The Carter Center’s Rule of Law Program (formerly known as Global Access to Information) works in partnership with governments, civil society, and international and regional bodies to improve governance and transform lives through a meaningful right of access to information and justice.
Access to information is a fundamental human right and a multi-dimensional tool serving both governments and citizens. Enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right of access to information improves governance and lives, making public administration more transparent and accountable and enabling citizens to understand policies, help determine public priorities, and use information to ensure the exercise of their other human rights, including the rights to education, employment, and a safe environment.
Since 1999, The Carter Center has served as a leader in advancing the right of access to information, working in partnership with governments and civil society groups to pass, implement, and enforce access to information laws in focus countries; collaborating closely with international and regional bodies; sharing international experiences; providing technical assistance; and serving as a resource to advance the right around the world.
Currently, the Rule of Law Program works in four distinct but complementary areas, allowing us to engage at both international and national levels, serve as a nexus between the two, and institute innovative programming to assure that governance, transparency, and the fundamental right to information reaches even the most disadvantaged.