Report on ensuring access to information presented in Abkhazia

A report was presented in Sukhumi entitled "Research on Access to Information in Abkhazia and Its Effect on Life of People," prepared within the Project "Better Authorities' Work on Ensuring Access to Information in Abkhazia," executed by the International NGO - the "Article 21" Global Campaign for Freedom of Expression in partnership with the Sukhumi Media-Club.

Some of the recommendations presented by the "Article 21" are as follows: adoption of the laws "On Access to Information" and "On Freedom of Information"; improved practice and mechanism of holding consultations with the public on law-making; transformation of the Public Chamber at the President of the Republic of Abkhazia into "a true forum for holding public consultations and debates"; development of the culture of openness in state institutions; openness of elected bodies' sittings and judicial sessions, except for special circumstances clearly prescribed in the law; publication and placement in the Internet of the laws passed by the Parliament and decisions of the executive branch of power.

The "Article 21" recommends the donor organizations to carry out their financial support to the establishments to ensure greater transparency of their activities and access of the population to the information of public interest.