Source: http://www.rti-rating.org/view_country/?country_name=Guinea
Timestamp: 2017-03-28 06:13:26
Document Index: 637919809

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art 17', 'Art 11', 'Art 12', 'Art 11', 'Art 16', 'Art 16', 'Art 18', 'Art 13', 'Art 22']

GuineaName of law : Organic Law on The Right of Access to Public InformationFirst adopted : 2010
Right of Access	6	2 Scope	30	27 Requesting procedures	30 14	Exceptions	30 9	Appeals	30 4 Sanctions	8	2 Promotional measures	16	6 TOTAL	150	64 Introduction: There are some strong aspects of this law, most notably its very broad scope and reasonably clear procedural mechanisms. However the law contains no indication that it trumps conflicting legislation and many of the exceptions are not harm tested. The law also has no public interest override, no sunset clauses, no severability clause, and no requirement that refusals be accompanied by an explanation and notification of appeal mechanisms. Guinea also scored extremely poor on its appeals structure, but that is partially due to the fact that the appeals lie with the either the Ombudsman or the National Independent Human Rights Institution and our reviewer was unable to locate information regarding the composition of procedural mechanisms of either. This problem was compounded by the fact we were not assisted by a local expert in compiling this rating. Absent these difficulties Guinea likely would have scored between 8-12 points higher. Right of Access Indicator Description Scoring instructions MAX score Findings Points Article Comments
Article 7 of the Constitition: "Il est libre de croire, de penser et de professer sa foi religieuse, ses opinions politiques ou philosophiques.
Il est libre de s'instruire et de s'informer aux sources accessibles à tous."
"General right to access information" doesn't quite cut it.
Partially Article 1: "The right of access to public information is guaranteed in accordance with the
provisions of article 7 of the Constitution.
Access to information is a fundamental right of
everyone bringing together freedom of
information and the right to information. Every person, irrespective
of nationality or profession, can request and obtain information wherever without having to justify the purpose of the
The public body, or any considered as such, has a responsibility to assist requesters in their search for information."
Article 1 provides a right of access to all persons, but does not specify whether this extends to legal persons.
3: "According to the present organic law and its regulations, a
- Document: all information recorded in any form, however its nature, its subject or origin;
- Public body: all structures created by the state or its decentralized bodies
- Organ similar to a public body: all structures that are part of a public body, all bodies controlled, or receiving majority of its funding from the state, or all
private bodies to which the state or its decentralized structures have assigned a mission."
5: "Subject to the
exceptions listed in chapter IV of the present organic law, and without
justifying the reason for the request, every person has the right to obtain information held by
public bodies or affiliated structures.
The following documents are accessible: legislative and regulatory texts, documents, reports,
studies, reviews, minutes, statistics, directives, instructions, circulars, manuals of administrative
procedures, opinions, decisions, vacancy announcements, and call for tenders."
6: "The right of access to information implies consulting a document produced or
preserved by a public body or an affiliated structure and to make notes, obtain copies or photocopies and to obtain on electronic format."
Article 3 seems to provide a broad definition of documents, but the inclusive list in Article 5 might be seen as restricting access to what is enumerated. Article 6 expands the definition to include information produced or preserved by public bodies.
Article 5 and 6 seems to limit it to existing documents.
YES 3: "According to the present organic law and its regulations, a
Article 3 provides an extremely broad definition of public bodies.
YES 1: "The right of access to public information is guaranteed in accordance with the
Access to information is a fundamental
right of everyone bringing together freedom of
The public body,
or any considered as such, has a responsibility to assist requesters in their search for information."
14 Requesters are only required to provide the details necessary for identifying and delivering the information (i.e. some form of address for delivery).Score Max 2 points and deduct if requesters are required to give any of the following: ID number, telephone number, residential address, etc.2 NO Requests must include "full particulars" of the individual. Absent a definition, this scores a zero as it could include requirements for ID numbers, telephone numbers, residential addresses and other personal information.
