Every year on 28 September, the world observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a day dedicated to recognising that access to reliable, truthful, and timely information is not a privilege but a basic human right. Established by the United Nations in 2015, the day highlights that without access to information, people cannot fully participate in democracy, hold authorities accountable, or protect their lives and livelihoods, and for millions—especially in developing countries—access to accurate information can mean the difference between safety and harm.
The Power of Information
Information empowers people to demand justice, question authority, and fight corruption, strengthening societies and democratic institutions. Although many countries have laws guaranteeing the right to information, implementation remains uneven, and transparency works best when citizens can easily access and understand public data about government spending, public services, and legal protections.
Barriers Faced Around the World
Despite progress, millions of people still face serious barriers to information because of censorship, surveillance, restricted media freedom, government secrecy, limited internet access, and language barriers. Press restrictions, digital exclusion, and the dominance of English online leave large populations—especially non-English speakers—cut off from essential global knowledge.
The Digital Divide
Technology has transformed access to information, but it has also deepened inequality, particularly in rural and low-income regions where internet access remains limited. Women face an even wider digital gap in many parts of the world, and without universal connectivity and digital literacy, entire communities risk being excluded from education, economic opportunity, and civic participation.
Information and Human Rights
Access to information is closely linked to health, education, safety, and justice, not just media consumption. Experiences during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic showed that transparency and open data save lives, while misinformation and secrecy allow fear, rumours, and harm to spread faster than facts.
The Role of Journalism and Civil Society
Journalists, researchers, and civil society organisations play a vital role in informing the public and translating complex information into accessible language, particularly for rural and non-English-speaking communities. However, journalism has become increasingly dangerous, with reporters facing imprisonment, harassment, financial pressure, and censorship, making the defence of press freedom essential for real democracy.
A Call to Action
The International Day for Universal Access to Information reminds us that the right to know is the foundation of all other rights. Governments must strengthen transparency and media freedom, schools should teach critical information skills, technology companies must support linguistic diversity, and citizens must continue to demand accountability to ensure open and informed societies.
Information is power only when it belongs to everyone, regardless of wealth, language, gender, or geography. On this day, the world stands for a future where every person—whether living in a city, a village, or a refugee camp—has the right to learn, question, speak, and be heard, building societies that are strong, just, and truly democratic.