"The right to freedom of expression and access to information falls within the category of civil and political rights. As an ‘empowering right’, it facilitates the implementation of other human rights such as the right to participation in political and public life. The ability to exercise this right is also a key precondition for economic and social development and good governance. People are only able to form an opinion and make informeddecisions if they have free access to information and public debate. People are only able to communicate their concerns andneeds to governments and state authorities and ensure these are taken into account if they are free to express themselves without fear. To ensure that governance is transparent and that governmentscan be effectively called to account, the media and civil society must be free to gather and disseminate information on the actions of states. This e-info tool aims to: define and clarify the scope of the human rightto freedom of expression and access to information; give an overview of the structures in place to protectand implement this right; provide information on the role of development cooperation in this context." (Introduction)