15 There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law.Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. 2 YES 10: "Every person who desires to obtain a document should make a request to the public body or affiliated structure that is in possession of it.
This request can be written or oral. The written request should contain the full particulars of the requestor, a clear and precise indication of the document and the form in which it is required. The requestor must sign the request.
An oral request is recorded with the same indications in a register and endorsed by the requestor."
Requests can be oral or written - Article 10. No stringent requirements are listed
16 Public officials are required provide assistance to help requesters formulate their requests, or to contact and assist requesters where requests that have been made are vague, unduly broad or otherwise need clarification. Score 1 point for help in formulation and 1 point for clarification procedures2 Partially 1: "The right of access to public information is guaranteed in accordance with the
Access to information is a fundamental right of everyone bringing together freedom of information and the right to information. Every person, irrespective
17: "A public body or assimilated structure is not obliged to respond to requests for
information that are manifestly imprecise, a nuisance or which have been recently responded to following a request from the same person.
A request is considered imprecise
if it does specify the information requested or contains very
unspecific description of the information.
A request is considered a nuisance if related to information that has been previously provided to the requestor or deemed to be known by him/her by virtue of his/her function or profession."
Article 1 contains a general duty to assist, but Art 17 precludes clarification procedures.
17 Public officials are required to provide assistance to requesters who require it because of special needs, for example because they are illiterate or disabled.Score Yes=2 point, No=02 YES 1: "The right of access to public information is guaranteed in accordance with the
Access to information is a fundamental right of everyone bringing together freedom of
Article 1 contains a general duty to assist
19 Clear and appropriate procedures are in place for situations where the authority to which a request is directed does not have the requested information. This includes an obligation to inform the requester that the information is not held and to refer the requester to another institution or to transfer the request where the public authority knows where the information is held.Score: 1 point for information not held, 1 for referrals or 2 for transfers2 Partially 11: "The head of the access to information service of the public body or affiliated structure to whom a request is referred is obliged to provide assistance
to the requestor and to respond in a
maximum of 20 working days in clear, precise and complete language.
Where a request concerns information that can save the life or liberty of a person, the deadline to respond is reduced to 48 hours maximum.
Where the respect of the deadline mentioned in paragraph 1 of the present article will seriously hamper operations because of difficulties associated with finding this information, the public body or affiliated body concerned, can send a written notification of extension before the
expiration of the deadline. This extension should not go beyond 30 working days.
Where an administration or service does not possess the information requested, it is required to assist the requestor to identify the administration or service that holds the information."
Art 11 - requirement to assist requester in finding correct agency
20 Public authorities are required to comply with requesters’ preferences regarding how they access information, subject only to clear and limited overrides (e.g. to protect a record).Score: 2 points for Yes, only 1 point if some limitations2 NO 12: "The head of a public body and/or assimilated structure who provides a favourable response to a request for access to information, must state the modalities of providing it and any
fees due as the case may be.
He can notably provide for consultation of all or in part of the document within the premises of the service having the information, provide a copy or photocopy of the document requested, or a compilation or resume of the information requested on paper or electronic form."
Art 12 - form of delivery seems up to the agency
22 There are clear and reasonable maximum timelines (20 working days or less) for responding to requests, regardless of the manner of satisfying the request (including through publication).Score: 1 point for timeframes of 20 working days (or 1 month, 30 days or 4 weeks). Score 2 points for 10 working days (or 15 days, or two weeks) or less.2 Partially 11: "The head of the access to information service of the public body or affiliated structure to whom a request is referred is obliged to provide assistance
maximum of 20 working days in clear, precise and complete language."
23 There are clear limits on timeline extensions (20 working days or less), including a requirement that requesters be notified and provided with the reasons for the extension.---2 Partially 11: "The head of the access to information service of the public body or affiliated structure to whom a request is referred is obliged to provide assistance
Art 11 - 30 working days, with notification. 1 point because the period is too long, and because there's no requirement for an explanation.
