Information Commission Partners with UNDP to Boost State Transparency and Disclosure

The Information Commissioner's Office is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to resolve systemic challenges that hinder state institutions from providing public information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the Commission revealed a steady annual increase in requests from citizens seeking transparency in government affairs. In the current year alone, the Commission has handled 745 cases, successfully concluding more than 260. Despite operating with limited personnel, the office manages an average of four new submissions daily. However, the Commission warned that a rising volume of requests is not necessarily a marker of success. True progress, the Commission argued, would be defined by state institutions proactively publishing data, thereby reducing the need for citizens to file individual requests. By embracing proactive disclosure, the government can simplify public access to information while simultaneously lowering the administrative burden on state agencies. The Commission emphasized that unrestricted access to information is a cornerstone of a transparent state and a critical tool in the fight against corruption. While acknowledging that some institutions may struggle with the technical or administrative demands of the RTI Act, the Commission urged all state bodies to prioritize their transparency obligations. To bridge these gaps, the Commission is working with the UNDP to develop a support framework. This initiative aims to provide state institutions with the necessary tools and guidance to overcome existing hurdles and streamline their information-sharing processes. Concluding its statement, the Commission stressed that the right to information must evolve from a legal principle written in the Constitution into a practical reality. Ensuring citizens can easily obtain information is presented as essential for shaping a democratic future and fostering a peaceful, secure society in the Maldives.