The Syrian Future Movement, along with the free peoples of the world, commemorates the International Day for the Right to Information, which falls on September 28th of each year. This day was officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015 as an annual event to emphasize that the right to access information is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy and an essential condition for practicing effective citizenship.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that this right, a natural extension of freedom of opinion and expression, cannot be separated from people’s aspirations for good governance, accountability, and transparency. In light of the decades of blackout, monopolization of knowledge, and concealment of facts that Syria has witnessed, consolidating this principle in the new Syria is a national necessity that cannot be postponed.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that building a state of law and institutions requires:
- Clear constitutional provisions that guarantee citizens’ right to access public information.
- Effective legislation that obliges official bodies to disclose information and criminalizes the withholding of information without legal justification.
- A free and responsible media capable of conveying the truth, holding the authorities accountable, and enlightening public opinion.
- Independent civil society institutions that monitor, demand, and participate in formulating public policies.
- A new societal culture that elevates knowledge and educates generations on the fact that the right to information is a right to dignity and freedom.
The Syrian Future Movement, a movement that believes in a pluralistic, civil, and free Syria, places this day at the heart of its national project and renews its commitment to working to entrench this right in the conscience of the Syrian citizen and in the structure of the future Syrian state.
As we commemorate this occasion, we pledge to our people to work with all national forces to ensure that the truth is always within reach, that knowledge is a weapon against injustice, and a tool in building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its sons.
