Right to Information in Global Perspective

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. RTI: some relevant factors. 3. International covenant on civil and political rights. 4. Access to information act (Canada). 5. Right to information in Australia. 6. RTI rules for Japan. 7. RTI in Brazil. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

"Ironically, one of the most neglected rights in democracies throughout the world has been the right to information. Although one of the most cherished human rights, most countries throughout the world, including India, have largely disregarded it. The right to freedom of information is considered to be a customary international law, which is exemplified from its enshrinement in various international covenants and treaties, most notably the universal declaration of human rights, the international covenant on civil and political rights and the European Commission on human rights as well as numerous national constitutions. The present work is a modest attempt at elucidating all salient issues in synthesised manner." (jacket)