Freedom of Information Day
March 16, Sunday
History of the Day
Freedom of Information Day was established to honor the birthday of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, who is considered one of the primary advocates for freedom of speech and government transparency. Madison actively supported the right of citizens to access government information, which played a key role in the development of freedom of information laws in the U.S. and other countries around the world.
How is the day celebrated?
- Events focused on human rights and freedom of the press are organized on this day.
- Lectures and seminars are held on the right to access information and the fight for transparency in government affairs.
- Many organizations, both human rights and media-related, use this day to highlight the importance of information freedom for maintaining democracy.
- Social media campaigns are often launched to remind people of the importance of their right to access information and how this process can be improved.
Meaning of the Day
Freedom of Information Day reminds us that access to information is a crucial tool for maintaining democracy and ensuring government accountability. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting citizens' rights and supporting press freedom, which can monitor government actions and make that information accessible to the public.