Speaking on behalf of the Carter Center at the launch of the Guidelines and Procedures for the Handling and Determination of FOI appeals at the Independent Information Commission (IIC) office recently, Atty. Alphonsus Zeon quoted the Center’s legal consultant, Counselor Tiawon Gongloe, as assuring that he will continue to support the IIC anytime it is confronted with problems.

He said it was gratifying that the guidelines and procedures have been launched, and urged all Liberians to take advantage of and make use of these guidelines.
Attorney Zeon then challenged the Commission to pursue its mandate without fear or favor.

Making remarks on behalf of UNDP Country Director, Dr. Kamil Kamaluddeen, UNDP Communication Officer Augusta McGill-Pshorr assured the UN agency’s continued support to the operations of the IIC.

She congratulated Liberia for being the first West African country to pass the FOI Law, noting, “This shows the commitment on the part of the Government of Liberia to uphold the tenets of democracy.”

The FOI law allows access by the general public to data held by national governments, and set the "right-to-know" legal process by which requests may be made for government-held information to be received freely or at minimal cost, barring standard exceptions.

Liberia signed the FOI Act on September 16, 2010, becoming the first country in
West Africa to pass the Act.
LINA TSS/PTK