Within the framework of the joint programme "Support Project for Independent Bodies in Tunisia" (PAII-T), co-financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the latter, the Council of Europe and the National Authority for Access to Information (INAI) are organising in Tabarka (Jendouba governorate), on 4 and 5 March 2022, a capacity-building session for access to information officers of public bodies in the north-western part of Tunisia.

This training is part of a detailed external training plan implemented in 2020-2022 by INAI and supported by the PAII-T programme. These training sessions, which have already covered 13 regions, meet the needs of access to information officers in terms of developing their skills for a better implementation of the right of access to information within public administrations subject to the Tunisian law on the subject (organic law N° 2016-22).

This training was provided entirely by INAI's internal trainers' pool, which was created with the support of the PAII-T Programme. This represents an important step in the appropriation of the Programme's results by the Tunisian partners.

In his opening speech, Mr. Toni Pavloski, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tunisia, stressed the importance of the continuous dialogue between the representatives of the public administrations and the Access to Information Unit, with a view to the effective implementation of the right of access to information.

Mr. Adnène Lassoued, President of the National Authority for Access to Information (INAI), indicated that "the authority has prerogatives, among which was the support of all categories concerned by the right of access to information, all disciplines included. The training of access officers is of particular interest to INAI, given their crucial role in the implementation of this right". Mr. Lassoued also pointed out that "the right of access to information cannot be fully enjoyed without the application of the principles of transparency and accountability that constitute the content of this right". 

About thirty  officials from the three governorates of Jendouba, Béja and Le Kef were able to exchange with INAI executives and trainers on the state of play of the right of access to information in the north-western regions, the procedures for requests and responses to access to information, the mechanisms for proactive publication of information, the responsibilities of access officers, appeals to INAI and the preparation of annual reports.