Information Commission complains about lack of access to information

The chairperson of South Sudan’s Information Commission Nicodemus Ajak Bior said lack of public relations offices at various government institutions is hindering access to information to the public and more especially to journalists and human rights agencies.

The chairperson of South Sudan’s Information Commission Nicodemus Ajak Bior said lack of public relations offices at various government institutions is hindering access to information to the public and more especially to journalists and human rights agencies.

Speaking on Wednesday in Juba during the commemoration of the International Day for the Universal Access to Information organized by UNESCO, Ajak said the current offices are mostly engaged on protocol work instead of offering services that include providing information to the public as stipulated in the South Sudan’s Media Act.

Ajak revealed that his office is working to advocate and educate government officials to offer the information to public. “Yes, I understand the act was passed by the council of ministers but some of them need to be educated about it so they can understand the importance of access to information,” Ajak said.

The commissioner disclosed that due to lack of office space and budget to implement the commission’s policy has led to the resignation of many employees including his deputy commissioner.

Meanwhile, UNESCO country director, Sardar Omar Alam, donated three computes and one printer to the commission for connectivity with technology and easy service delivery to the public.

Omar noted that access to information is very important for humanitarian agencies and journalists, and called on the government to ease access to information to all without conditions.