73987 REGIONAL DIALOGUE Advancing Access to Information in MNA: Supporting Coalitions & Networks Newsletter Issue No. 2 MAY 2012 INSIDE »  Summary of the video conference #2 (24 April 2012)  INTERVIEW: Mr. Nejib Mokni, Public Services Advisor, Government of Tunisia  IN FOCUS: Open Government Partnership and its potential for advancing Openness in the Arab region  Country Updates from participating countries  EVENTS: Briefs on events and future activities in the region Supported by World Bank (World Bank Institute and Middle East and North Africa Social Development Department) Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region ATI-MNA Newsletter, Second issue! This Newsletter is a publication from the “Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA�, which aims to support the exchange of information and knowledge between different stakeholders from Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia on Access to Information (ATI). The objective of this newsletter is to provide a space for sharing information where coalitions working toward effective ATI in the MENA region can disseminate broadly their work and recent developments related to ATI in their countries and more. The newsletter is complemented with other online resources such as videos or documents in Arabic and English. Other materials and news can be found on the initiative’s Facebook page. Please like the page and share your content and news with us. We are grateful for your feedback on the first issue of this Newsletter. Many of you sent us their comments, messages of support and shared the ATI-MNA Newsletter on their websites and e-mailing lists. We hope that you will continue doing so. We welcome our colleagues Imad Hanna and Danny Haddad, from the Lebanese Transparency Association, as country coordinators in Lebanon for this Regional Dialogue and our warm thanks to Sara Touma for her great work over the last few months and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. To share your articles, information about future events or suggestions, please send your e-mail to: saadfi21@hotmail.com Or share your content on our Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/ITq76A See the first issue of the newsletter in English or in Arabic Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Summary Videoconference #2, 24 April 2012 “Access to Information: The situation in each country� Participants during the second videoconference of the Jordan Regional Dialogue discussed the state of ATI across all four Concerns that the ATI law in Jordan was drafted and adopted countries—Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia—while without the involvement of relevant stakeholders (CSOs, sharing ongoing initiatives by governments and CSOs in each private sector, journalists) were raised by participants. During country. The session, moderated by Saad Filali Meknassi, the presentation participants noted that the law has not included representatives from government, civil society, the necessarily facilitated access to information for journalists, media, and academia. particularly given that they may have alternative means of getting information. Moreover, Jordan's implementation of The first half of the session consisted of a presentation by the ATI law is still hampered by a number of existing legal and Said Almadhoun, human rights officer at the United Nations institutional aspects, such as the Law of State Secrets and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and an Documents. Although the presence of an ATI law is a positive adjunct professor of law at the University of Palestine. He step, they noted that challenges regarding implementation provided a brief review of legal initiatives in each of the four should be addressed. countries, as well as regional trends regarding ATI implementation. With regards to implementation, a coalition was formed in 2008 but it is not clear what has been the impact of the Based on ongoing work, the presenter mentioned that while coalition’s work to advance access to information or a culture of secrecy prevails over openness in the four monitoring its implementation. One of the challenges countries, efforts pushing for legal and institutional reform highlighted by participants was the limited funding available processes seek to revert this. Thus awareness raising and to undertake awareness-raising and to help with the high training for public officials is crucial to assist in this transition court fees. Additional support would enable more CSOs— from secrecy to openness. Furthermore, demand from civil especially women’s groups–to understand the benefits of society must come not only from CSOs that traditionally focus using ATI, thus promoting better implementation. Local on this issue, but also others that can benefit from using ATI; ownership was also underscored as an important element to in other words, it is key to broaden the base of ATI coalitions foster effective ATI. Finally, civil society organizations need to to include other sectors such as health, education, housing, engage with other actors, such as government, and political environment, etc. In order to achieve this, public awareness parties, as well as design a solid action plan to move ahead about the importance of ATI is critical. ATI in Jordan. Almadhoun also mentioned that particularly in countries that have ATI legislation or other transparency measures, civil society should make