The Campaign for Freedom of
Information in Scotland (CFoIS) turns 30 this year. And it is marking the
anniversary with a major seminar in Glasgow on Friday (26 September) exploring
whether FOI is part of the human rights agenda, and what still needs to be done
to improve the law in Scotland. The event is also Scotland’s celebration of
International Right to Know Day, which is on the 28 September.
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| Aidan O'Neil QC |
Leading public, employment and human
rights lawyer, Aidan O’Neil QC will address the issue of human rights and
freedom of information.
Carole
Ewart, Convenor of the CFoIS said
‘We are delighted that Aidan O’Neil can come and
address our seminar on this important topic. As constitutional issues across
the UK come up for discussion, we need to raise the importance of FOI and develop
thinking on the interdependence of human rights and access to information, so
we can inform debate on national and local issues.”
Another topic that will be discussed is the relative
health of FOI legislation, North and South of the border.
Carole
Ewart said
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| Carole Ewart |
“While
there have been things to celebrate in the last 30 years, there is still much
to be done. In particular the inclusion of Arms-Length bodies set up by public
authorities, and ‘public’ bodies like Registered Social Landlords. We are
concerned that Scotland is lagging behind the rest of the UK in maintaining a
progressive and effective FOI regime.”
The seminar is being held jointly with
Strathclyde University’s Centre for the Study of Human Rights Law at
2.00pm in the University’s Lord Hills Building. It is supported by the NUJ in
Scotland.
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