Mauritania parliament approves new national documents law
The new legislation replaces a 1968 act and aims to unify collection, preservation, and access to national records.
Mauritania's National Assembly approved a new law governing national documents on Monday. The legislation, presented by the Minister of the Government Secretariat General Mokhtar Abdallahi, establishes a unified legal framework for collecting, classifying, preserving, protecting, and providing access to national documents in all forms.
Minister Abdallahi stated the new project addresses the outdated 1968 archives law and aligns legal frameworks with international standards and the competent authority's missions. He explained the law aims to modernize administration, preserve national memory, enhance transparency, protect citizens' rights, and encourage research.
The approved project defines types of national documents, confirms public and heritage status for public archives, and strengthens the National Archives' role. It also regulates private documents of national interest and sets conditions for their accessibility, covering electronic and audiovisual records with incentives and sanctions.
Why it mattersCitizens' rights and access to national memory are enhanced through updated regulations on document management.