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Today, Sierra Leone joins the global community in celebrating International Identity Day under the theme “Right to Be Visible,” which emphasizes the fundamental right of individuals to have their identity recognized and validated.
This year’s celebration underscores the importance of promoting visibility, recognition, and inclusion for all, irrespective of their background or identity.
Under the leadership of the Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mr. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Sierra Leone has made significant strides in modernizing its identity management systems. Mr. Massaquoi, who also serves as an ambassador for ID4Africa, has been instrumental in transforming the NCRA into a robust institution that provides verifiable legal identities to all citizens. This progress ensures greater transparency, accountability, and security, as well as uninterrupted access to vital services for citizens and residents across various sectors.
In his remarks, Mr. Massaquoi highlighted the importance of ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans are accounted for, stating: “Our goal is to ensure that every citizen has the right to be visible, the right to participate, and the right to access services without barriers. We are committed to improving the national identification system to secure our future and foster inclusive national development.”
Sierra Leone’s participation in International Identity Day aligns the nation with global efforts to champion identity rights. The country has taken bold steps to ensure that all citizens are integrated into the national identification framework, which is crucial for development and security. By celebrating this day, Sierra Leone not only showcases its progress but also reaffirms its commitment to adopting best practices from other nations in enhancing identity management systems.
Key reasons for Sierra Leone’s participation in the International Identity Day celebration include:
- Promoting Unity and Solidarity: National Identity Day fosters unity among participating countries, enabling Sierra Leone to strengthen its regional relationships.
- Showcasing National Commitment: The celebration highlights Sierra Leone’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens through the establishment of a reliable national identification system.
- Advancing Modernization Efforts: By joining the global community, Sierra Leone demonstrates its commitment to modernizing its identity infrastructure to benefit all citizens.
- Learning from Global Best Practices: Participation in the event provides Sierra Leone with opportunities to learn from the experiences and successes of other nations in managing national identity systems.
As Sierra Leone commemorates this day, the country celebrates the progress it has made under Mr. Massaquoi’s leadership and looks forward to continued advancements in securing a legal identity for all, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
