Minister says access to information is lifeblood of democracy

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok, on Thursday said freedom to information is the lifeblood of a democratic system in any given country.
Participants in a group photo during celebration of IDUAI in Juba on Thursday (Photo by AMDISS).

By Awan Achiek

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, Dr. Jacob Maiju Korok, on Thursday said freedom to information is the lifeblood of a democratic system in any given country.

“In our journey towards building a just, transparent and accountable society, the right to access information is not merely a privilege, it is a cornerstone that upholds our democracy, empowers our citizens and strengthens our institutions,” said Korok at a ceremony to mark International Day for Universal Access to Information in Juba.

The event held under the theme; “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector” was organized by the Right of Access to Information Commission with support from UNESCO.

Korok said freedom of information is a right enshrined in South Sudan’s constitution, adding that the Access to Information Act provides a legal framework that guarantees citizens the right to request and receive information held by public authority.

“This Act is more than just a legal instrument; it is a declaration of our commitment to transparency, accountability and participatory governance,” said Korok.

He said that the ministry of information plans to establish a South Sudan news agency to ease access to information.

“By granting access to information, the Act enables citizens to scrutinize government actions, understand the rationale behind the policies, and ensure that public resources are effectively and efficiently implemented,” said Korok.

He noted that access to information empowers journalists, researchers and civil society organizations to initiate reports and advocate for the public interest.

Oliver Mori Benjamin, Spokesperson of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly said that access to information is a double sword which everybody needs.

Julius Banda, Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNSECO) said that access to information empowers citizens to be well informed about the political processes.

“In a knowledge society, you need information, and information is the power to progress in every domain of life. So access to information brings benefits to every sector of our society,” said Banda.

Napoleon Adok, Director General of National Communication Authority (NCA) said that digital literacy is necessary for people to be able to access information.

“Literacy does not mean that you write only in your mother tongue or English, but also digital literacy, you must know to use the tool to access the information you desire,” said Adok.

On November 17, 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization made history by declaring September 28, the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

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