The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has played a significant role in 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, CHRDI highlighted its contributions, including consultations, stakeholder engagements, and public education initiatives. The organisation 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.
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. These activities aimed 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.
The proposed legislation is significant to protecting citizens' privacy, safeguarding personal information, and strengthening their right to access information. According to CHRDI, this bill is crucial for an informed society, and its passage will be an important step towards strengthening the protection of privacy and access to information in Sierra Leone. The organisation commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for its partnership throughout the process.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education received support from the United States Department of State and international digital rights organisation Access Now. CHRDI acknowledged the support of these partners in the development and public awareness of the proposed legislation. The organisation's efforts have contributed to a well-informed public and stakeholders about the importance of data protection and access to information.
The parliamentary consideration of the Bill is an essential step towards ensuring that citizens' fundamental right to privacy is protected. CHRDI maintained that privacy is a fundamental right, and access to information is essential to an informed society. The organisation expressed optimism about the proposed legislation as it goes before Parliament, expecting it to have a positive impact on the country.
CHRDI's advocacy efforts have promoted a better understanding of data protection and access to information among the public and stakeholders. The organisation's public education materials and toolkits will guide Members of Parliament, journalists, and activists on issues relating to data protection and privacy. This will ensure that stakeholders are well-equipped to handle issues related to data protection and access to information.
The passage of the Data Protection and Right of Access to Information Bill, 2026, will mark a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's efforts to protect citizens' privacy and strengthen access to information. CHRDI's contributions to the development and public awareness of the proposed legislation have been instrumental in promoting a well-informed public and stakeholders about the importance of data protection and access to information.
Key points
- The proposed legislation aims to protect citizens' privacy and strengthen their right to access information.
- CHRDI played a significant role in the development and public awareness of the Data Protection and Right of Access to Information Bill, 2026.
- The parliamentary consideration of the Bill is an essential step towards ensuring that citizens' fundamental right to privacy is protected.
