Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act of 2010, enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia, establishes the right of access to information as a fundamental right. This right aligns with the Constitution of Liberia, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. The Act asserts that this right includes the ability to request, receive, review, reproduce, and retain records and documents held by public bodies and private entities performing public functions or receiving public funds. The Act is based on the principle that public bodies hold information as agents of the public and custodians of the public good, thereby ensuring the public's right to be informed about the government and its functionaries. The Act provides definitions for key terms such as "Access to Information," "Public Bodies," "Public Functions," "Public Services," "Publication Scheme," and "Public Record," among others. It designates the Independent Human Rights Commission as the body responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of the Act. The Act also outlines the principles governing the construction, exercise, and protection of the right of access to information, emphasizing that everyone has a right of access to information generated, received, and held by public bodies.