The Access to Information Commission launched its first digital present as South Sudan joined the rest of the World to commemorate International Days for Universal Access to Information on Thursday.
Officials say the website will be a platform to facilitate easy access to information by both journalists and citizens in South Sudan.
This year’s commemoration was held under the theme “The importance of the online space for access to information.”
The 74th UN General Assembly proclaimed September 28th as Universal Access to Information Day at the UN level in October 2019.
Commissioner of Access to Information Commission Mr. Moyiga Nduru welcomes the support of the partners to help them create the website.
“We thank UNESCO for assisting us with the construction of our website. Access to information is not only restricted to journalists, it’s a right of every citizen who seeks information,” Moyiga said.
The UNESCO country representative Julius Banda underscored that they work to promote access to information in anticipation of achieving sustainable development goal
He welcomes the development of websites by various government ministries which he believes will keep citizens well informed on the country’s affair
Julius lured the commissioner of the information commission to ensure that national ministries implement Article 17 of the Access to Information Act 2013 which guarantees access to information for every citizen.
Julius reiterated that the website contents should focus on informing the public about policies and government decisions.
“We welcome the development of internet sites from the various government ministries. We hope the Access to Information will follow up with line ministries to ensure the public is better informed.”
This year, several Ministries including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Education launched their website.