Sierra Leone’s Data Protection Bill Reaches Parliament After CHRDI-Led Advocacy Efforts
Aaron Parker The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has highlighted its contributions towards the development and public awareness of Sierra Leone’s Data Protection and Right of Access to Information Bill, 2026, as the proposed legislation prepares to go before Parliament on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
CHRDI said it has played an active role in the process, contributing to consultations, stakeholder engagements and public education initiatives aimed at promoting data protection, privacy and access to information across the country.
The organisation disclosed that it was a member of the Technical Steering Committee established by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to support the development of the proposed legislation.
As part of its contributions, CHRDI conducted engagements with public and private sector workers, held discussions with university students and carried out community outreach activities in four communities across Freetown to raise public awareness about the importance of data protection and the right to access information.
The organisation also produced public education materials, a Parliamentary Oversight Toolkit for Members of Parliament, and a Civil Society and Media Toolkit designed to guide journalists and activists on issues relating to data protection and privacy.
According to CHRDI, the proposed legislation is significant to protecting citizens’ privacy, safeguarding personal information and strengthening their right to access information.
The organisation commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its partnership throughout the process, while also acknowledging the support of the United States Department of State and international digital rights organisation Access Now.
CHRDI described the parliamentary consideration of the Bill as an important step towards strengthening the protection of privacy and access to information in Sierra Leone.
The organisation maintained that privacy is a fundamental right and access to information is essential to an informed society, expressing optimism about the proposed legislation as it goes before Parliament.