By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International has stepped up advocacy for digital rights with a training session for journalists and civil society organizations on data protection, privacy and online safety.
Held on Thursday, 9th July 2026 at the CHRDI Conference Room on Wilkinson Road, the one-day workshop brought together media practitioners and CSO representatives to build capacity in navigating digital spaces responsibly.
Facilitators led discussions on emerging threats to digital freedoms, ethical collection and handling of personal data, and key provisions in Sierra Leone’s draft Privacy and Personal Data Protection Bill. Participants were also trained on practical steps to secure communications, safeguard confidential sources, and guard against online harassment, surveillance and data breaches.
CHRDI’s Chief Executive, speaking at the opening, said the initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to protecting rights in an increasingly digital environment.
“Journalists and civil society actors are custodians of public information. As more of our work shifts online, we must understand our digital rights and ensure the privacy of citizens and sources is protected,” the Chief Executive noted.
The training is part of CHRDI’s broader campaign on privacy and data protection. In partnership with the White House/Fulbright Specialist Program, the organization is developing a Privacy and Data Protection Advocacy Toolkit for journalists and CSOs, and an oversight toolkit for Members of Parliament.
Participants described the session as timely, given the growing dependence on digital platforms for information dissemination, public engagement and civic action.
CHRDI pledged to continue working with the media, government and civil society to ensure the speedy enactment and effective implementation of data protection laws in Sierra Leone.
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