The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) on Tuesday hosted a crucial forum at its Wilkinson Road office, bringing together key stakeholders to advocate for the passage of Sierra Leone’s proposed data protection bill.
The event attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including members of Parliament, officials from government ministries, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and representatives from the Human Rights Commission and the Right to Access to Information Commission.
The discussions focused on the proposed legislation’s role in protecting individual privacy and strengthening national data security. Stakeholders also examined the potential of the bill to promote transparency and accountability within public institutions and government operations.
CHRDI called for unified action to ensure the swift passage of the bill, emphasizing its significance as a cornerstone for safeguarding personal and proprietary data in an increasingly digital society. The organisation noted that the legislation would build public trust while addressing the vulnerabilities of Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem.
“We must act collectively to ensure the protection of personal information and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the government’s ability to handle data responsibly,” CHRDI officials stated.
The organisation extended gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Civic Education, and Parliament for their support and underscored its commitment to continued engagement with stakeholders to advance the bill.
The data protection bill is seen as a critical step in aligning Sierra Leone with international standards on data privacy and security, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s digital and legal framework.