National Workshop for the Implementation of the Access to Information Law in Lebanon

Organized by: The Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), UNDP and OECD

The Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), OECD and UNDP organized a national workshop bringing together more than 70 representatives of the Lebanese public administration, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, the media and private sector to consult on the draft national action plan for the implementation of the access to information law. The draft action plan was presented to all relevant stakeholders to collect their input and feedback to be reflected in the actional plan adopted by the Ministerial Anti-Corruption Committee.

Lebanon adopted law number 28 in 2017 to guarantee the right of access to information (ATI), the effective implementation of this law requires the establishment of related procedures, frameworks and tools, a change of culture within the various institutions, covered by the law (e.g. ministries, public institutions, municipalities, courts, private companies managing public services, etc.), as well as adequate take-up by citizens and civil society. The implementation of ATI law is recognised within the draft National Anti-Corruption Strategy as a pillar for transparency and accountability and one of the key outputs of its implementation plan. The implementation of the law furthermore contributes to the achievements of UNCAC Articles 10 and 13 and SDG especially SDG 16.

As such, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), in cooperation with UNDP and the OECD, is developing a National Action Plan for the implementation of the access to information law. The plan will be developed in an inclusive manner, providing a comprehensive framework for the implementation of the law, with coherent commitments and activities from a wide range of stakeholders including the public administration, parliamentarians, civil society, media, and the private sector.