IFLS holds an Academic Debate
The right to freedom of information is based on the fundamental premise that a government is supposed to serve the people. Information has been called ‘the oxygen of democracy’, essential for openness, accountability and good governance. It was based on this notion that the Ethiopian Government enacted a proclamation called " Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation No.590/2008 " In a bid to develop a culture of dialogue and debate between the University community, Ethiopian Civil Service University Institute of Federalism and Legal Studies in collaboration with Amicus Media Promotion and Communication held an Academic debate on the section three of this proclamation i.e. the right to access to information.
Dr. Solomon Abay, Director of Institute of Federalism and Legal Studies said in the opening of the debate that
"apart from being a medium for raising awareness of the public on the issue of the debate, Academic debates have great contribution in strengthening the culture of discussion and dialogue."
Dr.Solomon also said such kinds of debates can also instigate researchers to conduct researches and enable people to have informed opinions.
The debate was held by students from Institute of Federalism and Legal Studies. The students grouped in to two and presented their arguments in favor and against the practicality of the proclamation with respect to the right to access to information.
The group that oppose the idea that the proclamation guarantee the right to access to information raised points such as the lengthy time frame to provide information by the government body, the excessive power given to the public relations officer to reject the request for information and the ten days time set to get urgent information as drawback for the full implementation of the proclamation. The group that favors the proclamation properly address the information need of the public on their counter argument said the information which are subject to prohibition are mentioned in the proclamation and all the other information are accessible to the public. They also said the time frame set to access the information is the maximum time that the public relations officer should avail.
At the end of the debate Ato Endeshaw H/Gebereil, General Manager of Amicus Media Promotion and Communication thanked the University for helping them conduct the debate and looking forward to work together.
Instructors in the institute participated in moderating and judging the session.