By Indicator detail

Please find below the lists of indicators that have been used to analyse each law. You can click on each of them and you will get the result for that indicator in each country.

Country	Description	Scoring instructions	Max score	Finding	Points	Article	Comments
Afghanistan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	24 (1) The decision of the Commission is final and shall be implemented following its declaration. (2) Where any institution fails to comply with a decision of the Commission, the Commission may notify the competent authorities in writing.
Albania	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 24. Paragraph 5: "The Freedom of Informational and Protection of Personal Data Commissioner decides:[...] B) acceptance of the appeal and ordering the public authority to provided the required information,in full or in part; [...] D) the deadline within which the public authority must comply with the order Article 18: "Failure to implement the provisions of this Law entails administrative liability, as per the cases provided for in point 2 of this Article. 2. The actions and inactions, in accordance with this Law to the extend they do not constitute a criminal offence, are considered administrative offenses and are fined as follows: [...] (q) non-disclosure of official documents, contrary to the rules in force, with the intention to obstruct the right to information is punishable by 150 000 to 300 000 ALL." Article 21. Paragraph 3: "For violations provided for in letters and of point 2, Article 18 of this Law, the Commissioner for Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Data may propose disciplinary measures against the responsible persons." Article 23. Paragraph 1: "1. The Decision of the Commissioner for Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Data to fine is notified to the head of the public authority and the finance office."
Antigua and Barbuda	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	43(1) Where Commissioner decides that a public authority has failed to comply with an obligation pursuant to Part II, the Commissioner may require the public authority to take such steps as may be necessary to bring it into compliance with its obligations under Part II, including the following: (a) appointing an information officer; (b) publishing the relevant information and categories of information; (c) making relevant changes to its practices in relation to the keeping, management and destruction of records, and the transfer of records to the Archives and Records Office; (d) enhancing the provision of training on the right to information for its officials; (e) providing the Commissioner with an annual report, in compliance with section 14; (f) in cases of unreasonable or willful failure to comply with an obligation under Part III, paying a fine. (2) The Commissioner shall serve notice of the decision, to the public authority together with information regarding the right of the public authority to a review of the Commissioner's decision. Art 46 - On the expiry of the period of 28 days referred to in section 43 or such longer period as the Commissioner may, pursuant to a decision or order under section 42 or 43 determine, the decision of the Commissioners shall become binding and the failure of a public authority to carry out the decision or order shall be treated by the Court as a contempt of court.
Australia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	55N Decision on IC review—obligation to comply with decision A principal officer of an agency or a Minister must comply with a decision of the Information Commissioner under section 55K on an IC review.
Bahamas	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Section 45. Decisions and orders of Commissioner binding (1) Where— (a) a public authority has failed to comply with— (i) a decision of the Commmissioner under section 40 or 41; or(ii) an order of the Commissioner under section 42(1); and (b) the time has expired for bringing an appeal from the decision or from the order of the Supreme Court. the Commissioner may certify such failure in writing to the court (2) The court may consider such failure under the rules relating to contempt of court
Bangladesh	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Art 25(11)(I): "At the time of taking decision under this section, the Information Commission shall have the following powers namely: a) to direct the authority or, as the case may be, the officer-in-charge to take the following steps which are necessary to take under the provisions of this Act, namely: (i) to provide the requested in formation in a specific manner;" 25(12): "Any decision passed under this section by the Information Commission shall be binding upon all concerned."
Belize	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	SECTION 35(2) "Subject to subsection (3), in proceedings under this Part, the Ombudsman has power, in addition to any other power, to review any decision that has been made by a Ministry or prescribed authority in respect of the request and to decide any matter in relation to the request that, under this Act, could have been or could be decided by a Ministry or prescribed authority, and any decision of the Ombudsman under this section has the same effect as a decision of the Ministry or prescribed authority."
Brazil	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 35. "The classification of information shall be reviewed by the authority responsible for the classification or by an hierarchically superior authority, ex officio or upon initiative, in order to declassify the information or reduce the period in which it must be kept under secrecy."	Implied by Art 35 - and affirmed by the Comptroller General
Canada	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	36.1 (1) If, after investigating a complaint described in any of paragraphs 30(1)(a) to (e), the Commissioner finds that the complaint is well-founded, he or she may make any order in respect of a record to which this Part applies that he or she considers appropriate, including requiring the head of the government institution that has control of the record in respect of which the complaint is made (a) to disclose the record or a part of the record; and (b) to reconsider their decision to refuse access to the record or a part of the record.	With the new amendments to the ATI Law in 2019, the Commissioner now has order-making powers.
Chile	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	ARTICLE 26. Cuando la resolución del Consejo que falle el reclamo declare que la información que lo motivó es secreta o reservada, también tendrán dicho carácter los escritos, documentos y actuaciones que hayan servido de base para su pronunciamiento. En caso contrario, la información y dichos antecedentes y actuaciones serán públicos. En la situación prevista en el inciso precedente, el reclamante podrá acceder a la información una vez que quede ejecutoriada la resolución que así lo declare.
Croatia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Art.26.1.: No complaint may be filed against the Decision issued by the Commissioner, but an administrative dispute may be initiated before the High Administrative Court of the Republic of Croatia. The High Administrative Court of the Republic of Croatia must issue a decision on Complaint within 90 days. The Complaint shall delay the execution of the Decision granting access to information.	Yes, even though Administrative dispute may be started before the High Adminsitrative Court.
Cyprus	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	"Article 44 (Issuance of Commissioner Decision) 44 (1) Ο Επίτροπος, αφού εξετάσει το παράπονο που υποβάλλεται δυνάμει των διατάξεων του άρθρου 42, εκδίδει απόφαση η οποία είναι δεσμευτική."	Yes
El Salvador	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	ARTICLE 96 El pleno resolverá, en definitiva, dentro de los tres días hábiles siguientes a la celebración de la audiencia. Las resoluciones del pleno serán públicas. Las resoluciones definitivas del Instituto podrán: a. Desestimar el recurso por improcedente o sobreseerlo. b. Confirmar la decisión impugnada del Oficial de Información. c. Confirmar la inexistencia de la información pública solicitada. d. Revocar o modificar las decisiones del Oficial de Información y ordenar a la dependencia o entidad que permita al particular el acceso a la información solicitada o a los datos personales, que reclasifique la información, o bien, que modifique tales datos. e. Establecer sanciones o requerir el trámite de imposición de las mismas a las autoridades respectivas. Las resoluciones deberán ser emitidas por escrito, establecerán los plazos para su cumplimiento y los procedimientos para asegurar su ejecución. La resolución definitiva que emita el Instituto tendrá fuerza ejecutiva.
