A one-day capacity-building workshop was held in Douala, Cameroon, on September 28, 2026, to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The workshop, organized by the Douala Chapter of the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), brought together over 30 journalists, with a focus on young and English-speaking media professionals. The event aimed to equip participants with practical tools to identify, investigate, and report human-rights issues effectively.
The workshop's theme, "Human Rights Journalism: Strengthening Investigative Reporting, Ethical Storytelling & Accountability," guided the discussions. Journalists were reminded that effective reporting goes beyond narrating events; it requires asking relevant questions, identifying human-rights concerns, establishing who is affected, and determining the evidence available. The training provided participants with hands-on experience and expert insights to enhance their reporting skills.
Philippe Amanye, Regional Delegate of the Human Rights Commission for the Littoral region, was the main resource person during the workshop. He urged journalists to prioritize the dignity, privacy, and safety of victims and vulnerable persons, particularly children and survivors of violence. Amanye cautioned against sensationalism that could expose such persons to further harm, emphasizing the need for responsible reporting.
The workshop also focused on accuracy and verification in reporting. Amanye encouraged journalists to cross-check information, authenticate documents and sources, distinguish facts from allegations, and seek the views of concerned parties. These skills are essential in human rights reporting, where accuracy and fairness can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected.
The event was an opportunity for journalists to engage with experts and peers, sharing experiences and best practices in human rights reporting. With over 30 participants, the workshop facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas, promoting a deeper understanding of the role of journalists in promoting human rights and accountability.
The Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) organized the workshop to support the development of journalism in Cameroon, particularly in the area of human rights reporting. By providing training and resources, CAMASEJ aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of journalists, enabling them to produce high-quality reporting that promotes human rights and accountability.
The workshop concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of integrating human rights, accuracy, and accountability into journalistic practice. Journalists were encouraged to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the workshop to their daily reporting, promoting a culture of responsible and impactful journalism in Cameroon.
Key points
- Journalists in Cameroon attended a workshop to improve their human rights reporting skills, focusing on investigative reporting, ethical storytelling, and accountability.
- The workshop, organized by CAMASEJ, provided participants with practical tools and expert insights to enhance their reporting skills.
- The training emphasized the importance of accuracy, verification, and responsible reporting in human rights journalism.