use of institutional mechanisms for disclosure. In doing so, they can contribute to promote a culture of openness, while benefiting from using ATI. Finally he stressed the importance of regional networks to foster knowledge and thus strengthen the capacity of stakeholders. In the second half of the session, each country made some remarks regarding the specific status of ATI in their countries. The report by Said Almadhoun is being finalized; your comments and suggestions regarding such report are welcome. Click here to view the draft. You can leave The World Bank office in Tunis, 24 April 2012. your comments on Facebook, or send them via email to Saad Filali Meknassi (saadfi21@hotmail.com) Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Tunisia while modernizing administrative tools for better records Following the popular uprising in Tunisia and the removal of management. Public awareness and CSOs’ engagement will former President Ben Ali, a key development has been the be key for effective ATI reforms. Likewise, awareness and adoption of a Decree on Access to Administrative Documents political will among civil servants is needed to effectively in July 2011 (Decree 41). Yet challenges to freedom of implement ATI. Participants mentioned that Morocco should expression and the right to information remain. For instance, draw lessons from the conflicts between the ATI Decree and the Secrecy Act; delays Jordanian example and incorporate extensive CSO encountered by practitioners when requesting information, consultations into the process of drafting an ATI law. which ought to be responded to within 15 days, free of An ATI bill is currently being drafted. Such bill will be charge; or the need of an independent ATI oversight body. presented and discussed with CSOs before submission to Furthermore, there is limited understanding by citizens Parliament. Furthermore, media activists and civil society regarding the guidelines for making requests, as well a need groups have worked hard to promote the adoption of ATI for training among government officials on implementation. legislation in Morocco. Civil society participants also noted the need for an expanded definition of the right; for example, every person has the right Lebanon of access to information. Some challenges highlighted by participants to ATI in Lebanon include: political, legal, and administrative constraints. In During the session, a government official spoke about the terms of political constraints, there is limited political will to regulation for ATI implementation—adopted on May 3, pass an ATI law. In 2009 there was a coalition including 2012–and the need for establishing an independent representatives from various organizations and institutions administrative oversight body in charge of ensuring that ATI is (LebPAC, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance, the implemented. The government has also started to initiate Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Syndicate of Journalists, disclosure of public financial and statistical information. etc) working on ATI. Furthermore, a draft access to information and whistleblower protection legislation was Morocco presented to the relevant Parliamentary Commission, As Morocco prepares for the implementation of the new however, this was not tabled for discussion in the Lebanese constitutional provision guaranteeing the right to information Parliament. . There are currently no discussions with (Article 27), a government representative spoke about next parliamentary committees and government officials on the steps in this ATI bill. Hence, citizens' right to claim access to information is regard. These at a standstill. With regards to legal constraints, there are steps include some conflicting laws. For example there is legislation that grouping all forbids release of information without permission from the laws related to ministry. Finally, related to administrative constraints, as the media into participants highlighted, database management is limited and one bundle, administrative rules are not simple. The World Bank office in Rabat, 24 April, 2012 2012. Key Messages from VC 2  ATI laws cannot be reduced to passage alone; implementation is critical to allowing people to claim their rights.  Governments can work with civil society to consult on laws and regulations as well as to provide trainings and implementation support.  ATI campaigns are required, with effective engagement with local communities and their associations  Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region INTERVIEW WITH NEJIB MOKNI: Advancing the implementation of ATI in Tunisia In this interview, Mr. Nejib Mokni, Public Services A. The role of CSO is crucial for the implementation of ATI Advisor, Presidency of the Government, Republic of legislation, especially in the ongoing reform and the claim Tunisia, reflected on the ongoing efforts of the of this right. Indeed, a panel with CSO has been organized government of Tunisia to implement the Access to at the regional seminar on "Government and open access Information (ATI) legislation in the country. (May 7, 2012) to information" held in Tunis last 28-29 March to discuss the role, expectations and engagement mechanisms of civil Q. With the adoption of the ATI Decree, the Government society in this process. of Tunisia has made an important step toward transparency. Why is ATI important for the Government of Q. What do you