Estonia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	52. Compliance with precepts of Data Protection Inspectorate (1) A holder of information shall, within five working days as of receipt of a precept, take measures to comply with the precept and shall notify the Data Protection Inspectorate thereof. The Data Protection Inspectorate shall publish the notice on its website. (2) [Repealed - RT I 2002, 61, 375 - entry into force 01.08.2002]
Ethiopia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	33(3) The ombudsman shall have the power to reject any appeal, or to order any public body to provide the requested information or to take such other action as is appropriate to ensure that the public body meets its obligations under this Proclamation.
Gambia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	73(1) The Commission may issue binding orders or recommendations on any matter before it, including - (a) affirming the decision of the information holder; (b) varying the type of access originally granted or requested; (c) setting aside the decision of the information holder and making a ruling; (d) requiring the information holder to take such steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with its obligations under the Act; (e) mandating negotiation, conciliation, and arbitration; and (f) imposing a contempt order, a cost order, or a summary order or any other order it considers just and equitable. (2) The Commission may issue such directives it deems necessary to enforce its decisions.
Ghana	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	71(1) The Commission shall issue binding orders or make recommendations on a matter before the Commission. (4) The Commission may issue directives that the Commission considers necessary for the enforcement of its decisions.	The Commission may issue either binding orders or recommendations and directives to ensure enforcement of its decisions
Guinea	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	39. En cas de refus de la demande par le chef de l'organisme concerné ou en cas de défaut de réponse de sa part à l'expiration du délai de dix (10) jours à compter de la date de réception de la demande de révision, le demandeur d'accès peut interjeter appel devant l'instance d'accès à l'information mentionnée à l'article 46 de la présente loi, et ce, dans un délai ne dépassant pas les vingt (20) jours à compter de la réception de la décision du refus du chef de l'organisme ou de la date du refus tacite. L'instance statue sur le recours dans un délai ne dépassant pas les quarante-cinq ( 45) jours à compter de la réception de la demande de recours. La décision d'instance est exécutoire pour l'organisme concerné.
Honduras	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	ARTICULO 18. ACUERDO DE CLASIFICACION DE LA INFORMACION COMO RESERVADA. Para clasificar la información como reservada, en base a cualquiera de las causales enumeradas en el articulo anterior, el titular de cualquier órgano publico, deberá elevar la petición por medio de la instancia de máxima jerarquía de la institución a la cual pertenezca, quien de considerarlo pertinente, emitirá el respectivo acuerdo de clasificación de la información, debidamente motivado y sustentado. El titular respectivo debe remitir copia de la petición al Instituto de Acceso a la Información Publica. Cuando este considere que la información cuya clasificación se solicita no se encuentra en ninguno de los supuestos del articulo anterior, lo hará del conocimiento del superior respectivo y este denegara la solicitud del inferior. Si, contrariando esta opinión, se emitiere el acuerdo de clasificación, este será nulo de pleno derecho.	Article 18 - info cannot be classified without the oversight body's approval.
Hungary	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 54(2) Pursuant to the request made by the Authority in accordance with subsection (1), the controller under review, or other concerned organisation or individual shall be obliged to fulfil requests made by the Authority within the deadline period set by the Authority. The deadline period defined by the Authority may not be less than 15 days in cases defined in subsections (1)(d) and (e).
Iceland	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 17. [...]Rulings under this Act which regard access to material or copies of material are enforceable, unless their legal effect has been deferred. [...]
India	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 19(7) The decision of the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as the case may be, shall be binding.
Indonesia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	39. The decision of the Information Commission that originates from a consensus by a mediation process is final and binding. 46(1) The decision of the Information Commission on granting or denying access to all or part of the required information contains any of the following instructions: (a) to rescind the decision of the Public Agency supervisor and to decide to grant part or all of the information that is required by the Public Information Applicant in accordance with the decision of the Information Commission; or (b) to affirm the decision of the supervisor of the Information and Documentation Management Officer not to provide the required information either partly or wholly as referred to in Article 17. (2) The decision of the Information Commission on the main objections as referred to in Article 35 paragraph (1) letter b up to letter g, contains any of the following instructions: (a) to instruct the Information Management and Documentation Officer to carry out his/her obligations as provided in this Law; (b) to instruct the Public Agency to fulfill its obligation within the specified period to provide the information as regulated n this Law; or (c) to affirm the consideration of the supervisor of the Public Agency or to determine the cost for tracking down and/or duplicating the information. (3) The decision of the Information Commission is pronounced in a session that is open to the public, except a decision relating to the exempt information. (4) The Information Commission shall give a copy of its decision to the disputing parties. (5) If a member of the Commission has a dissenting opinion, the opinion of such Commissioner/s is attached to the decision and becomes an inseparable part of such decision. 48(1) The filing of a suit as referred to in Article 47 paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) may only be conducted if either of or both of the disputing parties state in writing that it/they does/do not satisfy with the adjudication decision of the Information Commission within maximum 14 (fourteen) working days from the receipt of such decision.	39 - the mediation process is binding, the language of 46 suggests that appeal decisions are also final binding. 48 further subjects the decisions are binding - though subject to judicial appeal.
Ireland	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 22(14) Subject to this Act, a decision under subsection (2) shall - (a) insofar as it is inconsistent with the decision to which this section applies, have effect in lieu thereof, and (b) be binding on the parties concerned.
Ivory Coast	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	20. La CAIDP dispose d’un pouvoir d’injonction et de sanction. En cas de non-respect de sa décision par l’organisme concerné, elle peut infliger une amende dont le montant sera fixé par décret pris en Conseil des Ministres. Sa décision est susceptible de recours devant la juridiction compétente. Decree 2014-462 of 6 August 2014, 33. La CAIDP peut, dans les cas prévus aux articles 31 et 32 ci-dessus, saisir les tribunaux par voie de requête pour faire exécuter ses décisions. 36. Les décisions de la CAIDP sont exécutoires dès leur publication ou notification.
Kenya	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 21(3) The decisions of the Commission shall be binding on the national and county governments.
Kosovo	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	20(6) The public institution is obliged to act pursuant to the decision of the Agency within seven (7) days. (10) In administrative procedure the Agency's decision is final which can only be challenged through a suit before the competent court of administrative matters.
