Training Programme on the Right to Information for Jordanian

In part this is due to insufficient detail in the Law in certain areas, such as procedures, and in part due to features such as the lack of independence of the oversight body, the Information Council. [...] The Importance of the Right to Information Discussion Point What are the general benefits associated with the right to information? Can you think of reasons why it might be important in a democracy? What about the specific reasons why it might be important in Jordan? A number of benefits are normally associated with putting in place an effective regime governing the right to information. [...] For this to be possible, members of the electorate must have access to information, for example to assess the performance of the current government and to assess the validity of the proposals of all of the competing candidates and parties. [...] The essence of accountability is that members of the public have a right to scrutinise and debate the actions of their leaders and to assess the performance of the government. [...] International Law and Freedom of Expression Under international law, the right to information as a human right is founded in the wider international guarantee of the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek and receive, as well as to impart, information and ideas.