The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) are working with the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) on the National Security and Access to Information Project. OSJI has embarked on a project to develop Principles on National Security and Access to Information based on comparative law and practice as well as well-grounded policy arguments. The ISS in association with FXI are developing a chapter on South Africa for the study.

At the same time that these international principles are being developed, South Africa is embroiled in a debate on the Protection of Information Bill, which seeks to regulate the classification and declassification of information.

The expected outcomes of the conference include:

• Peer review and expert advice on the South Africa country chapter
• Recommendations on the draft principles
• The debate on the Protection of Information Bill is informed by international comparative experiences

More informed debate on national security and access to information in South Africa based on sound analysis of the current system with a view to developing recommendations for a revised system in line with Constitutional imperatives and national and international practice.