Access to information is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of democratic governance, enabling transparency, accountability, and informed public participation. Recognising its significance, the Council of Europe organised a two-day training programme for members of the Azerbaijani Bar Association on 25-26 February 2025 in Baku.

The training aimed to enhance lawyers’ understanding of international legal standards on access to information, focusing on the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents (Tromsø Convention), Convention 108+, and relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). An international expert from the Council of Europe provided in-depth insights and analysis of the legal obligations of public authorities, the role of legal professionals in defending the right to information, and the balance between transparency and data protection.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and case studies, exploring the practical application of access to information laws in Azerbaijan. The training also covered the role of lawyers in advocating for open government principles and supporting journalists and civil society actors in exercising their right to information.

This training programme was conducted within the framework of the Project on Promoting Media Professionalism and Freedom of Information in Azerbaijan (PRO-M-FEX). Implemented as part of the Council of Europe Actiion Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2025, the PRO-M-FEX Project aims to strengthen media professionalism and freedom of information in Azerbaijan.