Access to information is an essential tool in the fight against corruption. It increases accountability and transparency, and allows the identification and uncovering of corrupt practices. Information enables the public to participate in the scrutiny of government activities, and to have their rightful say in the development of anti-corruption policies and laws and to monitor their enforcement.
As a core element of fighting corruption, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption requires states to make information available about their activities and to engage with civil society.
This briefing outlines the obligations made by the Convention to States and offers guidance on how governments can implement these at a national level.