The Independent Information Commission has taken decisive steps to strengthen public awareness of its mandate by partnering with civil society organizations to educate them on the legal framework underpinning its operations.
Established in 2010 by an act of the 52nd Legislature, the IIC is tasked with promoting transparency and accountability through the enforcement of Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
One notable beneficiary of this initiative is the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL). On Wednesday, October 6, 2025, the IIC hosted a day-long FOI awareness training for WONGOSOL officials at its headquarters on Capital Bypass, Monrovia. The event convened leaders from various women-led organizations, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to inclusive civic engagement.
The selection of WONGOSOL as a key partner is strategic. The organization has consistently collaborated with the IIC to educate communities—particularly women—on their right to access public information. This partnership amplifies the reach of FOI education and reinforces the role of women in promoting democratic governance.
Freedom of information is not merely a procedural tool; it is a cornerstone of democratic societies and a fundamental human right.
Globally, instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirm the right to seek, receive, and impart information. Liberia’s own Constitution echoes these principles, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to transparency.
Liberia’s FOI Act, signed into law on September 16, 2010, grants all citizens the legal right to access information held by public institutions.
The law outlines clear procedures for submitting requests, mandates the appointment of Public Information Officers in every public agency, and provides mechanisms for internal and judicial review in cases of denial or dissatisfaction.
