Access to Public Information in Colombia Between Secrecy and Leakage

The purpose of this report is to illustrate the general landscape in the matter of access to public information in Colombia, with an emphasis in the journalistic environment. It is divided into three chapters: the first one details the status of this fundamental right in the country and discusses the most important aspects of the matter of regulation in Colombia and the practices carried out by government employees and journalists.

The second chapter summarizes three representative cases of strategic litigation, overtaken by the Foundation for Freedom of the Press (FLIP) in the matter of access to information. Through the chapter, the following subjects are analyzed: a) the rights of citizens who are affected by security issues to access the Risk Analysis performed by the National Police, b) the restrictions to freedom of information on the day of the presidential elections of the year 2010, and c) the obstacles in the processes of formal mechanisms in the matter of access to public information.

Finally, the last chapter offers general conclusions and recommendations directed to journalists, the national government and the Congress of the Republic of Colombia.