think are the main challenges regarding Tunisia? What are some of the benefits of ATI? the implementation of the ATI Decree? And how do you plan to tackle them? What has been done already? A. Good governance can only be achieved through transparency, accountability and citizen participation, and A. In my opinion, the implementation of the ATI Decree the realization of these principles can only be done by requires major changes in how public bodies manage guaranteeing the right of access to information. Decree- information, which involves changes in the behaviors and Law No. 2011-41 of 26 May 2011 regarding public access to mindsets of public officials, and the harmonization of the documents held by public agencies adopted by the existing legislation that conflicts with the Decree. Tackling Tunisian government has introduced new transparency these challenges will require assistance, monitoring, and requirements for public bodies in Tunisia, and is aimed to training. The regulation (Circulaire d’application), the have a major impact in terms of democratization of action plan, and the creation of an independent oversight relations between Tunisian citizens and the government. In body to ensure the administrative oversight for the ATI particular, the Decree-Law gives citizens a right of access to Decree are key actions toward achieving this goal. documents and information held by public bodies, subject only to a limited regime of exceptions, and it describes the Q. What are the benefits that you perceive in this kind of procedures for exercising this right. regional knowledge exchanges (e.g. the Regional Dialogue on ATI in MNA)? Have these activities contributed to Q. What are the Government’s plans to implement the ATI enhance ATI in Tunisia? If so, how? What other knowledge Decree? When will the regulations to operationalize the exchanges activities are planned or have taken place ATI Decree be ready? How will these be implemented? between Tunisia and peer countries to enhance ATI? A. The implementation of the Decree-Law is the most A. Certainly, the exchange of knowledge and experiences important phase, and requires a clear strategy, for short, with other countries is important because it helps in medium, and long term. The first step is to explain and facilitating discussions with experts on access to raise awareness about the provisions of the Decree-Law. information and to learn best practices and comparative To achieve this goal, thus far the Tunisian government has law on access to information. Similarly, such initiatives organized two seminars on ATI and on open data. Also, to allow an exchange between governments and CSO, and further make it understandable and applicable, the can contribute to a better understanding and government issued an implementing regulation (Circulaire benchmarking in national policies on access to information d’application) of this Decree, signed on May 3, 2012. In in the region. For instance, Tunisia recently attended the addition, an action plan that covers many measures related annual conference on "Open Government Partnership" to the Decree-law on ATI is being developed. (OGP) which was held in Brasilia on 17-18 April 2012 and brought together 53 countries. We are working presently Q. What do you think is the role of CSO regarding the to develop an international exchange program. implementation of the ATI Decree? Are there plans or mechanisms to engage them? Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region The Open Government Partnership and the Arab Region: A platform for Government and Civil Society collaboration Marcos Mendiburu and Luis Esquivel1 is clearly an important tool within the broad context of OG, Last April 17-18, in Brasilia, over 1,000 practitioners— yet it is important to keep in including government officials, civil society, academics, etc— mind that limited participation from all over the world came together to discuss how to and lack of accountability can still advance open government as part of the first annual Open prevail in governments with Government Partnership (OGP) meeting2. The remarkably strong open data initiatives. high attendance to this meeting and the interest generated, even among practitioners who were not able to attend but This of course poses the question of what OG means. While it could follow the meeting online, shows the growing traction is important to acknowledge that the OG field is in constant of this multi-stakeholder and multi-country initiative. Indeed evolution due to a number of factors (e.g. changes in this underscores the momentum that issues around open technology, citizens demand, engagement with a wide range government (OG) have been gaining globally. For the Middle of actors), and thus OG can be understood in different ways East and North Africa region (MNA) this is quite important as by different practitioners, it is also key to take a look at various countries have embarked in promoting OG reforms, current efforts to unpack the OG concept. In this sense, the in the wake of the Arab spring last year. Increasing demand OECD identifies three key elements: (i) transparency, or the from citizens, together with the use of information and possibility of citizens to scrutinize government; (ii) communication technologies, have contributed to put this accessibility, or making governments accessible to anyone issue in the agenda of countries in the region. anywhere; and (iii) responsiveness