UNICEF, EU, Partners Support NCRA in Revising Civil Registration Laws
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has concluded a four-day workshop on November 30, 2024, at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown, focusing on revising the Draft National Civil Registration (NCR) Bill 2022 and updating the National Civil Registration Authority Act of 2016. The workshop, which began on November 27, was part of an effort to modernize Sierra Leone’s Civil Registration and Identity Management System.
Launched by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Major-General (Rtd) David T. O. Taluva, the workshop aimed to address legal and technological gaps in the current system. It brought together stakeholders from Irish Aid, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and UNICEF.
NCRA’s Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, emphasized the importance of updating the legal framework to improve vital event registration and support national development. He highlighted that the revised legislation would strengthen planning, democracy, and social protection.
Hon. Sarty Banya, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Internal Affairs, noted progress under the 2016 Act while stressing the need to address emerging challenges like cybersecurity and data management.
UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk emphasized the right to birth registration and called for inclusive solutions to ensure marginalized communities are reached. He added that strengthening civil registration is key to achieving sustainable development goals.
The Minister of Internal Affairs reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting NCRA’s mandate, urging stakeholders to ensure the revised law comprehensively addresses existing gaps.
The workshop laid the foundation for a modernized Civil Registration and Identity Management System, aligned with international best practices. By tackling legal, technological, and operational challenges, the revised legislation aims to enhance governance, transparency, and sustainable development. Collaboration between NCRA, government institutions, and development partners remains essential for a robust and inclusive system.
