Everyone has a fundamental right to information!
We shouldn’t have to create a day to promote the idea that all individuals have a basic and fundamental right to information. No, we should have days only to celebrate, for instance the fact that tonight is Fishtank Floorshow Night. I can’t make this stuff up folks, today is also National Strawberry Cream Pie Day. Would you believe it’s Ask a Stupid Question Day? Sadly, as I alluded to, it is also International Day for Universal Access to Information.
One is a great pleasure. Another is entertainly absurd. One is deliberately stupid. And, one is dead fucking serious. I know you all are disappointed that I’m not riffing on Fishtank Floorshow Night, so am I. And, despite its deliciousness, and not unlike the old Brooklyn Dodgers, Strawberry Cream Pie Day must wait ’till next year. I’m all out of stupid questions too, sorry ’bout that…
That today must “celebrate” International Day for Universal Access to Information is actually a real tragedy. Living in a repressive regime that is controlling access to information is very much a reality for far, far, too many of our fellow men and women. All across much of the globe, individuals are denied this very basic right every day.
International Day for Universal Access to Information is observed on September 28 every year. This day supports the idea that everyone around the globe has the fundamental right to seek, receive and disseminate information. This right is also linked to the right to freedom of expression. Communication at all levels, local, national, and worldwide, is included. The right to information is necessary for making decisions, engaging in democratic government, and increasing openness which aids citizens in having access to knowledge about how they are being governed. It builds a ground for a fight against corruption. The media also plays a critical role, as it informs the public about topics of interest and relies on the ability to seek and receive information. That is why it is believed that this right is also linked to the right to freedom of the press.
National Today
If we truly are the most enlightened species on the planet, the thought that access to information is a fundamental human right should be absolutely, positively, unquestionably, fundamental.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a resolution on November 17, 2015, declaring September 28 as International Day for Universal Access to Information. Furthermore, the U.N. General Assembly has designated September 28, 2019, as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, recognizing that various civil society organizations and government entities worldwide have embraced and are currently celebrating this commemoration.
UNESCO and its intergovernmental programs provide a forum and framework for all parties to participate in international policy and normative discussions on access to information as a human right. Worldwide, Right to Know Day has been observed since 2002 and was created by international civil society advocates in 2012. African civil society organizations lobbied UNESCO to pass the resolution establishing the day because they wanted more information transparency.
Seems like the primary sponsors are African countries, but I would posit that this is a fundamental human right which all countries must observe, and protect. Today, more than ever, information is power…
Let’s put all the power in the hands of the people!
