Without proper authority in the AAIP, the right of access to public information is in danger
Organizations from all over the country requested an urgent meeting with the Chief of Cabinet of the Nation, Santiago Cafiero, to discuss the selection process of the highest authority of the AAIP – the control body of the Executive Power in matters of access to public information – given that the proposed candidate does not meet the suitability requirements for the position, as a result of the lack of relevant antecedents that demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to this human right.
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On February 17, the Chief of Staff of the Nation proposed as Director of the Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) of the Executive Branch the lawyer Gustavo Juan Fuertes, who does not have a track record related to transparency issues, access to public information or protection of personal data –see published CV-.
The Access to Information Agency has a task that is irreplaceable in the protection of this human right, which is in turn essential for a quality democracy in which citizens can know and actively participate in public affairs.
Their roles include not only that of resolving the claims of the petitioners and monitoring the proactive publication of information, but also of ensuring that the best standards are applied in the matter and that a citizen and state practice is stimulated that allows counting with an Open State based on the pillars of transparency, citizen participation and accountability. To this is added that it is the body in charge of protecting personal data and ensuring that the right to privacy is respected in our country.
The proper functioning of the AAIP requires officials with a high commitment in the subject and proven suitability in the matter. Otherwise, there is a risk that lower levels of transparency and openness of information will be tolerated in the hands of all the institutions under the orbit of the Executive Power (centralized, decentralized public administration bodies, State companies, concession companies public services, universities, political parties).
For this reason, and within the framework of the selection process open to citizens, it is important that the authorities are receptive to this type of objection from civil society and provide answers regarding the concerns raised. The Executive Power’s commitment to the right of access to public information must be reflected in the type of profile proposed to occupy this position, otherwise the right to know is at stake.
The organizations signing the petition are: Collective Action – Civil Association for Equality and Justice (ACIJ) – Concepción Data – Network Democracy – Environment and Natural Resources Foundation (FARN) – Open Knowledge Foundation – Legislative Directory Foundation – Guest Foundation – Women in Equality Foundation – Nuestra Mendoza Foundation – Foundation for the Study and Research of Women (FEIM) – Fundamentals for Education (FundaEdu) – Foundation for the Development of Sustainable Policies (Fundeps) – Institute for Comparative Studies in Criminal and Social Sciences ( Inecip) – Public Policy Laboratory – PARES – Citizen Power – Our Córdoba Citizen Network – Transparent Salta.
The reception of observations on the proposed candidacy is open until March 15, as well as the registration period for the virtual public hearing -which will be held on March 23 at 9 a.m.- for the appointment of the authority of the AAIP of the Executive power. It is important that citizens participate in these processes, which help to strengthen democracy. Enrollment link
