Activists Celebrate International Right-To-Know Day
09/28/2013
Demonstrators in South Africa in 2011 protest a measure to restrict informational freedom.
From VOA Learning English this is As It Is. I’m Marsha James.
Welcome to the show. Today we talk about a push for laws to protect every individual’s right to know about government operations. Some groups say governments are more honest when everyone is permitted to demand information. Then we tell you about an artist in Egypt.
International Right-To-Know Day
September 28 is International Right-To-Know Day. The day celebrates the successes of activists who work to create and strengthen freedom of information laws. Activists around the world have organized celebrations and educational events to explain the importance of such laws.
More than 90 countries now have legal protections to force openness in government operations. Activists say the right to know is very important. They say efforts to end poverty will only succeed by ending corruption. And, they say, corruption can only be ended by establishing and enforcing the right to know.
One group of activists is Transparency International. Transparent means clear. The word transparency is used to describe honesty and openness in an organization.
Transparency International says government defense contracts are one area of special concern. It says the risk of corruption is high when agreements involving large of money are signed. It says secret defense budgets and a lack of information increase the likelihood of dishonest deals. Transparency International is calling for changes and a requirement for full information on weapons deals.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
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2013-11-25