Lebanon	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 23: The body’s decisions: A – The administrative body shall, within two months of the submission of the complaint, issue a binding decision either approving the delivery of the document or denying it. It shall immediately convey said decision to the administration concerned. B – The body’s decisions shall be appealable before the State Shura Council, which shall apply summary procedures in this regard.
Liberia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	6.3: "Complaints to the Independent Information Commissioner: Where (i) an applicant receives a negative decision or action and (ii) is not satisfied with the outcome of an internal review conducted pursuant to Section 6.2, such applicant shall have a right to appeal the decision of the authority or entity directly to the Independent Information Commissioner. The Independent Information Commissioner shall be the final administrative arbiter of all complaints concerning denial of information requests and any other alleged infringement of the right of access established under this Act. A final decision of the Independent information officer may include any of the civil sanctions provided for in Chapter 7 of this Act."
Maldives	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	61(b) Unless overturned by a judicial court, decisions reached by the Information Commissioner in accordance with this Act, shall be regarded as valid decisions and are legally binding. 65. Where 45 (forty five) days have elapsed, without a party neither appealing nor complying with a decision made by the Information Commissioner, the Commissioner may submit to the Office of the Prosecutor General, requesting to send the matter to a judicial court, in order to take action against the party for disobeying an order lawfully issued.
Mexico	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 157. The resolutions of the Guarantor Agency are binding, final and unassailable for regulated entities. Only the Legal Advisor of the Government may file a motion for review before the Supreme Court of Justice, under the terms laid down in Chapter IV entitled Motion for Review on National Security, in this Title, only in the case that such decisions may put national security at risk. Article 158. Individuals may challenge the decisions or resolutions of the Guarantor Agencies before the Judicial Branch of the Federation.
Mongolia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Human Rights Commission Act 19.1. Commissioners shall issue demands and/or make recommendations during the course of exercise of his/her powers. 19.5. Commissioners may approach the Court, according to the procedure established by law, with regard to the business entities, organisations or officials which have refused to undertake relevant measures as provided under his/her demands and/or recommendations.	Can issue "demands" and "recommendations" and can approach the courts if these are not followed. But not clear whether or not the Courts have to enforce them.
Namibia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	9(1) The powers of the Information Commissioner include - … (f) requiring a public entity to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure compliance with its obligations in terms of this Act;… (2) In exercising his or her powers, the Information Commissioner has the following functions -...(d) to issue such orders in matters before him or her as he or she considers appropriate... 54(1) The Information Commissioner must, within 14 days of receipt of the appeal under section 53, consider the appeal, and he or she must - (a) accept the appeal and set aside the decision; (b) vary the decision or the type of access granted; or (c) refuse the appeal and confirm the decision, and must notify the requester or third party in writing. (2) If the Information Commissioner decides to grant access to information the notice to the requester must state - (a) the reproduction fee, translation fee or transcription fee payable, if any; (b) the form in which access is to be given; and (c) that the requester or third party may apply to the High Court for review under section 55 against the decision or any order in respect of the reproduction fee, translation fee or transcription fee payable or the form of access and the process for lodging the appeal. (3) Subject to subsection (4), if the Information Commissioner has given notice to the requester that access to information has been granted, the Information Commissioner must immediately give the requester actual access to the information - (a) if a reproduction fee, translation fee or transcription fee is payable, on payment of the fee; or (b) if a reproduction fee, translation fee or transcription fee is not payable. (4) If the Information Commissioner has on appeal decided to release information containing third party information - (a) the requester may not be granted actual access to the information until such time - (i) any right of the third party to judicial review under section 55 against the decision to release the information has expired; or (ii) any judicial review lodged by the third party has been determined; and (b) the notice to the third party referred to in subsection (1) must state - (i) the reasons for the decision; (ii) that the third party may apply to the High Court in accordance with section 55 for a review of the decision; and (iii) the procedure for lodging the review. (5) If the Information Commissioner has on appeal refused to grant access to information the notice to the requester must state - (a) the reasons for the refusal, based on the contents and substance of the request and the information considered by the Information Commissioner; (b) the specific provisions of this Act on which the refusal is based; and (c) that the requester may apply to the High Court under section 55 for a review of the decision.	Not clearly stated but s. 9(1)(f) combined with description of decisions makes it clear enough for 2 points.
Nepal	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	10(3) In the course of proceeding and deciding the appeal pursuant to Sub- Section (2), the Commission may do as following: (a) May order the concerned Chief to provide information, within a given time, to the appellant without fee, if appeal is found reasonable. (b) May dismiss the appeal if it is found not reasonable.See also 19(c) and 27(4). 32(5) The Commission may impose a fine up to Ten Thousand Rupees to the concerned person in case its decision or order pursuant this Act is not abided by.	Not entirely clear from the language but Commission can fine for non-compliance.
North Macedonia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Art. 33 "(1) The Commission shall perform the tasks within its competence on its sessions. <...>"
Norway	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Act concerning the Stortingâ€™s Ombudsman for Public Administration. Article 10 (Termination of a complaints case): "The Ombudsman is entitled to express his opinion on matter which come within his jurisdiction. [â€¦] If the Ombudsman finds that there are matters which may entail liability to pay compensation, he may, depending on the circumstances, suggest that compensation should be paid."	The law does not provide the external appeal for the common decision. The Ombudsman is a dual body. It is internal body for the decisions of Parliament and Ministry. And also external body for final administrative decisions.
Pakistan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	20(2) Non-compliance of a decision of the Information Commission under clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) may, if it has not been appealed against within thirty days, be dealt with in the same way as contempt of court.
Panama	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Artículo 41. Cuando se compruebe que el servidor público incurrió en el incumplimiento sobre el derecho de acceso a la información y de las disposiciones de la Ley de Transparencia, la Autoridad mediante resolución motivada ordenará el cumplimiento de las disposiciones correspondientes y podrá aplicar las sanciones previstas en esta Ley al funcionario responsable"	This seems to be the case based on Art 41 of Law 33 of 2013, backed up by the oversight body's ability to levy steep fines.
Russia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Federal Law on the Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation, Article 6(1): (Binding nature of prosecutor's requests): Any requests made by the prosecutor pursuant to his powers, as specified in Articles 22, 27, 30 and 33 of the present Federal Law, shall be subject to unconditional execution within the prescribed time.
Saint Kitts and Nevis	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	47
Serbia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Article 28. Paragraph 1: "The decisions of the Commissioner are binding, final and enforceable."
