FREEDOMINFO.ORG LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEB SITE

Now offers comprehensive resources on freedom of information laws by country

http://www.freedominfo.org

March 22, 2006 - Four years after its launch and more than 1 million hits later, freedominfo.org has a whole new look. But the dual mission of the site remains -- a virtual network linking freedom of information (FOI) movements globally and an institutional memory for transparency and access to information rights throughout the world. Freedominfo.org today introduces a new, comprehensive country-by-country section that gives users access to resources about FOI laws in more than 60 countries -- including background, legal texts, links to government bodies and organizations, and current news about the FOI movement in the country. As more countries move towards adopting FOI laws everyday, freedominfo.org provides vital tools for researchers, advocates, journalists, government officials, and members of the public to stay informed about the progress of the right to information around the world and in their own backyards.

The site will continue to publish up-to-date international FOI news as well as feature articles, reports, and case studies focusing on transparency and FOI issues worldwide and in international institutions. New featured stories include:

* the first installment in a series of reports by Maria Baron evaluating the transparency of legislatures in 20 countries;

* a review of "Sunshine Week," celebrated in the United States March 12-18 to raise awareness about open government;

* an article by Toby McIntosh detailing the role of FOI laws in international development agendas; and

* an update on the development of transparency policies in a number of international institutions.

freedominfo.org is a one-stop portal that describes best practices, consolidates lessons learned, explains campaign strategies and tactics, and links the efforts of freedom of information advocates around the world. It contains crucial information on freedom of information laws and how they were drafted and implemented, including how various provisions have worked in practice.