24 It is free to file requests.Score: No=0, Yes=2 points2 YES 14: "Access to documents and information in the possession of public bodies and/or
affiliated structures is free.
However, considering the nature and size of the document, the requestor may be asked to pay an amount that does not exceed the actual cost of the copies or photocopies of the document.
A decree of the minister of finance will set fees and payment procedures."
25 There are clear rules relating to access fees, which are set centrally, rather than being determined by individual public authorities. These include a requirement that fees be limited to the cost of reproducing and sending the information (so that inspection of documents and electronic copies are free) and a certain initial number of pages (at least 20) are provided for free. Score 1 point for fees being limited to reproduction and delivery costs and set centrally, 1 point for at least 20 pages free of charge or for fees being optional2 YES 14: "Access to documents and information in the possession of public bodies and/or
29 The exceptions to the right of access are consistent with international standards. Permissible exceptions are: national security; international relations; public health and safety; the prevention, investigation and prosecution of legal wrongs; privacy; legitimate commercial and other economic interests; management of the economy; fair administration of justice and legal advice privilege; conservation of the environment; and legitimate policy making and other operations of public authorities. It is also permissible to refer requesters to information which is already publicly available, for example online or in published form.Score 10 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which either (a) falls outside of this list and/or (b) is more broadly framed10 Partially 16: "The Information Officer of an administration to whom request is made is not required
- Information already made public by posting or press release;
- Information confidentially received from a third party;
- Information concerning state security institutions or that which is held by them;
- Information regarding on-going judiciary proceedings;
- Information whose disclosure will cause serious prejudice to secrets protected by law;
- Information likely to endanger the life, health or security of persons or their property;
- Information whose disclosure is likely to cause the commission of an offense;
- Information whose disclosure could be prejudicial to relations with a state or an international organization;
- Information on an uncompleted inspection, monitoring or investigation mission;
- Personal information likely violate privacy and dignity of a person;
Also, an organization can refuse to disclose commercial and confidential information if:
a- The information was obtained through a third party and if their disclosure can constitute a release of confidential information which is subject to prosecution;
b- The information was confidentially received form a third party and if it contains commercial or industrial secrets or if its disclosure will seriously prejudice the commercial or financial interests of a third party;
c- The information was confidentially obtained from a state or an international organization and if their disclosure can prejudice relations with that state or international organization."
Art 16: Info confidentially received from a third party (overly broad), information deemed to be known by him/her by virtue of his/her function or profession
30 A harm test applies to all exceptions, so that it is only where disclosure poses a risk of actual harm to a protected interest that it may be refused. Score 4 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which is not subject to the harm test 4 Partially 16: "The Information Officer of an administration to whom request is made is not required
Art 16 - info concerning state security institutions, Information whose disclosure could be prejudicial to relations with a state or an international organization (Could is not an appropriate harm test);The information was confidentially received form a third party and if it contains commercial or industrial secrets... - no harm test for secrets.
36 The law offers an internal appeal which is simple, free of charge and completed within clear timelines (20 working days or less).Score 2 points if the internal appeal fulfills these criteria, 1 point if an appeal is offered that does not fulfill this criteria, 0 for no internal appeals.2 NO 18: "Following a denial of access and an unsuccessful appeal through hierarchy, the aggrieved requestor
can make an informal appeal to the Ombudsman in accordance with the
provisions of article 127 and following of the Constitution. This appeal procedure can be exercised within two months following denial of access."
Art 18 mentions an appeal through the hierarchy - but contains no details on how this works.
37 Requesters have the right to lodge an (external) appeal with an independent administrative oversight body (e.g. an information commission or ombudsman). 1 for partial, 2 for yes2 YES 18: "Following a denial of access and an unsuccessful appeal through hierarchy, the aggrieved requestor
44 Requesters have the right to lodge a judicial appeal.1 for partially, 2 for fully.2 YES 19: "An aggrieved requestor whose internal appeal fails can also lodge an appeal to the President of the Court of First Instance or the Magistrates Court in the jurisdiction of the accused
45 Appeals to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are free of charge and do not require legal assistance.1 for free, 1 for no lawyer required. 2 NO Appeals can be made to either the Ombudsman or the National Independent Human Rights Institution, but no information was available regarding the nature of how these appeals work.