of government to demands from citizens4. In other words, an open government With the number of countries focusing on OG on the rise, a is that one in which citizens can access information related to discussion on the conceptual definition of OG is starting to its performance, allocation and use of resources, decision take place. A narrow view of OG could curtail its cross-cutting making processes among others; a government in which transformative potential. In this regard, growing concerns through such information citizens can participate in an from practitioners highlight the risk of equating OG with open informed way to demand accountability; and a government data. As Harlan Yu and David Robinson recently noted in their that will respond to such demand for accountability. Similarly work “The New Ambiguity of Open Government�3, while the Obama Administration in the Open Government Memo governments can facilitate open data on issues that are not released in his first day in office understands that an open politically sensitive this does not necessarily translate in a government is transparent, participatory and collaborative5. government being transparent and accountable. Open data it A common issue that can be identified in these definitions of OG is transparency. And within transparency, a crucial 1 element of OG that has been gaining salience consistently in Marcos Mendiburu is Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank Institute, and Luis Esquivel is Operations Officer at the World Bank the OGP is access to information (ATI)—also known as Institute. freedom of information or the right to information. ATI 2 The OGP is a new multilateral multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to legislation contributes to strengthen the right of citizens to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new 4 technologies to strengthen governance. Given its multi-stakeholder Policy Brief. Public Sector Modernisation: Open government. OECD, approach, OGP is overseen by a steering committee of governments and February 2005. Available here: civil society organizations. for further information visit http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/1/35/34455306.pdf 5 http://www.opengovpartnership.org/ The White House. Transparency and Open Government Memorandum. 3 Presentation Available at: Available here: https://worldbankva.adobeconnect.com/_a833642795/p3n6v5yodq9/?lau http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/TransparencyandOpenGove ncher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal rnment Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region access government-held information, which in turn can mentioned some challenges regarding its implementation6. empower them to participate and demand accountability. With Jordan joining the OGP, and due to the requirement to This can be achieved either by citizens requesting information elaborate and implement an action that addresses national or by governments proactively disclosing information. OG priorities, one of the key commitments in its OGP action Moreover, ATI is one of the eligibility criteria to become an plan is to amend ATI legislation in order to tackle some of the OGP member, together with fiscal transparency, disclosures current challenges and thus improve implementation7. related to elected or senior public officials and citizen engagement. Additionally, Tunisia has expressed interest in joining OGP8, as the government has been working to strengthen As countries presented their OGP action plans during the transparency as part of their OG agenda. For instance, meeting in Brasilia, it became clear that improving ATI is a recently the Government of Tunisia prepared and released common issue across regions and also among both countries the regulation to operationalize the ATI legislation there; they with ATI legislation and those without it. For example, Kenya are also working to improve budget transparency as well as and Tanzania mentioned their commitment to adopt ATI assets disclosure9. These issues are all part of the eligibility legislation, while Chile, Peru and the US highlighted the criteria to become an OGP member country. importance of improving the implementation of their respective ATI laws. Jordan and Tunisia in MNA—together with several other countries around the globe—underline the interest around Particularly relevant for the MNA region is the case of Jordan. ATI as a key element of OG. Both countries have shown In Jordan ATI legislation was enacted in 2007, yet as some commitment to advance the OG agenda internally and ATI academics, media and civil society practitioners have has become a pillar of such agenda. On the other hand, given the multi-stakeholder nature of OGP, civil society campaigning for better ATI, could leverage OGP-related processes (e.g. consultations to elaborate country action plans) to enhance their efforts. One of the reasons why OGP is seen as a promising platform to enhance open government is precisely the multi- stakeholder approach. In OGP, governments and civil society are equal partners, both at the international steering committee and nationally in the elaboration, implementation and monitoring of action plans. This presents stakeholders with a unique opportunity to foster a truly collaborative and constructive relationship between government and civil society that can result in significant improvements in the area of OG. 6 See for instance Almadhoun, Said. Status of Freedom of Information Legislation in the Arab World. Open Society Justice Initiative. 