Identification and Registration of Citizens

Comprehensive Legal and Administrative Framework of the Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens: Governance, Biometric Data Management, and Institutional Operations of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)

Duration: 3 Days Language: English & Somali

Table of Contents

  1. Chapter 1: Introduction to the Legal Framework of National Identity(Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Name of the Law, Article 1)
  2. Chapter 2: Institutional Governance and the Establishment of NIRA(Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Establishment, Article 9)
  3. Chapter 3: Data Management and Biometric Standards(Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Data to be Registered, Article 8)
  4. Chapter 4: Administrative Procedures and Dispute Resolution(Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Management of Complaints, Article 7)
  5. Chapter 5: Enforcement, Penalties, and Legal Compliance(Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Crimes Related to Registration, Article 28)

Overall Objective

The primary aim of this course is to provide legal practitioners and students with an exhaustive understanding of the statutory mechanisms governing civil registration and identity management in Somalia. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Objectives of the Law, Article 2).

By analyzing the legislative framework, participants will learn how the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) operates as a legal personality to manage public data. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Establishment, Article 9).

This course links theoretical legal principles to real-world applications by examining the rights of citizens to obtain identification and the obligations of the state to protect that data. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Right to Obtain Identity, Article 4).

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of the National Identity System

Objective: To introduce students to the legal terminology and the overarching goals of the identification law.

Topics Covered: Definitions of biometric data, the unique identification number, and the legal right to registration. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Right to Obtain Identity, Article 4).

Expected Outcomes: Mastery of legal terminology and understanding of the state’s obligation to identify its people.

Module 2: Governance and Administrative Oversight

Objective: To analyze the internal structure and external oversight of NIRA.

Topics Covered: Role of the Board of Directors, powers of the Director General, and ministerial supervision. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Powers of the Ministry, Article 14).

Expected Outcomes: Ability to navigate the hierarchical structure of NIRA for legal advocacy.

Module 3: Data Protection and Registration Procedures

Objective: To explore the legal requirements for data collection and the protection of privacy.

Topics Covered: Specific data points for registration, verification protocols, and the official oath of secrecy. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Oath of Office, Article 25).

Expected Outcomes: Competency in advising clients on data rights and privacy obligations.

Module 4: Judicial Review and Administrative Appeals

Objective: To equip lawyers with the skills to handle disputes involving the Authority.

Topics Covered: Complaint mechanisms, the role of the Minister in appeals, and judicial review. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Management of Complaints, Article 7).

Expected Outcomes: Proficiency in representing clients in identity-related litigation.

Module 5: Enforcement and Criminal Sanctions

Objective: To examine the penal provisions used to protect the integrity of the identity system.

Topics Covered: Identity theft, fraudulent registration, and conflict of interest within the Authority. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Crimes Related to Registration, Article 28).

Expected Outcomes: Deep understanding of the criminal risks and ethical standards in identity management.

Glossary of Key Terms

BiometricPhysical characteristics unique to an individual, such as fingerprints or iris patterns. (Ref: Article 3).
NIRANational Identification and Registration Authority – the legal entity managing civil registration. (Ref: Article 9).
Unique Identification NumberA non-sequential number assigned to a person for life. (Ref: Article 3).
Identity CardThe unified national identity card issued by the Authority. (Ref: Article 3).
Data CenterThe location where the data held by the Authority is collected and stored. (Ref: Article 3).
Official OathA sworn statement by employees to protect sensitive public data. (Ref: Article 25).
Board of DirectorsThe governing body that oversees the policy and budget of the Authority. (Ref: Article 15).
VerificationA method used to confirm that a person is who they claim to be. (Ref: Article 3).

Why Choose This Course?

This course offers a unique competitive edge by providing the first comprehensive legal breakdown of Somalia’s newest regulatory body, NIRA. (Ref: Law on Identification and Registration of Citizens, Establishment, Article 9).

Lawyers who master this law will be at the forefront of the emerging field of digital identity and data privacy law in the region.

Understanding the administrative appeal process defined in Article Seven will allow practitioners to offer specialized services to clients facing identity-related issues. As registration becomes mandatory for all citizens, legal demand for experts in this area will grow exponentially.

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