Seychelles	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	63(2) (2) The Information Commission may issue such directions as it considers necessary to enforce its decisions.	Seems pretty clear they are binding.
Sierra Leone	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	32(6) An order of the Commission under subsection (4) may be filed in the High Court by any party thereto in such manner as the Commission may, after consultation with the Chief Justice, prescribe and the party shall give written notice of the filing of the order to all other parties within thirty days of the date of the filing of the order. (7) If no appeal is filed under subsection (5), the party in favour of whom the order is made by the Commission may apply ex parte by summons for leave to enforce such order as a decree and the order may be executed in the same manner as an order of the High Court to the like effect.
Slovenia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	-	Comment of the IC: The decisions of the Information Commissioner, an independent administrative body, are legally fully binding. The decisions are formal and are issued in accordance with the General Administrative Procedure Act. They may be enforced and penalties for not complying with the decision are prescribed (Art. 15/3 states that penalty from 417 to 1043 may be imposed for not complying with Commissioner's decision to ensure the requested documents). Commissioner's decisions are final and the only legal remedy against such decision is administrative dispute (Art. 31 of the Access to Public Information Act).
South Africa	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	77J Enforcement Notice (1) The Information Regulator, after having considered the recommendation of the Enforcement Committee, may serve the information officer of a public body or the head of a private body with an enforcement notice- (a) confirming, amending or setting aside the decision which is the subject of the complaint; or (b) requiring the said officer or head to take such action or to refrain from taking such action as the Information Regulator has specified in the notice. (2) A notice in terms of subsection (1) must be accompanied by- (a) reasons for the notice; and (b) particulars of the right to make an application to court conferred by Chapter 2 of this Part. (3) Section 95 (3) to (5) of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013, applies, with the necessary changes, to the serving of an enforcement notice in terms of this Chapter. (4) A copy of the notice referred to in subsection (1) that has been certified by the Information Regulator is, for purposes of the application referred to in section 78, conclusive proof of the contents of the enforcement notice that has been served by the Regulator. 77K Non-compliance with Enforcement Notice An information officer of a public body or head of a private body who refuses to comply with an enforcement notice referred to in section 77J, is guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both such a fine and such imprisonment.
South Korea	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Admin. Appeals Act 49(1): A ruling recognizing an appeal shall be binding the appellee and other relevant administrative agencies involved in the case.
South Sudan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2		42(4) and 45(4)
Sri Lanka	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Section 39. (1) Every person who (e) fails or refuses to comply with or give effect to a decision of the Commission; commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction after summary trial by a Magistrate be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment.	Not a direct power but it seems to amount to the same thing.
Sudan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	8. The decisions of the Commissioner or of any of his committees may be appealed with the competent minister within two weeks, and the applicant may resort to the judiciary to appeal the competent minister’s decisions within two months from notification of the decision. 13(2) The Commissioner shall, in accordance with the regulations by virtue of a decision issued by him, determine the following: (b) Enforcement orders within the time limit defined in the regulations, (c) Compliance with the Commissioner’s notifications and warnings,	Seem to be binding although an appeal lies to the Minister
Tunisia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Art. 30 - ... L’instance statue sur le recours dans les plus brefs délais à condition de ne pas dépasser les quarante cinq (45) jours à compter de la réception de la demande de recours, sa décision est contraignante pour l’organisme concerné.
United Kingdom	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	Section 50 and 54.	Section 50 of the Act gives the Information Commissioner power to issue a decision notice specifying the steps that an authority which has failed to comply with the Act must take.
Yemen	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	2	40: "The recommendations and decisions of the Commissioner General related to his duties in accordance with the provisions of this law are considered binding on all parties."	Yes - Art 40
Benin	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	107: Si l’agent ou l’institution publique persiste dans son refus de satisfaire le demandeur, la Haute Autorité de l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication prend l’initiative d’une action en recours devant la juridiction administrative. Elle en informe aussitôt après le requérant qui peut lui-même prendre toute initiative pour le rétablissement de son droit.	Not binding but the Commission can lodge a legal case to enforce
Cook Islands	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	35. Recommendations made to the Ministry or Minister of the Crown or organisation – (1) Where a recommendation is made under section 33(1) of this Act to a Ministry or to an organisation named in Schedule 1 - (a) a public duty to observe that recommendation shall be imposed on that Ministry or organisation from the commencement of the twenty-first working day after the day on which that recommendation is made to the Ministry or organisation unless, before that day, the Queen’s Representative by Order in Executive Council, otherwise directs; and (b) the public duty imposed by paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be imposed not only on the Ministry or organisation itself but also on – (i) the members of the organisation and its governing body (if any); and (ii) every officer and employee of that Ministry or organisation to whom that recommendation is applicable; and (iii) every body within that Ministry or organisation to whom that recommendation is applicable; and (iv) every statutory officer to whom that recommendation is applicable. (2) Where a recommendation is made under section 33(1) of this Act to a Minister of the Crown, a public duty to observe that recommendation shall be imposed on that Minister from the commencement of the twenty-first working day after the day on which that recommendation is made to that Minister unless, before that day, the Queen’s Representative by Order in Council, otherwise directs. (3) As soon as practicable after an Order in Executive Council is made under this section, the Minister who recommended the making of that Order in Council shall give a copy of that Order to the Ombudsman who made the recommendation. (4) Nothing in this section prevents effect being given to any interim order made by the High Court or to any declaration contained in any such interim order.	Ombudsman orders are generally binding but can be overridden by the Cabinet through an Order in Council.
Guyana	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	7. The Commissioner of Information has the power to - (a) require a public authority to take any steps as may be necessary to secure compliance with the provisions of this Act, including - (i) by providing access to information, if so requested, in a particular form; (ii) by publishing certain information or categories of information, that are needed urgently and are not published under any other provision of this Act; (iii) by making necessary changes to its practices in relation to the maintenance, classification, management, retention and destruction of records; (iv) by enhancing the provision of training on the right to information for its officials; (v) by providing the Minister with an annual report; (b) require a public authority to compensate the complainant for inconvenience suffered; (c) request and examine any disciplinary action taken against any officer in respect of the administration of this Act; (d) indicate efforts by the public authorities to administer and implement the spirit and intention of this Act; (e) make recommendations for reform, including recommendations in respect of the particular public authorities, for the development, improvement, modernisation, reform or amendment to this Act or other legislation or the common law; or (f) address any other matter relevant for operationalising the right to access to information.	Section 7 - can require them to provide access, but they're not really an appeals body.
