Open Records Laws › Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation No. 590/2008

Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation No. 590/2008 (የመገናኛ ብዙሃንና የመረጃ ማግኘት ነፃነት አዋጅ ቁጥር 590/2008)

RTI Rating: 110 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
30 days
Extension
30 days
Residency Required
None

30 days from receipt of request. Extension of up to 30 additional days permitted if request requires extensive search or consultation. Requester must be notified of extension.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written request to public body holding information', 'method': 'written'}

Submit written request to public body. Request must include applicant details, description of information, and preferred form of access. Part of broader media freedom law enacted 2008.

Required Elements

  • Applicant name and contact details
  • Description of information sought
  • Preferred form of access (inspection, copy, etc.)

Fees

Access to information is free. Reproduction costs may be charged at rates determined by regulation. Costs may be reduced or waived if applicant cannot afford them or if disclosure is in public interest.

Fee Waivers

  • Costs waived if applicant cannot afford them
  • Costs waived if disclosure is in public interest

Exemptions

  • National Defense and Security
    Information affecting national defense and security
  • International Relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Law Enforcement
    Information relating to investigation and enforcement
  • Commercial Information
    Commercial and financial information of third parties
  • Personal Privacy
    Personal information and privacy
  • Legal Privilege
    Information protected by legal privilege
  • Cabinet Documents
    Cabinet documents and policy deliberations
  • Fair Trial
    Information undermining fair trial rights

All exemptions subject to public interest override test. Information must be disclosed if public interest in disclosure outweighs harm to protected interest. Burden of proof on public body to justify refusal.

Appeal Process

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Three-tier system: internal complaint, Ethiopian Institution of the Ombudsman, judicial review. Ombudsman serves as oversight body but lacks binding enforcement powers (recommendations only).

Sources & References