BUDAPEST DECLARATION

As a result of the discussions on the CoE Convention and in reference to best-practices available elsewhere, the workshop led to the adoption of the "Budapest Declaration on the Right of Access to Information". 

The Declaration takes a progressive approach by underlining the need to recognize Access to Information as a fundamental human right, beyond the presently attributed status of fundamental freedom. Drafted by the forerunners of access to information worldwide, the document affirms that there is a need to continue to work on further expanding the CoE body of rules that guarantees the right of access to information both geographically - including all regions of the world - and across international bodies and institutions - such rules should bind not only States but also inter-governmental organizations and other bodies undertaking public functions.

The text of the Declaration (finalized on December 23, 2008) can be found here.