Iran	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	Article 18. [...] Note 2 - Resolutions passed by the commission on publication and free access to information and approved by the president are binding.	The language implies a requirement for presidential approval as well.
Jamaica	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	Article 32(6) On hearing an appeal, the Appeal Tribunal - (a) may subject to paragraph (b), make any decision which could have been made on the original application; (b) shall not nullify a certificate issued under section 23.	32(6) - can order some remedies, but cannot overrule exemptions certificates.
Jordan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	4(b) The Board shall consider the complaints submitted thereto by the information requesters and resolve the same as per the instructions made for this purpose.	4(b) - the law empowers the Board to resolve complaints - which would imply that their decisions are binding, but it is not really clear.
Malta	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	Art. 26. "(1) A decision or enforcement notice issued by the Commissioner in respect of the disclosure of a document shall not have effect if the Prime Minister certifies to the Commissioner that, in his opinion, the document is an exempt document in terms of any of the provisions of Part V. (2) A certificate under this article shall contain a statement by the Prime Minister of the reasons for his opinion, except in so far as this would involve the disclosure of matter that is exempt matter in terms of the provisions of Part V. (3) Where the Prime Minister issues a certificate under this article, he shall as soon as practicable thereafter lay a copy of it before the House of Representatives. (4) Where the Commissioner receives a certificate under this article in respect of a decision not ice, he shall inform the applicant accordingly."	The commissioner can enforce the publication of information but can't review classified documents. In fact the Prime Minister can revoke a commissioner decision.
New Zealand	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	31 Disclosure of certain information not to be recommended Where (a) the Prime Minister certifies that the making available of any information would be likely to prejudice (i) the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government of New Zealand; or (ii) any interest protected by section 7; or (b) the Attorney-General certifies that the making available of any information would be likely to prejudice the prevention, investigation, or detection of offences an Ombudsman shall not recommend that the information be made available, but may recommend that the making available of the information be given further consideration by the appropriate department or Minister of the Crown or organisation. 32 Recommendations made to department or Minister of the Crown or organisation (1) Where a recommendation is made under section 30(1) to a department or to an organisation named in Part 1 or Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975, (a) a public duty to observe that recommendation shall be imposed on that department or organisation from the commencement of the 21st working day after the day on which that recommendation is made to the department or organisation unless, before that day, the Governor-General, by Order in Council, otherwise directs; and (b) the public duty imposed by paragraph (a) shall be imposed not only on the department or organisation itself but also on (i) the members of the organisation; and (ii) every officer and employee of that department or organisation to whom that recommendation is applicable; and (iii) every body within that department or organisation to whom that recommendation is applicable; and (iv) every statutory officer to whom that recommendation is applicable. (2) Where a recommendation is made under section 30(1) to a Minister of the Crown, a public duty to observe that recommendation shall be imposed on that Minister from the commencement of the 21st working day after the day on which that recommendation is made to that Minister unless, before that day, the Governor-General, by Order in Council, otherwise directs. (3) Where a recommendation is made under section 30(1) to an organisation named in Schedule 1, (a) a public duty to observe that recommendation shall be imposed on that organisation from the commencement of the 21st working day after the day on which that recommendation is made to that organisation unless, before that day, the Governor-General, by Order in Council, otherwise directs; and (b) the public duty imposed by paragraph (a) shall be imposed not only on the organisation itself but also on (i) its governing body (if any); and (ii) its members; and (iii) every officer, employee, and body within that organisation to whom that recommendation is applicable; and (iv) every statutory officer to whom that recommendation is applicable. (...)	Ombudsman's recommendations are binding in some instances (s. 32) but not in others (s. 31). According to our expert, these provisions have never been used, but the fact that they're still on the books costs a point nonetheless due to the structure of our rating system in measuring legislative framework rather than implementation.
Niger	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	Art 10 of the Omb Act	Art 10 of the Omb Act implies that they are recommendations.
Vanuatu	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	68. In deciding an appeal, the Information Commissioner may: (d) set aside the decision of a Right to Information Officer and make a new decision; or	Seems to be binding but not entirely clear.
Zimbabwe	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	Partially	1	12, Media Commission Act (1) If, after conducting an investigation, hearing or inquiry, the Commission is of the opinion that the act complained of constitutes a violation in terms of this Act and that— (a) the act relates to a decision or practice on the part of any person which must be stopped, reversed or altered; or (b) the act should be redressed in such manner as the Commission may order; or (c) any law on which the act or omission was based should be reconsidered; or (d) reasons should have been given for the decision complained against; or (e) any other steps should be taken in relation to the act complained against; the Commission shall make such order or recommendations in the matter as it considers appropriate in the circumstances for the redress of the violation and the order or recommendations shall be accompanied by reasons therefor and by a report of the findings of the Commission. (2) If the report makes any recommendation in terms of subsection (1)(c), a copy of the report shall be sent to the Minister or any other appropriate Minister having regard to the administration of the law concerned. (3) The Commission may, where it considers it necessary, recommend— (a) the payment of compensation to the complainant; or (b) that the complainant seek redress through the courts. (4) The determination of the Commission following the conclusion of any investigation, hearing or inquiry shall be in writing and a copy shall be made available to the parties and any other party considered by the Commission to have an interest in the matter. 13 Enforcement of orders of Commission (1) The Commission shall require the person against whom or which it made any order or recommendation to notify it, within a specified period not exceeding 14 days or such shorter period as the circumstances of the matter may reasonably require where time is of the essence, of the steps, if any, that it proposes to take to give effect to its order or recommendation. (2) If no action has been taken within the time specified in subsection (1), the Commission may, if it thinks fit after considering the comments, if any, made by the parties concerned— (a) notwithstanding subsection (3), apply to the High Court for an appropriate redress of the matter; and (b) cause a special report to be submitted, through the Minister or appropriate Minister, to Parliament on the matter. (3) Subject to this section, the Commission or a complainant may apply to the High Court within three years of the date of an order, and in such form and manner prescribed in rules of the court, for the registration of any order made by the Commission in terms of section 12 and, upon registration, the order may be enforced in the same way as a judgment of the High Court.	Refers to orders or recommendations so presumably the former are binding but then somewhat unclear process for enforcing and seems to have to apply to the court for a new decision; again no clear incorporate of powers to information appeals