2010 7 See Jordan’s OGP Action plan, available here: http://www.opengovpartnership.org/countries/jordan 8 See for instance the speech by Mabrouka Mbarek, Constituent Assembly Member and Hedi Ben Abbes, Secretary of State Foreign Affairs for the Americas and Asia in Tunisia at the OGP meeting in Brasilia, available here: http://mabrouka.org/174 9 See Interview (video) with Nejib Mokni, Government of Tunisia available here: http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/chvideos/OGP_tunisia.html Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Engagement of civil society at the international level, through not members, but the international steering committee—which has nine civil want to become society members—has been quite effective, to the point members. Though where civil society now has a rotating seat among the co- some has been chairs of the steering committee. Additionally, in some done in this regard, regions such as Latin America, regional networks of CSOs as evidenced by the have started to address OGP engagement from a regional participation of perspective, in order to strengthen the capacity of its Tunisia and Libya, members and facilitate knowledge exchanges around OG as well as countries issues. This of course is great progress in fostering from other regions constructive relationships between governments and civil that are not society. members, it is still unclear how to At the national level though, the situation is uneven; the engage with non- opportunity for civil society is yet to be fully realized. With member the moving forward of OGP, some challenges have emerged. countries11. Civil society organizations from several countries have voiced their concerns regarding the limited scope of government Doubtlessly, OGP consultations. In this regard, improvement of public presents a new and consultations, not just for OGP issues but in broader terms, exciting Mr. Hedi Ben Abbes, OGP Summit, could become an OGP commitment. Additionally, there is a opportunity to Brasilia, 18 April, 2012 need to broaden the base of stakeholders engaged in OGP; advance OG thus far engagement has generally taken place in the capitals, globally, yet it is important to understand what is meant by with high-skilled organizations, that sometimes pursue their open government in order to realize its transformative own agenda. OGP could serve as a space for CSOs working on potential. Furthermore, while the multi-stakeholder approach various streams of the OG agenda—including transparency, is the best way to go, this does not come challenge-free. accountability, participation, etc—to break silos and come to Challenges such as civil society capacity at the country level, work together. If OGP is to realize its full potential, it is crucial or the need to broaden the base of stakeholders engaged to engage with other groups to maximize the impact, while must be addressed as the initiative moves forward. expanding commitments to include substantial reforms regarding accountability and participation, in addition to transparency. There are also challenges in terms of capacity, Blogs on OGP Summit concerning the skills and experience to foster constructive relationships between government and civil society toward Carole Excell from the World Resources Institute: The effective implementation of the country action plans, as well Open Government Partnership – Some Thoughts as capacity to monitor such implementation. Furthermore, it will be key that, as Abhinav Bahl from Global Integrity notes, Abhinav Bahl from Global Integrity: Taking Stock of countries focus not only on the “low hanging fruits� in terms OGP of commitments (e.g. Open Data initiatives)10, but that also include reforms that might be more politically contentious Martin Tisne from the Transparency and Accountability but that have great transformative potential such as full- Initiative: Brasilia in a Nutshell fledged ATI legislation. Another emerging issue, as the OGP gains momentum, is how to engage with countries that are 10 Bahl. Abhinav. Taking Stock of OGP. Global Integrity Blog. May 11, 2012. 11 Available here: http://globalintegrity.org/blog/taking-stock- See for instance the White House Press release on this matter: ogp?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/19/fact-sheet-g-8- %3A+globalintegritycommons+%28Global+Integrity%29 action-deauville-partnership-arab-countries-transition Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Country Status Reports: April 2012 An overview of the situation in the countries participating in the Regional Dialogue. Morocco: On April 24, Transparency Morocco organized a press conference to present the latest publication of the “Corruption Observatory�, focusing on ATI in Morocco. The audience included journalists, civil society practitioners and public officials. The discussion centered on the actual situation of ATI in Morocco, and the steps that still need to be achieved in order to guarantee citizens’ free access to public information. Participants stressed the importance of not only drafting a new specific law on ATI, but also modifying existing laws that could limit free access to information by citizens. In late April, Moroccan NGO FMAS (Forum des Alternatives Maroc) organized regional conference on “Alternative media and their role in