Beirut: On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, Transparency International Lebanon - No Corruption (TI-LB) announced the completion of the "Right to Know" project, aimed at enhancing local communities' capacity to exercise the Right of Access to Information Law and empowering individuals to promote transparency within municipalities and local administrations. With joint funding from the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark (DANIDA), the project was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with civil society organizations across Jdeideh-Metn, Akkar, and Tripoli.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, over a period of six months, the project supported the development of knowledge and capacities among 400 individuals-70% of whom were women-on the Right of Access to Information Law and its practical implementation. Participants successfully submitted 10 official information requests to the relevant authorities, all receiving formal responses, demonstrating the importance of understanding these mechanisms.
The project concluded with a conference attended by Ms. Faten Abu Hassan, representing the Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Brigadier General Ahmed Hajjar. Representatives of local and national administrations, experts, civil society activists, and project beneficiaries discussed the realities of implementing the law, challenges related to weak proactive disclosure, and the need to strengthen trust between citizens and public institutions.
Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, Mr. Cyril Dewaleyne, emphasized that access to information is a powerful tool to prevent corruption and rebuild trust, making public services fairer and more efficient. UNDP Lebanon Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Thair Shraideh, highlighted that the project demonstrated the path to accountability and engaging people as the foundation for reform.
Participants in the sessions included MP George Okaiss, Dr. Kleib Kleib, Ms. Natacha Sarkis, Mr. Julien Courson, presidents of municipalities, and civil society organizations. Discussions focused on implementing the Right of Access to Information Law and practical lessons from the project's field-level implementation. The dialogue highlighted challenges and opportunities, resulting in recommendations to strengthen the law's implementation and improve proactive disclosure.
The conference concluded by stressing the importance of building knowledge on the Right of Access to Information Law and strengthening municipalities' roles as key partners in reform. The "Right to Know" project's completion reflects a commitment to fostering transparency and enhancing individuals' ability to pursue accountability, contributing to rebuilding trust between local communities and public administrations.