About the Project
In 2002 the founding organizations of the Freedom of Information Advocates Network decided to declare September 28 a symbolic Day of Free Access to Information, which became known as the Right to Know Day, or the I-Day. This day provides an opportunity for NGOs to promote rights to information in their countries. In Slovakia the day is promoted via the INFOcin contest.
The Contest
The contest covers the preceding year and is divided into two categories. A Friendly Deed looks at the active and forthcoming approach by the administration, the quality of service providers, publicizing information above and beyond the requirements of the legal framework, and at creative approaches to publicizing information. An Enemy Deed considers the repeated refusal of information provision, failure to observe deadlines, reasons for refusal and intimidation of information seekers, as well as attempts to interfere in legislation.
Nominations
Nominations can be given to individual administrative offices and/or specific individuals responsible for the provision of information in line with the law. The general public and organizations can present their nominations by post or by emailing NOS-OSF at viktoria@osf.sk by submitting a completed nomination form available at www.infocin.sk.
Jury
An independent jury consisting of public figures from the social, public and cultural spheres, as well as NGO representatives chooses the winners in both categories. The results are announced annually on September 28 on the “Right to Know“ day.
Previous Rounds
The first two rounds were entitled A Friend and An Enemy of Information. In 2005 the new name INFOcin of the Year was adopted. This better expresses the aims of the contest, i.e. monitoring access to information and/or specific deeds in the provision of information by individuals and organizations.
The first round was held in 2003 and covered nominations for January 2001 to September 2003. The Environmental Lobbying Facility (ELF) in cooperation with Changenet.sk and the Ekopolis Foundation organized it.
The second round was organized by the Open Society Foundation and covered nominations for September 2003 to August 2004. Further information is available at www.infocin.sk.
Program manager
Viktória Mlynárčíková