developing citizen information�. Transparency Morocco contributed to the eve nt through a presentation on the right of ATI, and the important role that this right can play in order to allow alternative media to effectively contribute to creating and diffusing information by the citizens and for the citizens. The National Coordinator in Morocco for the WB Regional Dialogue, and Jamal Eddine Naji, a Professor and expert on ATI in Morocco also participated in a session during the regional conference. During this session, the participants contributed to drafting a set of recommendations regarding ATI; these recommendations will be included in the overall recommendations of the conference, which will then serve as a basis for an advocacy strategy to develop alternative media in Morocco. Jordan: Yahia Shukkeir, the Jordanian national coordinator of this Regional Dialogue participated as speaker in three important events in Egypt and Jordan. At the American University of Cairo, he delivered training on international standards of freedom of expression and historical development of access to information in May 6-15, 2012. In Amman, during a meeting organized by webnews outlet “Jo 24� and Earth and Environment Watch, to discuss the role of media in fighting corruption, Shukkeir stressed that fighting corruption needs the participation of informed citizens, thus “access to information is the best tool to fight corruption�. Finally, Shukkeir was the main speaker of UNESCO event celebrating the International Day of Press Freedom, where he mentioned that access to information is considered a fundamental right and it is pre- requisite to freedom of expression. Lebanon: Following the first VC, ALEF (Act for Human Rights) and Nahwa Al Muwatiniya joined the Regional Dialogue. The second in country session contributed to identify the different political, legal and administrative obstacles hindering the implementation of the ATI. Additionally, participants discussed the actual situation of ATI in Lebanon and the previous advocacy strategies. They also noted the absence of a clear vision regarding ATI. Multiples ideas were shared to lay the ground for a new advocacy campaign. The advocacy strategy should define the key elements, audience, benefits, message, messenger and channel through which ATI should be advanced in Lebanon. Tunisia: ATI developments in Tunisia during April focused on the release of the regulation that operationalizes the implementation of the ATI law. The head of government signed such regulation in May 3, 2012, as part of the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day. Additionally, in April 17-18, 2012, Tunisia participated in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) meeting in Brasilia. The delegation from Tunisia included seven practitioners representing the Government, the National Constituency Assembly and Civil Society. There, the Tunisian delegation expressed interest on behalf of the Tunisian government in joining. Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Past Events Tunisia - INRIC report presented on the importance of access to information, supported by National Authority for the Reform of Information and the African Platform on Access to Information and Communication (INRIC) held on Monday, April 30 2012, at including presentations, among others, by Gamal Eid, the Congress Palace in Tunis, with representatives of civil Executive Director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights society, journalists and media executives, a press Information (Egypt) and Habiba Meiri-Cheikh, Director of conference on the occasion of the presentation of its the Department of Public Information at the African Union General Report. Link for the summary in English Commission. A number of UNESCO WPFD events were also http://www.inric.tn/fr/INRIC-Report-Eng-final.pdf celebrated all around the world. More information on WPFD is available on UNESCO´s website: Morocco - Press conference: presentation of the last http://www.unesco.org/webworld/en/wpfd12 edition of Transparency news on ATI Transparency Morocco organized a press conference on Thursday 3 May 2012 in Rabat, to launch its last edition of Transparency News on Access to information in Morocco. This publication is available online in French http://www.transparencymaroc.ma/uploads/publications/ Fr/188.pdf Morocco - Regional conference on Alternative Media The FMAS (Forum des Alternatives Maroc) organized a regional conference on “Alternative media� and their role in developing “citizen information� in Marrakesh, 27-28 April 2012. Transparency Morocco has contributed to the event through a presentation on the right of ATI, and the important role that this right can play in order to allow alternative media to effectively contribute to communicating information by the citizens, for the citizens. http://www.e-joussour.net/node/10868 World Press Freedom Day in Tunis UNESCO celebrated World Press Freedom Day in Tunis this year, with a three-day programme focused on the role of media as a catalyst for social and political change. The WPFD Conference brought together around 750 participants from 88 countries, making it one of the largest turn-outs for this annual celebration. As a result of the discussions of the plenary sessions, the participants, including media professionals and non-governmental civil rights organizations, adopted the Carthage Declaration. The WPFD conference in Tunis included