Status of the right to information in Pacific Island countries
Figure 1: Fundamental principles of an RTI law
• Presumption of disclosure of information • Narrow exceptions
Right to know what information is held and rectify if incorrect
• Narrowly drawn • Subject to public interest and harm tests
Protection for officers
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Maximum Disclosure
Right to access own personal information
Limited Exemptions
Safety of Officers
Obligation To Publish
Promotional Measures
Processes to Facilitate Access
Costs of Access
Proactive publication of key categories of information
Measures to convey to public officers that right of access is a human right and not just an obligation
• Clear request-handling procedures • A right of appeal
Costs kept low to prevent being a deterrent/profit making
