What problem are you solving?:

Corruption is perceived to be one of the key problems facing transitional Western Balkans societies and their political, judicial and executive institutions. Addressing the lack of transparency through disclosure of public information is a key precondition for developing open societies, while freedom of information (FOI) legislation provides a powerful tool for prevention and exposure of corruption. Countries in Western Balkans adopted their FOI legislation with a range of shortcomings which have created challenges and obstacles during implementation. Citizens rarely request information from institutions due to fear of the system, low awareness of their rights and lack of understanding of how to use the legal mechanisms available. Only a small number of NGOs and investigative journalists are actively using FOI as tool for fighting corruption and monitoring operations of the government.

Describe your idea:

Through the strategic partnership with Transparency International chapters from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, MANS would coordinate submission of requests for access to public information in three countries and place the replies to the regional portal, which would also provide legal aid and support to media, academics and NGO’s. Portal would also offer advises on how to access information in all of three countries. Furthermore, if any person would be interested in any public information from three countries in question, this portal would offer possibility to pose a request, through our partners, to compare similar information from regional countries or to research on already posed questions and obtained answers

What country will this operate in?: Montenegro

Who are you?:

MANS is the partner of Transparency International for Montenegro and a non-governmental organisation that supports the development of Montenegro and poverty reduction by promoting good governance and strengthening citizens participation in the decision-making process.
MANS is dedicated to raising public awareness of social, economic and civic rights; supporting citizens and their associations to participate actively in the development, implementation and monitoring of social policies; and promoting cooperation and the exchange of information between all social groups.

Strategic Goals and Objectives for 2009-2011:
1. Significantly reduce corruption
2. Increase the level of active participation of citizens in formulating development policies and combating corruption
3. Make governance more transparent, accountable and responsive in the ways which eliminate corruption and increase the level of active citizenship