In 2010 Advocacy activities of IDFI (Institute for Development of Freedom of Information) were related to Freedom of information, development of Media and Internet, Access of information and importance of e-governance; IDFI Analysts have been suggesting their ideas and legislative proposals to the government and society;
The participant countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and the USA) of international conference “Freedom of Information at Caucasus Region“ (8-11 May, 2009) discussed several solutions, such as creating joint strategy and effective network due to answer the problems in the region. The meeting covered the issues of Soviet influence at representative countries. Citizens did not have access to information and the vast majority of the population does not know about the Law on Information.
On June 18th, 2009 twelve members of Council of Europe signed the Convention on Access to Official Documents. As it was mentioned during the meeting, this convention can provide legal basis, and ensure minimal standards for accessing information. Despite of the fact that there were controversial opinions about the treaty NGOs from signature countries requested ratification of the convention;
The first meeting of Media club took place within the project on October 1st, 2010. The representatives of media got acquainted to the main directions of the project. Simultaneously, meeting attendees highlighted importance of recommendations from media about significant and interesting public information, because they are one who provide society with public information.
In conclusion, throughout 2010 the main strategies of the organization for advocating recommendations and opinions were following:
o Negotiations, consultations and meetings with various stakeholders, including representatives from the media, non-governmental sector, state institutions and business.
o Holding conferences and presentations;
o Spreading statements and introducing positions to broader society;
o Establishing network coalitions;
o Working out recommendations and introducing them to various branches of the government;
o Initiating draft laws;
o Holding information campaigns and attracting supporters.