By Linus Flomo
The Independent Information Commission (IIC) marked a significant milestone Monday, September 16, 2024 as it celebrated the 14th Anniversary of Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Law. Signed into effect on September 16, 2010, by former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, this landmark legislation established the IIC as the central authority responsible for enforcing transparency and public access to information in the country.
During the anniversary event, IIC Commissioner Joash T. Hodges, underlined the transformative impact of the FOI Law, emphasizing its alignment with international human rights standards. The law reflects Liberia’s commitment to democratic principles by ensuring that citizens have unrestricted access to governmental information. Commissioner Hodges pointed out that the FOI Law is in line with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Chapter 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, underscoring Liberia’s dedication to accountability and transparency.
Over the past 14 years, the IIC, with substantial support from international partners such as the Carter Center, USAID, and the European Union, has made notable progress. The commission has developed comprehensive guidelines for handling FOI appeals and has conducted training programs to educate personnel on the law’s provisions. These efforts have contributed to an enhanced understanding of the FOI Law among public officials and the general public.
However, despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. An IIC report detailing the period from 2013 to 2023 reveals a troubling picture of non-compliance among government institutions. Out of 50 assessed agencies, only 6 (12%) were found to be fully compliant with the FOI Law. In contrast, 39 (78%) were partially compliant, and 7 (14%) were found to be in outright violation of the law. This widespread non-compliance has not only hindered public access to information but has also fueled the spread of misinformation.
To address these issues, the IIC has called for urgent action. The commission is advocating for all public entities to appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs), establish Internal Information Request Review Bodies, and maintain up-to-date, user-friendly websites and social media platforms. These measures are crucial for ensuring adherence to the FOI Law and for improving the accessibility of government information.
The IIC has also faced financial challenges over the past six years, receiving only a fraction of its allocated budget. This underfunding has limited the commission’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively, including national awareness campaigns and personnel training. Although the IIC’s budget for 2024 has seen an increase, accessing these funds remains a challenge.
In response to these challenges, the IIC is launching an ambitious new initiative. The commission plans to establish Freedom of Information Hubs in all 15 counties of Liberia. These hubs will aim to boost public awareness of the FOI Law, facilitate compliance monitoring, and provide a platform for citizens to file information requests and receive timely responses.
The anniversary celebrations will continue with activities leading up to the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on October 1, 2024. The IIC will initiate a campaign featuring radio appearances and public engagements. The festivities will culminate in an official event at Monrovia City Hall on October 2, 2024 where President Joseph Boakai is expected to inaugurate the FOI Hubs.
The IIC has also issued a call to civil society organizations and media institutions to play an active role in promoting and enforcing the FOI Law. The commission stresses that robust adherence to the FOI Law is essential for fostering effective governance, building public trust, and ensuring that government operations remain transparent and accountable. By supporting these efforts, civil society and media organizations can help uphold democratic principles and enhance public oversight of governmental activities.
As Liberia reflects on 14 years of progress and looks forward to future developments, the IIC remains committed to its mission of ensuring that the public’s right to information is protected and upheld.
