International Right to Know Day in Bulgaria

The right of access to information is an important human right, necessary for the enjoyment of other human rights.

The right to information is essential for transparent and accountable government. The right of access to information makes possible the public involvement in formulating social policies and in the decision-making processes of governance

The right to information can only be effectively exercised and implemented on the basis of laws, regulating this right in accordance with international standards

28 september - The Idea

On 28 September 2002 Freedom of Information organizations from various countries around the globe meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, created a network of Freedom of Information Advocates (FOIA Network) and agreed to collaborate in promotion of the individual right of access to information and open, transparent governance. The group of FOI Advocates also proposed that 28 September be nominated as international "Right to Know Day" in order to symbolize the global movement for promotion of the right to information. The aim of having a Right to Know Day is to raise awareness of the right to information. It is a day on which freedom of information activists from around the world can use further to promote this fundamental human right and to campaign for open, democratic societies in which there is full citizen empowerment and participation in government.

On an annual press conference Access to Information Programme presents awards to Bulgarian citizens, media and NGOs, who have actively exercised their rights to freedom of information. The winners are selected from a large number of nominations by a committee, including renowned journalists and NGO leaders.

The fourth annual Right to Know Day awards ceremony in Bulgaria was held on September 28, 2006 at 5 pm in the national press center of the Bulgarian News Agency. Read more...

In 2006, more than 40 FOIAnet organizations marked the International "Right to Know Day". Click on the map on the right to see how each of them celebated on September 28.

The fifth annual Right to Know Day awards ceremony in Bulgaria was held on September 28, 2007 at 5 pm in the national press center of the Bulgarian News Agency. Read more...