50 Sanctions may be imposed on those who wilfully act to undermine the right to information, including through the unauthorised destruction of information.Score 1 point for sanctions for underming right, 1 point for destruction of documents 2 YES 13: "Any denial of access to information or a document that is available must be justified by provisions of this law.
Subject only to the exceptions listed in articles 16 and 17 of this organic law; all authorities
to whom a request for information is sent should provide a response.
Silence on the part of any authority of a public body or affiliated structure who has received a request for information constitutes a breach of duty punishable by sanctions provided in articles 156 and 157 of the penal code."
22: "Any civil servant who intentionally subtracts, deletes or steals acts and titles in his possession or those given to him by virtue of his functions will be sanctioned in accordance with article 185 of the Penal Code."
24: "The civil servant or employee,
who without justification, delays or refuses to respond to
information request or intentional provides false information as defined in article 155 of the Penal Code to any user, will be sanctioned in accordance with articles 156 and 157 of the same code."
Art 13 provides sanctions for administrative silence. Art 22 and 24 provides further sanctions.
53 There are legal protections against imposing sanctions on those who, in good faith, release information which discloses wrongdoing (i.e. whistleblowers).Score 2 for strong protections, 1 for moderate protections2 NO Not in the law.
54 Public authorities are required to appoint dedicated officials (information officers) or units with a responsibility for ensuring that they comply with their information disclosure obligations.Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 YES 7: "Every public body or affiliated structure, depending on its size, should set up either a service, or an office in charge of disclosing information, inquires or documents requested.
The office should be accessible and indicated to users."
8: "Every public body or affiliated structure should appoint a civil servant or an employee in charge of information and ensure that the public has easy access to information about this civil servant or employee; especially his name, his role and his contact details.
This civil servant or employee in charge of information, should, in addition to obligations assigned to him by the present law, have the following
- Receive requests for information;
- Assist requestors;
- And ensure proper archiving of documents in view of making them available to requestors.
The rules of organization and functioning of services or offices in charge of access to information are established by decree or decision of the head of the public body or affiliated structure."
55 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, is given overall responsibility for promoting the right to information. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 Partially The National Human Rights Institution is tasked with protecting the right to information, but this isn't quite the same as promoting it.
57 A system is in place whereby minimum standards regarding the management of records are set and applied. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 Partially 8: "Every public body or affiliated structure should appoint a civil servant or an employee in charge of information and ensure that the public has easy access to information about this civil servant or employee; especially his name, his role and his contact details.
Article 8 - the dedicated official is supposed to work to insure proper archiving.
58 Public authorities are required to create and update lists or registers of the documents in their possession, and to make these public. Score Y/N, Y=2 points2 YES 15: "All public bodies and affiliated structures must in the general interest, publish and widely disseminate key information in the
following non-exhaustive domains, in an easily accessibly manner at least once a year:
- The description of the organization, its functions, its obligations and funding;
- Detailed information about the services it offers to the public;
- All specific procedures available to citizens to make requests or complaints about the actions of the organization or its failure to meet its obligations, as well as a resume of all requests, complaints, and other direct actions brought by citizens and responses provided by the organization or affiliated structure;
- A guide with necessary information on how the organization preserves data, the types and form of information it holds, categories of information it
publishes and procedures to follow to make a request for information;
- A description of the powers and duties of top officials and decision-making process;
- All the provisions, policy guidelines, rules, guides or manuals on how the organization carries out its functions;
- The contents of all its decisions and or policy guidelines adopted which have effects on citizens, as well as the reasons for these choices and all authorized
interpretations of these decisions and all information related to their context;
- All mechanisms or procedures through which citizens can make observations or in one way or another influence the formulation of these policy guidelines or the exercise of the powers of the organization."