Reporters Committee marks International Right to Know Day

As International Right to Know day is celebrated around the world on Sept. 28, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press takes this opportunity to note the importance of preserving — and for some nations, acquiring — the right to access government information and attend government meetings is crucial to any participatory democracy.

"As the capacity for people around the world to communicate increases exponentially, we need to work to ensure that reporters and citizens trying to share information that will make their leaders more accountable are not intimidated, imprisoned and even killed as they pursue their right to report the truth,” said Reporters Committee Executive Director Lucy A. Dalglish.

"As we celebrate progress in the ability to access documents and meetings around the world, we must remain vigilant against those who would seek to stifle the flow of information, fight against those intrusions on freedom," she said. "The Reporters Committee continues to do its part offering assistance and resources to all journalists working in the United States as they gather and disseminate the news.”

About the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Founded in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press offers free legal support to thousands of working journalists and media lawyers each year. It is a leader in the fight against persistent efforts by government officials to impede the release of public information, whether by withholding documents or threatening reporters with jail. In addition to its 24/7 Legal Defense Hotline, the Reporters Committee conducts cutting-edge legal research, publishes handbooks and guides on media law issues, files frequent friend-of-the-court legal briefs and offers challenging fellowships and internships for young lawyers and journalists. For more information, go to www.rcfp.org, or follow us on Twitter @rcfp.