Right to Information Act, No. 13 of 2016 (Vanuatu)

The Republic of Vanuatu's Right to Information Act defines "right to information" as the right to information that is accessible under the Act and which is held by or under the control of a Government agency, relevant private entity or private entity. A person may access information from a private entity if the information is needed to assist in the exercise or protection of any right recognized under the laws of Vanuatu. However, the right to information does not apply to any information held by the system of custom, traditions and practices in Vanuatu, any information of a private entity that is not public service-related or funded by the Government, or any information held by a publicly owned media body in relation to its program content. The Act also provides for required and periodic disclosure of information, without the need for a request. The Act also identifies certain information as exempt from disclosure, including information whose disclosure would reasonably be expected to result in the destruction of, damage to, or interference with, the conservation of any species of plant or animal life which is endangered, threatened or otherwise vulnerable. Nevertheless, exempt information may still be disclosed if it is in the public interest as determined by a Right to Information Officer. If an application for access to information is denied, it may be appealed to the Information Commissioner.