Nkosi, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland - To be confirmed

• Ms. Mona M´Bikay, Executive Director, UPR Info, Switzerland