Freedom of Information Policy

Scope of the policy

This policy applies to all individual requests to access or obtain public, non-protected information produced by the Secretariat.

This policy does not apply to the following protected information:

1. Information whose disclosure may harm the national security of the state, its policies, interests, or rights.
2. Military and security information.
3. Information and documents obtained under an agreement with another state and classified as protected.
4. Investigations, inspections, seizures, or surveillance related to a crime, violation, or threat.
5. Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations for legislation or a government decision that has not yet been issued.
6. Commercial, industrial, financial, or economic information whose disclosure would lead to unlawful profit or avoidance of loss.
7. Scientific or technical research, or intellectual property rights whose disclosure may infringe moral rights.
8. Information related to tenders, bids, or auctions whose disclosure may compromise fair competition.
9. Information deemed confidential or personal under another law, or requiring specific legal procedures to access or obtain it.

Key principles of freedom of information

• Transparency:Every individual has the right to access information related to the activities of public entities to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Necessity and proportionality:Any restriction on accessing or obtaining protected information must be clearly and explicitly justified.
• Disclosure as the default:Every individual has the right to access public, non-protected information without demonstrating a specific status or interest and shall not face legal liability for exercising this right.
• Equality:All requests to access or obtain public information shall be handled equally and without discrimination.

Individual rights regarding public information

1. The right to access and obtain any non-protected information held by a public entity.
2. The right to know why access to or provision of the requested information was refused.
3. The right to appeal a decision rejecting a request to access or obtain the requested information.

Main requirements for public information requests

1. Submit a written or electronic request using the Public Information Request Form approved by the Secretariat.
2. The request must be for the purpose of accessing or obtaining public information.
3. The form must state how the final decision and notifications should be delivered to the applicant, such as by national address, email, or official entity website.
4. Send the completed request form directly to the Secretariat by email.

Main steps for accessing or obtaining information

1. Submit an official information request through the Secretariat’s approved communication channels.
2. The request is referred to the Center for Higher Education Studies and Services for review and a decision within 14 working days of receipt.
3. Approval:When a request is approved fully or partially, the applicant is notified in writing or electronically of any applicable fees for providing the information.
4. Rejection:The applicant is notified in writing or electronically of the reasons for rejection, where possible, and how to exercise the right to appeal.
5. Extension:If the request cannot be processed within the specified period, the applicant is notified of the expected completion date and how to exercise the right to appeal.
6. Notification:If the requested information is available on the Secretariat’s website or falls outside its jurisdiction, the applicant is notified accordingly and told how to exercise the right to appeal.
7. Appeal:An applicant may submit a written or electronic appeal to the Center within 10 working days of receiving the rejection decision. The Appeal Committee reviews the request, makes the appropriate decision, and notifies the applicant of any review fee, which is refunded if the request is approved, and the appeal decision.