Summary
Right to Information (RTI) laws play a crucial role in facilitating public access to information, which can strengthen the transparency and accountability of state institutions and support anti-corruption efforts. However, disparities in the degree of enforcement of RTI legislation hinder its ability to ensure citizen access and governmental accountability. This Helpdesk Answer explores the enforcement of RTI laws, highlighting the challenges faced and emerging best practices to address them across three primary models: judicial enforcement, non-judicial enforcement by Information Commission(er)s, and through softer means of ensuring compliance with RTI rulings such as non-binding decisions by Ombudsperson offices.

Enforcement of the right to information: challenges and best practices