Beirut, Lebanon – April 3, 2025 – Only 40% of administrations proactively publish information, and less than 50% of national, and 25% of local administrations have assigned an information officer, revealed the first report on the “Compliance of Public Administrations with the Right of Access to Information Law”, produced by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The report was released during a high-level conference, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark (DANIDA), held at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut.

The event brought together local, national, and international stakeholders. His Excellency Judge Claude Karam, President of the NACC, delivered the opening address to an audience that included NACC commissioners and distinguished dignitaries, notably the Minister of Justice, Mr. Adel Nassar, representing Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and President of the Council of Ministers Dr Nawaf Salam, MP Mohammed Khawaja, representing the Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, and Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative. Ambassadors, ministers, members of the Lebanese Parliament, along with Directors General of public administrations, municipalities, and municipal unions, as well as civil society organizations and media representatives were also in attendance.

The event offered an opportunity to convene high-level discussions around the implementation of the Right of Access to Information Law which was enacted in 2017. It focused on strategies to strengthen the law, promote transparency, and reinforce anti-corruption efforts, marking an important step towards accountability and institutional reform, especially in light of Lebanon’s current governance challenges and the formation of the new government.

The discussion centered on the findings of the report, which was developed with the technical support of UNDP’s Anti-Corruption for Trust in Lebanon Project and informed by a comprehensive survey, highlighting notable successes and persistent challenges that must be addressed in implementing the law. Produced by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)—the body responsible for overseeing compliance—it represents the first assessment of its kind, covering over 1,400 administrations at both local and national levels, and it underscores the need for clear and accessible procedures for information requests to ensure effective compliance.

The report reveals that 70% of national-level respondents claim sufficient knowledge of the law, though often with misconceptions. It also finds that 76% of information requests were answered nationally, compared to 63% locally. It identifies key challenges, including weak institutionalization, legal ambiguities, and a lack of information officers, compounded by low proactive publication, poor responsiveness, and technical barriers. To address the multiple barriers standing in the way of compliance, it recommends appointing information officers, improving information management systems, strengthening enforcement, enhancing public sector training, and raising public awareness.

His Excellency Judge Claude Karam highlighted the Commission’s critical role in fostering transparency within public institutions: "Since assuming its duties, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has received more than fifty complaints related to violations of the Right of Access to Information. All these complaints were reviewed within the legal deadlines specified by law, and decisions were issued requiring administrations to provide information to those requesting it.”  He further stated: “In parallel with its primary role in implementing the Right of Access to Information Law, the Commission, despite the challenges it has faced and continues to face, has begun implementing all its duties stipulated in the law, particularly those related to receiving asset and interest declarations. It has received more than 20,000 declarations from legally obligated persons, which it is currently reviewing and auditing.”

Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s anti-corruption efforts: "The EU stands alongside its partners to encourage transparency, integrity, and the fight against corruption in Lebanon. We remain committed to support the implementation of reforms and laws, including the Right of Access to Information Law which will allow better governance and strengthening public trust in institutions.”

Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, cited the direct link between Lebanon’s Ministerial Statement and the importance of furthering the implementation of the Right of Access to Information Law and reflected on the broader impact of the report: "Despite the challenges and throughout all the crises that affected Lebanon, the Commission was able to examine the capacity of over 1400 public entities to fulfill their obligations under the law. UNDP has remained steadfast in supporting the NACC, recognizing its role in preventing corruption and enhancing transparency and accountability. "

A panel discussion at the event examined the future outlook on the Right of Access to Information Law’s implementation in Lebanon, focusing on key challenges, compliance trends, and actionable recommendations toward transparency reforms. It also addressed the legal framework, investigative journalism, governance structures, and institutional changes needed to enhance access to information. The panel also explored emerging technologies, including AI, and their potential to support open government and stronger compliance.

The report is now available for public access in both print and electronic formats on the Commission’s official website, serving as a key resource for policymakers, civil society, and the international community.

About NACC: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within Lebanon’s public sector. Established as part of the Law on Fighting Corruption in the Public Sector and the Establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and in line with Lebanon’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy, the NACC plays a pivotal role in enforcing the Right of Access to Information Law and other key anti-corruption laws and measures.

About UNDP: UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.
 

For more information, please contact

In UNDP – Lebanon    |    Maryam Sweid    |     Maryam.sweid@undp.org  |    +961 71 366 212 
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