Andorra	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	"Article 16. Resources 1. Resolutions issued on access to public information may be appealed directly to the public the administrative jurisdiction in the form and terms established by the law governing the procedure before of this jurisdiction, without prejudice to the possibility of filing the appeal provided for in the following section. 2. An administrative appeal may be lodged against decisions on access to public information. prior to its challenge before the administrative jurisdiction, as follows: a) In the case of acts of the General Administration or of the bodies and entities that depend on them or that are under its direction, before the National Commission for Access and Evaluation of Documentation (CNAAD). b) In the case of acts of the commons or of the bodies and entities that depend on them or that are under their direction, before the Council of Common, except the case that an ordination of the corresponding common one attributes this one competence to a specific body. In both cases, the CNAAD report is mandatory and non-binding. 3. The processing of the appeal provided for in paragraph 2 shall be substantiated in accordance with the provisions contained therein in the Administration Code. 4. The resolution of the appeal provided for in section 2 shall exhaust the administrative route and leave the judicial route open." "Article 16. Recursos 1. Les resolucions dictades en matèria d’accés a la informació pública són recurribles directament davant la jurisdicció administrativa en la forma i els terminis establerts per la llei que regula el procediment davant d’aquesta jurisdicció, sense perjudici de la possibilitat d’interposar el recurs previst a l’apartat següent. 2. Davant les resolucions en matèria d’accés a la informació pública pot interposar-se recurs administratiu, prèviament a la seva impugnació davant la jurisdicció administrativa, de la manera següent: a) Si es tracta d’actes de l’Administració general o dels òrgans i entitats que en depenen o que estan sota la seva direcció, davant de la Comissió Nacional d’Accés i Avaluació de la Documentació (CNAAD). b) Si es tracta d’actes dels comuns o dels òrgans i entitats que en depenen o que estan sota la seva direcció, davant del Consell de Comú, salvat el cas que una ordinació del comú corresponent atribueixi aquesta competència a un òrgan específic. En ambdós casos és preceptiu i no vinculant l’informe de la CNAAD. 3. La tramitació del recurs previst a l’apartat 2 se substancia de conformitat amb les disposicions contingudes al Codi de l’Administració. 4. La resolució del recurs previst a l’apartat 2 exhaureix la via administrativa i deixa oberta la via jurisdiccional."
Angola	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Argentina	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	ARTÍCULO 24° — Competencias y funciones. Son competencias y funciones de la Agencia de Acceso a la Información Pública: o) Recibir y resolver los reclamos administrativos que interpongan los solicitantes de información pública según lo establecido por la presente ley respecto de todos los obligados, con excepción de los previstos en los incisos b) al f) del artículo 7° de la presente, y publicar las resoluciones que se dicten en ese marco;	It is unclear whether they have this power, under the ability to resolve complaints, so we have scored them 0 here.
Armenia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	HRD Law Article 26(1) As a result of consideration of a complaint or consideration initiated upon own initiative, the Defender shall render one of the following decisions: 1) on existence of a violation of human rights or freedoms, where violation of human rights or freedoms by a state or local self-government body, an official thereof or an organisation has been revealed in the course of consideration of the complaint; 2) on absence of a violation of human rights or freedoms, where no violation of human rights and freedoms by a state or local self-government body or an official thereof or an organisation has been revealed in the course of consideration of the complaint; (2) In case of rendering the decision referred to in point 1 of paragraph 1 of this Article, the Defender shall suggest the state or local self-government body or the official thereof or the organisation, having committed the violation, to eliminate the violation within a reasonable time, indicating the necessary measures for restoration of the human rights and freedoms.	Only recommendations
Austria	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Not mentioned	N/A
Azerbaijan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Law on the Human Rights Commissioner, Article 13	Just recommendations which the Commissioner can appeal to the courts.
Belgium	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	The 8.2 article establishes the possibility of asking a commission for an opinion on the case but its opinion is not binding.
Bolivia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	222. The powers of the Office of the Public Defender, in addition to those established in the Constitution and the law, are the following: 5. To formulate recommendations, reminders of legal duties, and suggestions for the immediate adoption of corrective measures for all the organs and institutions of the State, and to issue public censure for acts or behavior contrary to these formulations.	Provisions from Constitution. Not binding.
Bosnia and Herzegovina	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Bulgaria	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Burkina Faso	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Article 78 :En cas de saisine, l’Autorité émet un avis dans un délai qui ne peut excéder vingt jours pour compter de l’enregistrement de la demande. L’Autorité notifie son avis à l’intéressé et à l’organisme de service public mis en cause. L’organisme de service public mis en cause informe, dans un délai de dix jours à compter de la réception de l’avis, de la suite donnée à la demande.
Cape Verde	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	No independent appeal
China	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Colombia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Yes - according to our expert - but the Public Ministry's inability to hear appeals makes Colombia ineligible for points here.
Costa Rica	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Czech Republic	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Denmark	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Dominican Republic	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
East Timor	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	No administrative level of appeal
Ecuador	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Fiji	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	22.—(1) If a public agency fails or refuses to provide any person with the information which the public agency has been directed by the Commission to make available to that person, that person may lodge a complaint with the Commission. (2) The Commission, upon receipt of a complaint under subsection (1), may require the public agency to provide a written explanation for the failure or the refusal to provide the information. (3) A public agency that is required by the Commission under subsection (2) to provide a written explanation must provide the written explanation to the Commission within 10 days from the receipt of the requirement from the Commission to provide the written explanation. 23. Subject to section 19, upon receipt of the written explanation from a public agency under section 22, the Commission may undertake such steps as the Commission deems necessary, including holding meetings with the public agency and the person who made the request for the information, to facilitate the access to the information which has been requested by the person. 24.—(1) If the Commission, after receipt of the written explanation from a public agency under section 22 and after undertaking such steps as necessary to facilitate access to the information, is satisfied that the public agency has failed or refused to provide access to the information contrary to this Act, the Commission may make an application to the High Court for an order requiring the public agency to provide access to the information. (2) The High Court must, upon receipt of an application from the Commission under subsection (1), make a determination on the application within 30 days from the date of the application.	Can only facilitate meetings between the agency and the requester and then appeal to the High Court.
Finland	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	[Parliamentary Ombudsman Act] Article 111(1) In a matter within the Ombudsman\'s remit, he or she may issue a recommendation to the competent authority that an error be redressed or a shortcoming rectified. (2) In the performance of his or her duties, the Ombudsman may draw the attention of the Government or another body responsible for legislative drafting to defects in legislation or official regulations, as well as make recommendations concerning the development of these and the elimination of the defects.	Link to the Parliamentary Ombudsman Act (In English) available here.
