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Yemen

Law No. 13 of 2012 on the Right of Access to Information

Law No. 13 of 2012 on the Right of Access to Information

RTI Rating: 105 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
15 days
Extension
15 days
Residency Required
None

15 working days from submission. May be extended for one additional period not exceeding 15 days if the request contains a large number of information or requires consultation with another party.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Required format - must be in writing using approved form', 'method': 'written_form'}
  • {'notes': 'Instant-mail accepted', 'method': 'email'}
  • {'notes': 'Postal mail accepted', 'method': 'postal_mail'}
  • {'notes': 'Direct attendance at the source of information or the National Center for Information', 'method': 'in_person'}

Request must include applicant's name, residential/work address, and sufficient details to enable staff to locate the requested information. Reasons for requests are not required. Additional facilities must be provided for illiterate persons and those with special needs. Filing requests is free; fees apply only for copying/reproduction at actual cost.

Required Elements

  • Applicant name
  • Residential or work address
  • Sufficient details to locate the requested information

Fees

Fees limited to actual reproduction and delivery costs only, excluding staff time. Inspection of documents and electronic copies are free. Fees charged only 'where appropriate' (optional, not mandatory).

Exemptions

  • Military and Defense
    Information related to weapons details, military operations, and defensive tactics
  • Foreign Relations
    Confidential diplomatic matters, defense and military alliances
  • Individual Safety
    Information disclosing threats to personal life or physical safety
  • Privacy
    Personal data violating individual privacy (unless connected to public official duties)
  • Commercial Interests
    Information breaching copyright, intellectual property rights, or fair competition
  • Confidential Exchanges
    Information from other countries provided under confidentiality agreements
  • Investigation and Prosecution
    Information that would hinder legal proceedings or ongoing investigations
  • Public Health and Safety
    Information endangering public welfare, health, or safety
  • Policy Development
    Information affecting ongoing governmental operations and policy formulation

Nine exemption categories under Article 24, with partial harm test requirements. Military/defense and confidential exchange exemptions lack explicit harm tests (mandatory). Most other exemptions require demonstrating actual harm risk (discretionary). NO public interest override exists - a significant weakness. Exemptions protecting public interests expire after 30 years (Article 27).

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

Law No. 13/2012 provides a single external appeal to the Commissioner-General for Information (ministerial-level position with 4-year terms). No internal review mechanism exists. Commissioner decisions are binding with 7-day compliance requirement. Limited oversight independence due to Presidential appointment. RTI Rating score: 19/30 for appeals.

Sources & References