An appeal to ensure people’s right to access information.
People have right to information at all times.
The media has an enormous potential to ensure people’s right to
information.
The issue of people’s right to information becomes more apparent in the context post-disaster management in the tsunami hit areas.
We, members of “Third Eye” - local knowledge and skill activists group - urge the media to support and enhance the concept of people’s right to information in this regard.
Lack of information arises as an acute problem in the camps, where people from the coastal area now live. The newly established systems that provide relief work have not incorporated any systematic methods or logistics to ensure people’ the right to information. People are
faced with a wide range of problems due to rumors and misleading stories. People urgently need the help of the media not only to gain information from officials but also to pass on their opinions and requests to those officials and to the wider world.
This is the background to the following request we would like to make
to the media.
*Establish a joint network of media organizations and individuals
to help ensure people’s right to access information.
*The network should:
1.Function as a facilitator to allow information to flow from each side
2.Enable media personnel’ to be present in meetings related to relief work at various levels.
3.Promote transparency in decision making.
4.Disseminate information as far as possible through publications.
5.Establish systems to provide regular information to people living in the camps. For example, establishing methods to record and communicate the voice of people living in the camps by making available tools such as television, radio and news papers. Also to help access information for camp residents there could be bulletin boards displayed in prominent positions in the camps.
Third Eye
Local Knowledge and Skill Activists Group 15.01.2005