France	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Georgia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Germany	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	BFDI can give (and publish) his comments in cases where access was fully or partially denied and can pronounce objections against federal agencies and the ministries in cases of severe violations (Section 12 para 3 FOIA).
Greece	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	[Law on the Ombudsman of Greece] Article 1(1) The independent authority entitled "The Ombudsman", has as its mission to mediate between citizens and public services, local authorities, private and public organizations [...].
Guatemala	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Israel	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Italy	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Japan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	18 (Consulting the Review Board) When there is an objection to a Disclosure Decision, etc. pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act (Act No. 160 of 1962), the head of the Administrative Organ who is expected to make a determination or decision on the objection, except the cases that fall under any of the following items, shall consult the Information Disclosure and Personal Information Protection Review Board (When the head of the Administrative Organ who is expected to make a determination or decision on the objection is the head of the Board of Audit, a review board separately provided for by an Act.) (i)　When the objection is illegitimate and is to be dismissed. (ii)　When, by a determination or decision, the Disclosure Decision, etc. (excluding the decisions to the effect of disclosing all the Administrative Documents pertaining to a Disclosure Request; hereinafter the same shall apply in this item and in Article 20.) pertaining to the objection is rescinded or altered, and all the Administrative Documents pertaining to the objection are to be disclosed; provided, however, that this shall exclude the cases in which a Written Opposition Opinion regarding the Disclosure Decision, etc. has been submitted.	The Information Disclosure and Personal Information Protection Review Board is only a consultative body; Article 18.
Kazakhstan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Kuwait	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	No independent administrative oversight is provided for.
Kyrgyzstan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Not mentioned.	Not mentioned; A11(3), (4) of Law on Ombudsman refer to recommendations. But decisions of the Prosecutor are binding.
Latvia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Liechtenstein	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned in law.
Lithuania	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Luxembourg	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	A10(2): La Commission d’accès aux documents communique son avis au demandeur et à l’organisme concerné dans les deux mois de la saisine. (3) Lorsque la Commission d’accès aux documents est d’avis que le document sollicité est communicable, et si l’organisme décide de suivre l’avis de la Commission d’accès aux documents, il est tenu de communiquer le document demandé dans un délai d’un mois à partir de la réception de l’avis de la Commission d’accès aux documents. En cas d’absence de communication du document sollicité dans le délai d’un mois, l’organisme est réputé avoir rejeté la demande. Ce refus est susceptible d’un recours en réformation à introduire dans un délai de trois mois devant le Tribunal administratif. (4) Lorsque la Commission d’accès aux documents est d’avis que le document sollicité n’est pas communicable, l’organisme est tenu de confirmer son refus de communiquer le document dans le délai d’un mois à partir de la réception de l’avis de la Commission d’accès aux documents. Le délai du recours en réformation commence à courir à partir de la notification de la décision de confirmation du refus par l’organisme. Lorsque l’organisme ne prend pas de décision de confirmation du refus, le délai du recours en réformation commence à courir à l’expiration du délai d’un mois à partir de la date de la réception de l’avis de la Commission d’accès aux documents.	It can just provide recommendations.
Malawi	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	46. (1) Where the commission finds that a person is entitled to access the information requested, it shall immediately provide the head of the head of the information holder concerned with a report containing - (a) the findings of the review and the determinations made by the Commission; and (b) a direction that notice be given, within the time specified in the report, to the Commission of all actions taken to implement the determinations in the report. (2) Where the Commission finds that the applicant is not entitled to access the information requested, the Commission shall, within seven working days from the date of making the determination, inform the applicant of - (a) the decision in writing stating the reasons thereof; and (b) the right to apply to Court for a review of the determination. (3) The Commission shall give a copy of the decision made under - (a) subsection (1)(a), to the applicant and any third party that made representations to the Commission in the course of the proceedings; and (b) subsection (1)(b), to the head of the information holder concerned. 47. The Commission shall, within thirty working days from the date the determination is made, inform the applicant and any third party of whether the information holder concerned has taken action to comply with the determinations of the Commission. Human Rights Commission Act Art. 22 Upon hearing complaints brought before it or based upon any investigations it has carried out or at any stage, the Commission – (a) shall seek an amicable settlement through conciliation and, where appropriate, on the basis of confidentiality; (b) shall inform the complainant and the respondent of their respective rights, remedies or obligations and the Commission shall promote a party’s access to the remedies; (c) may, as provided by sections 15(2) and 46(2)(b) of the Constitution, render such assistance or advice as the party that brought the complaint or petition may reasonably require; (d) may transmit a complaint, petition or any other matter to any other competent authority as prescribed by the law or as otherwise the Commission thinks fit; or (e) make recommendations to the competent authority, proposing amendments or reforms of the laws, regulations or administrative provisions or practices if the Commission has identified such laws, regulations or administrative provisions to have created the difficulties or hardships encountered by the persons who brought the complaints or petitions; and (f) may recommend to the relevant authority the prosecution of any person found to have violated human rights or the taking of any other action and any such authority shall consider the recommendation and take such action as it deems appropriate.
Moldova	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Law on Parliamentary Advocates 28. Based on the results of complaint examination the Parliamentary Advocate has also the right to: a) apply to court with a statement defending the interests of the Complainant, whose constitutional rights and freedoms have been infringed; b) apply to the respective bodies with the requirement for initiating a disciplinary or administrative action or an action in criminal court in respect to the official who has admitted the action resulting in significant infringement of human rights and freedoms; c) notify the respective officials or civil servants at all levels about the neglect of duties, unethical conduct in performing the duties, procrastination and bureaucracy.	Seems reasonably clear that the decisions are not binding.
Monaco	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	27. Au terme de l’instruction du dossier, le Haut Commissaire à la protection des droits adresse au Ministre d’État une recommandation conformément à l’article 23 de Notre ordonnance n° 4.524 du 30 octobre 2013 . See also A23, 24, 26 of HRC Ordinance.	Just makes a recommendation to the Minister of State.
Montenegro	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		Not mentioned.
Morocco	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	22. Il est créé, auprès du Chef du gouvernement, une commission du droit d'accès à l'information et de veiller à sa mise en application. Cette commission est chargée des missions suivantes : … — recevoir les plaintes déposées par les demandeurs d'informations et faire tout le nécessaire aux fins d'y statuer, en procédant aux enquêtes et aux investigations et en formulant des recommandations à cet égard ;	Not mentioned but the law does refer to "recommendations"
Mozambique	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned
Netherlands	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		No oversight body listed.
