Access to Information Laws: A Guarantee of Inclusion and Disability Rights: Issue Brief

The realization of access to information (ATI) as an internationally recognized human right for all, including persons with disabilities, has long been acknowledged. However, realizing this right for those with disabilities still poses a challenge.

This report analyses the inclusion of persons with disabilities or lack of provision in Access to Information (ATI) legislations across the globe, based on the existing ATI laws in 132 countries. It also highlights a series of recommendations to advance the rights of persons with disabilities within the scope of the right to information.

This brief is part of UNESCO's role as the custodian agency for SDG Indicator 16.10.2 on Public Access to Information. With a specific focus on disability rights, the brief look into including persons with disabilities or their lack thereof in ATI legislations worldwide. It serves as a reference for the Member States, NGOs, academia, media, and organizations interested in the issues of Access to Information and Persons with Disabilities.

Key highlights include, among others:

• The importance of access to information (ATI) as an internationally recognized human right for all, including persons with disabilities, has long been acknowledged. However, realising this right for those with disabilities remains a challenge.
• Of the 132 countries with ATI laws examined for this report, 37 explicitly refer to persons with disabilities and their rights to varying degrees. Effective accessibility criteria are missing from many existing legislative frameworks, or that implementation is hindered by factors such as inadequate awareness and training around the rights of persons with disabilities and insufficient funding.
• Countries should consider steps towards an inclusive and comprehensive legislative framework containing minimum mandatory accessibility standards that ensure access to information for persons with disabilities without discrimination based on the type of disability, geographical location, financial means, and language capabilities, among other factors.