Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative India

This article discusses how the

Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has used information technology (IT) to
promote the right to information in Commonwealth member states. The CHRI,
according to Devasher, believes that "the right to information is fundamental
for the realisation of economic, social, civil and political rights."
She notes that at the time of writing 10 Commonwealth nations have passed
right to information laws, which guarantee the public access to government
information. This information, according to Devasher, can be used to

• promote good governance and inclusive democracy;
• facilitate participatory development;
• support equitable economic growth; and
• bolster media capacity

To leverage information to these ends, Deveshar tells us the internet is "a powerful media, enabling better coordination between governments, civil
society organisations and individuals working on the right to information across
the Commonwealth and its sub-regions," CHRI leverages information and
communication technologies (ICT) as a core component of their engagement
strategy by:

• providing links to right to information resources, and archives of important right to information legislation
• establishing and strengthening partnerships through information sharing and email
• publishing and circulating useful information in newspapers, journals and newsletters