Nicaragua	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Nigeria	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Palau	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Not mentioned
Paraguay	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Peru	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Philippines	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Poland	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		There is no independent oversight body.
Portugal	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Art 27.1: CADA shall be responsible for: c) At the request of the bodies and entities referred to by Article 4, issuing a formal opinion on access to administrative documents;	The opinion is not binding.
Qatar	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Not mentioned
Republic of Belarus	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Not mentioned
Romania	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		No independent oversight body listed.
Rwanda	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		No - the Ombudsman only makes recommendations.
San Marino	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A.
Saudi Arabia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Slovakia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Spain	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Sweden	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	YES	0		Not mentioned.
Switzerland	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0		Decisions are not binding, the commissioner is only allowed to make recommendations to the parties involved in a proceeding.
Taiwan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned
Tajikistan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Tanzania	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Thailand	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Decisions of the OIC and tribunals are not binding as this is not stipulated in the law. Furthermore, one can still file cases against their decisions with the Administrative Court.
Togo	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Article 49 : En cas de saisine par une personne qui rencontre des difficultés pour obtenir la communication d'une information ou des documents publics, le médiateur de la République émet un avis dans un délai maximum de quinze (15) jours à compter de l'enregistrement de la demande à son secrétariat. Le médiateur de la République notifie son avis à l'intéressé et à l'autorité mise en cause. L'autorité mise en cause informe le médiateur de la République, dans un délai de quinze (15) jours suivant la réception de l'avis, de la suite qu'elle entend donner à la demande. Passé ce délai, le silence gardé par l'autorité mise en cause vaut rejet. Article 10 : (1) Lorsqu'une réclamation lui paraît justifiée, le Médiateur de la République fait toutes les recommendations de nature à régler les difficultés dont il est saisie et, notamment, recommande à l'organisme mis en cause toute solution permettant de régler en équite la situation de l'auteur de la réclamation.	Article 10 from Loi 2003-021.
Trinidad and Tobago	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	38A. (3) A public authority is required to consider the recommendations of the Ombudsman and, to such extent as it thinks fit, exercise its discretion in giving effect to the recommendations.
Turkey	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	No mention about the strength of the decisions of the Board.
Uganda	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Ukraine	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Law of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Article 15.1 The acts of response of the Commissioner to violations of provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, laws of Ukraine, international agreements of Ukraine on human and citizens' rights and freedoms are a constitutional submission of the Commissioner and a submission to bodies of state power, bodies of local self-government, associations of citizens, enterprises, institutions and organizations, irrespective of their forms of ownership, and their officials and officers. 15.2 The constitutional submission of the Commissioner is an act of response submitted to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine with regard to the issue of conformity (constitutionality) of a law of Ukraine or any other legal act issued by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, a legal act of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea with the Constitution of Ukraine; and with regard to the official interpretation of the Constitution of Ukraine and the laws of Ukraine. 15.3 The submission of the Commissioner is a document which is submitted by the Commissioner to bodies of state power, bodies of local self-government, associations of citizens, enterprises, institutions, organizations, irrespective of their forms of ownership, their officials and officers for the purpose of taking, within the period of one month, relevant measures aimed at the elimination of revealed acts of violation of human and citizens' rights and freedoms. Article13.1 The Commissioner has the right to: (11)submit to respective bodies, documents containing the response of the Commissioner to instances of violation of human and citizens' rights and freedoms, for taking respective measures;	Efficiency and effectiveness of the Ombudsperson's control suffers from a defective mechanism of creating administrative liability that is foreseen in the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. Regional Ombudsperson’s representatives can only record the fact of the offence but have no authority to prosecute on their own. They send the record of the breach to the court that brings the guilty person to liability, but only on condition that the three-month period from the moment the violation took place has not expired yet, as the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences prescribes. In addition, the Ombudsperson’s representatives have no authority to carry out effective investigation - for example they have no right to force a person suspected of committing an offence, to a court. The Ombudsperson’s submissions are recommendations by their nature, and in order to bring to liability for the non-fulfillment of the lawful Ombudsperson’s requirements, its representatives must again draw up a separate protocol on an administrative offense, which is submitted to the court for a review.
United States	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A
Uruguay	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned.
Uzbekistan	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned
Venezuela	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	Ley Orgánica de la Defensoría del Pueblo 10. Naturaleza de la actuación de la Defensoría del Pueblo. La actuación de la Defensoría del Pueblo tiene una naturaleza no coercitiva, por lo que no constituye instancia judicial y carece de competencia ejecutiva para dictar, modificar o anular autos, sentencias o actos emanados de cualquier rama del Poder Público. La Defensoría del Pueblo podrá utilizar mecanismos alternativos de resolución de conflictos cuando así lo aconsejen las circunstancias del caso. 29. Atribuciones del Defensor o Defensora del Pueblo. Son atribuciones del Defensor o Defensora del Pueblo en el ejercicio de su cargo: ...1) Pronunciarse sobre la actuación de las personas involucradas en las investigaciones llevadas a cabo por la Defensoría del Pueblo. 2) Recomendar pública o privadamente, y con conocimiento del superior jerárquico de los funcionarios cuestionados o funcionarias cuestionadas, la modificación de comportamientos o prácticas que constituyan obstáculo al logro efectivo de los objetivos de la Defensoría del Pueblo contenidos en el artículo 4 de la presente Ley. 3) Dictar resoluciones defensoriales en el ámbito de su competencia, las cuales deberán ser publicadas en la Gaceta Oficial de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. ...12) Solicitar al Consejo Moral Republicano que adopte las medidas a las que hubiere lugar contra los funcionarios públicos o funcionarias públicas, responsables de la amenaza, del menoscabo o violación de los derechos humanos. 13) Instar al Fiscal o la Fiscal General de la República para que intente las acciones penales a las que hubiere lugar contra los funcionarios públicos o las funcionarias públicas responsables del menoscabo o violación de los derechos humanos.... 15) Formular ante los órganos correspondientes las recomendaciones y observaciones necesarias para la eficaz protección de los derechos humanos, en virtud de lo cual desarrollará mecanismos de comunicación permanente con órganos públicos o privados, nacionales e internacionales, de protección de los derechos humanos.	Only recommendations
Vietnam	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	N/A	Not mentioned
Zambia	The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding.	Score N=0, Y=2 points	2	NO	0	HRC Act 21(1)(b)

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