International Day of Universal Access to Information

International Day for Universal Access to Information is an international observance celebrated annually on 28 September to emphasize the right of all individuals to equal access to information. This day was established to highlight the central role of the right to information in democratic societies and to promote informed public participation in decision-making processes. Universal access to information is recognized as an inseparable component of freedom of expression and is protected in human rights instruments.

The right to access information enables individuals to participate meaningfully in governance, public policy, and social processes. Universal access to information is a fundamental tool for protecting human rights, reducing poverty, building inclusive information societies, and strengthening transparent governance. The right to obtain information enhances accountability and public trust by allowing citizens to evaluate the decisions and actions of their leaders. UNESCO recognizes access to information as a fundamental element of sustainable development, democracy, and equality.

Universal access to information encompasses the right of everyone to seek, receive, and share information. This right is closely linked to freedom of expression, and the media plays a vital role in informing the public. The effective functioning of the media depends on the protection of the right to access information.

The foundations of the International Day for Universal Access to Information are based on Resolution 38 C/57, adopted by the UNESCO General Conference on 17 November 2015.^【1】 This resolution emphasized that the right to information is an integral part of freedom of expression and reinforced the importance of this right in international documents such as the World Summit on the Information Society, the Brisbane Declaration (2010), the Maputo Declaration (2008), and the Dakar Declaration.

The Pan-African Conference and the African Platform Declaration, held in Cape Town from 17 to 19 September 2011, recognized access to information as a fundamental element for development, democracy, equality, and public services. In this context, UNESCO has adopted access to information as one of its priority areas of action.

On 15 October 2019, the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly declared 28 September as “International Day for Universal Access to Information” at the United Nations level. The resolution underscored that the right to access information is a cornerstone of democratic participation, accountability, and transparency. Member states, United Nations system organizations, international and regional bodies, civil society organizations, and individuals were invited to observe the day in the most appropriate manner.^【2】

The right to access information includes the right to seek, receive, and share information and is recognized as part of freedom of expression. This right is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. UNESCO assesses access to information as a fundamental element of sustainable development, inclusive information societies, and good governance.

UNESCO supports the implementation of the right to access information by providing platforms for international policy dialogue through initiatives such as the International Programme for the Development of Communication and the Information for All Programme. These programs promote the strengthening of access to information, open science, multilingualism, and projects on information and communication technologies and media literacy for persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups.

The theme for 2025 has been designated as “Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.” The theme draws attention to the importance of timely and international sharing of environmental data, including on climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and disaster risks. It also highlights how digital technologies and open data platforms empower citizens to participate in environmental governance processes.

In Türkiye, the right to access information was granted legal protection by Law No. 4982 on the Right to Access Information, adopted on 9 October 2003. It was further elevated to constitutional status through a public referendum on 12 September 2010, which added it as Article 74 of the Constitution. The Information Access Evaluation Board (BEDK) evaluates citizens’ appeals within the framework of the Constitution and relevant legislation, issuing its decisions in a neutral and equitable manner and making them publicly available. The Board’s decisions are published on its website and in the publication titled “Right to Access Information in the Light of Decisions of the Council of the Republic of Türkiye for Information Access Evaluation.” These practices are sustained to strengthen and ensure the effective use of the right to access information.