a parallel session Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region Recent Developments: RTI law in Yemen passed on April Regional Workshop: Access to Information in MNA. The 24, 2012 Road Ahead June 13-15, 2012 The Yemeni Parliament passed a Right to information law Multi-stakeholder delegations from Jordan, Lebanon, on April 24. A bill was first presented in 2008 by a political Morocco and Tunisia will meet in June 13-15 to discuss party and followed by another draft presented by the progress made under the Regional dialogue “Supporting Ministry of Information, and since deliberations on both Coalitions and Networking to Advance ATI in MENA� and drafts have been proceeding off and on until recently. A propose next steps in order to enhance Access to local newspaper reported that the outcome was “a Information in the Region. combination of both drafts“. http://bit.ly/JEC1kv Regional Consultation for North Africa – African Union The Global Partnership for Social Accountability: A New model law on Access to Information, June 16-17, Tunis Mechanism to Support CSOs The World Bank Board of Executive Directors during its meeting in Washington, on 19 April 2012, has approved in principle the creation of a Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA). The GPSA is a new mechanism to scale up and support social accountability by beneficiary groups and civil society organizations (CSOs) in developing countries. The Bank’s Board will review operational details of the proposed Partnership in June. http://bit.ly/IBzumv Upcoming Events 3rd videoconference of the Regional dialogue “Supporting Coalitions and Networking to Advance ATI in MENA� on 29 May 2012 The next videoconference will take place on Tuesday 29 May 2012 in the four countries. Representatives of different stakeholder groups are invited to join participants who attended the last 2 VCs. This videoconference will discuss early steps for ATI implementation. Press Reviews Related to ATI Morocco (in French) http://bit.ly/Iyit0o Jordan (in Arabic) 1. http://bit.ly/JcqPvB 2. http://bit.ly/KNV4TK 3. http://bit.ly/K9DKh0 Newsletter Issue No. 2: Regional Dialogue on Supporting Coalitions and MAY 2012 Networking to Advance Access to Information in MENA region CONTACTS Regional Dialogue “Supporting Coalitions World Bank MNA Vice-presidency, Social Development and Networking to Advance ATI in MNA� Department: One of the key pillars of the World Bank’s (WB) support in Mariana Felicio – mfelicio@worldbank.org the Middle East and North Africa region consists of strengthening the governance framework, working with Najat Yamouri – nyamouri@worldbank.org both State and non-State actors. Efforts with non-State actors focus principally on opening government to the World Bank Institute people, while strengthening the capacities of these actors Marcos Mendiburu - to enhance transparency, public participation, and mmendiburu@worldbank.org accountability. Luis Esquivel In this context, the WB is supporting The Affiliated lesquivel@worldbank.org Network for Social Accountability – Arab World (ANSA- AW). ANSA-AW is a platform for constructive dialogue and Affiliated Network for Social Accountability- knowledge exchanges on transparency and social Arab World accountability issues across multiple stakeholders. As part Noura Wahby - nwahby@egypt.care.org of its activities, ANSA-AW held various regional workshops and consultations where access to information (ATI) emerged as a priority among participating countries. JORDAN-Amman Center for Human Rights In order to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders in the Studies region to move forward ATI reforms, as one of the Yahia Shukkeir & Nizam Assaf – achrs@achrs.org priorities highlighted, the World Bank Institute and the Social Development Department at the World Bank’s LEBANON -The Lebanese Middle East and North Africa Vice-presidency, in Transparency Association partnership with ANSA-AW are supporting the emergence Dany Haddad & Imad Hanna - of a regional community of practice focused on ATI issues through facilitating the Regional Dialogue “Supporting imhanna@transparency-lebanon.org Coalitions and Networking to Advance ATI in MNA. In this dhaddad@transparency-lebanon.org first stage, the four countries participating are Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia, with opportunities to MOROCCO -Transparency Maroc expand to other countries during the second stage. Amine Chafai Alaoui - Additionally, support to multi-stakeholder coalitions in tmaction@transparencymaroc.ma these countries will take place. As international experience demonstrates, multi-stakeholder coalitions have been key in sparking the demand for ATI while engaging with government in the drafting and passing of ATI laws. These TUNISIA- Association Tunisienne des coalitions can also play a crucial role in supporting effective Libertés Numériques implementation of ATI legislation. Furthermore, knowledge Adel Beznine – abeznine@gmail.com exchanges through the Regional Dialogue will contribute to strengthen the capacity of country coalitions. The Regional Dialogue will consist of series of knowledge Regional coordination -Transparency Maroc exchanges through videoconferences, as well as in country Saad Filali Meknassi – saadfi21@hotmail.com sessions aimed at practitioners from both the supply and demand sides of ATI: Civil society practitioners, journalists, academia, government officials, MPs, etc.