WHEREAS access to public information is a fundamental right and an essential pillar for the exercise of freedom of the press and the strengthening of democratic institutions
IAPA Midyear Meeting. April 23 - 24, 2026.
WHEREAS access to public information is a fundamental right and an essential pillar for the exercise of freedom of the press and the strengthening of democratic institutions
WHEREAS in various countries of the region, such as Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States, and Venezuela, undue restrictions on access to information have been recorded, including arbitrary limitations on press conferences, interviews, and news coverage; the imposition of discretionary accreditation requirements; unjustified delays in the release of information; and the abusive use of legal exceptions
WHEREAS such practices hinder the work of journalists and media outlets, limit transparency in public administration, and affect the public’s right to be informed
WHEREAS equitable and non-discriminatory access to official sources and to information of public interest is essential to guarantee pluralism and accountability
WHEREAS the use of administrative or judicial mechanisms to restrict access to information may have an intimidating effect and foster self-censorship
WHEREAS States are obligated, in accordance with international standards, to guarantee access to public information under the principles of maximum disclosure, timeliness, and non-discrimination, among others.
THE IAPA MIDYEAR MEETING RESOLVES
To condemn undue restrictions on access to public information and official sources that affect the free exercise of journalism
To urge States to guarantee full, timely, and non-discriminatory access to public information, eliminating administrative barriers or practices that unjustifiably limit this right
To call on authorities to refrain from imposing arbitrary accreditation requirements or restrictive conditions for journalists’ access to press conferences and official activities
To request that effective compliance with access to information laws be ensured, guaranteeing timely, complete, and well-founded responses to requests
To promote the review and adaptation of legal frameworks and administrative practices to align them with Inter-American and international standards on access to information.
