By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), has on August 8, 2024, announced that the country will join other African member states to commemorate the 7th African Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day on August 10, 2024. The theme for this year’s event is: “Strengthening the Linkage of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics to Legal Identity Systems through Digitalization for Enhanced Inclusion.” In Sierra Leone, the theme has been adapted to resonate with local priorities under the title: “Linking SIM Card to NIN.”
In a press briefing held at the Ministry of Finance, Director General of the NCRA, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, emphasized the significance of the annual celebration. He noted that Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day serves as a critical moment for reflection, collaboration and action toward strengthening CRVS systems across the continent. According to him, this effort is particularly crucial as Africa strives to meet the commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes achieving legal identity for all.
In a statement marking the 7th Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), said Sierra Leone will participate in this continent-wide celebration adding how the event, observed annually on August 10, emphasizes the crucial role of civil registration systems in fostering legal identity, governance and national development.
He underscores the importance of integrating digital technologies with civil registration systems to improve service delivery and ensure the inclusion of all citizens.
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi highlighted the significant strides Sierra Leone has made in aligning its Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) with international standards. He emphasized the importance of a robust legal framework, ICT infrastructure and innovative business processes in making these systems responsive to both local and global needs.
“The Government of Sierra Leone, through the NCRA, is committed to ensuring that every citizen is counted and visible through a well-functioning integrated CRVS system,” said Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi. He also noted that the NCRA’s efforts have positioned it as the national hub for identity data, with over 90% of the population digitally registered.
The Director General underscored the role of CRVS in supporting e-governance, enhancing service delivery and protecting individual rights. He also highlighted the system’s contribution to fighting corruption and identity manipulation, particularly through collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and law enforcement agencies.
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi called on all stakeholders to reflect on the status of national CRVS and legal identity systems and to foster dialogue on sustainable improvements. The Director General also extended gratitude to Sierra Leone’s CRVS development partners, including the European Union, UNDP, UNICEF and others, for their continued support.
The commemoration of Africa CRVS Day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of harmonizing civil registration systems with legal identity frameworks.
As Sierra Leone joins other African nations in this celebration, the NCRA is encouraging all citizens to register with the CRVS and identity systems to ensure their inclusion in the nation’s socio-economic development.
The commemoration on August 10 will not only highlight the importance of civil registration and vital statistics but also underscore the role of digitalization in enhancing the linkage between these systems and legal identity frameworks, ensuring broader inclusion for all citizens.
