The Right To Information Unit (RTIU) in Vanuatu has clarified that the gazetting of the Act gives effect to preparations for the first phase of the implementation process.
This follows the formal gazetting of the Right to Information (RTI) Act by the State Law Office on February 6, 2017.
PACNEWS reports the RTI Act requires three stages of implementation covering a period of nearly five years.
The first phase will begin within six month from the date of gazettal during which only those departments and agencies that are covered under a Ministerial Order from the Prime Minister, will be required to give information under the Act. This will be followed by another 24 months during which more government departments and line agencies will be identified and declared under the Second Ministerial Order to comply with the Act.
Departments and agencies not covered in the first and second phase will be on the last list of agencies on the final and Third Ministerial Order.
In preparation for the first phase, the RTI Unit has this week disbursed baseline assessment forms to all government departments and agencies, including all government statutory bodies which will be filled in and returned by the end of this month. The form aims to assess and identify certain agencies that are potentially ready with human, finance and ICT resources, to begin implementation.
The RTI Consultation sessions with Director Generals, along with their directors, chief executive officers and heads of their respective divisions and units have also been scheduled for separate meetings throughout this year.
The sessions come in line with the National RTI policy and is part of the first phase of the RTI Implementation Plan. It will give an overview on what each, ministry, departments and agencies are expected to do in preparation for the implementation of the RTI law. This will include a new structure consisting of a position for the RTI Officer.
The consultation sessions will also help departments and agencies put in place their respective Agency Action Plans to ensure they respond positively to requests for information.
The gazetting of the RTI Act reflects the continued commitment of the Charlot Salwai led-coalition Government to the United Nations Conventions on Human Rights signed by Vanuatu.