OSCE Centre supports discussion on access to information in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 27 February 2013 – A two-day roundtable meeting on developing national legislation to ensure the right of access to information in Kazakhstan began today. It was initiated by Internews Kazakhstan and co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana.

The event brought together parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations and journalists, as well as international and national experts. They discussed, among other topics, a draft law on access to information, which was developed with the assistance of international organizations.

Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, stressed the importance of establishing a legal basis for access to information in Kazakhstan, saying: “In a democratic society, the government must guarantee its citizens the right to receive information and act according to the principle of maximum disclosure. This right is integral to providing for citizens’ participation in state affairs and ensuring the transparency of the government’s activities.”

Tastemir Abishev, Secretary of the Human Rights Commission under the President of Kazakhstan, supported the initiative to adopt a law on access to information and called upon civil society and international organizations to work together in developing the draft law.

The event is a part of the OSCE Centre’s work to improve governmental transparency and accountability, as well as to help ensure the free flow of information by promoting greater access to information.