In conjunction with the organizations of the United Nations system in Cameroon, REPAC (Réseau des patrons de presses du Cameroun) and UN PRESS CLUB organized a conference-debate last Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Cabinet Wachou et Associés in Yaoundé on the theme: “Press freedom in a hostile environment”.
After a welcoming speech by Thierry EBA, President of the UN Press Club, we heard a number of contributions, notably from REPAC President François Mbokè, Serge Banyimbe, UNESCO specialist in programs, communications and information, Jean Njita, coordinator of the United Nations Information Center in Cameroon, and Me Siméon Wachou, member of the Cameroon Bar.
For Mr. Siméon Wachou, “society has the right to be informed on current issues that punctuate daily life, but it's up to those involved in the press to show responsibility in the processing and dissemination of information, which most often emanates from the source. Good information is information that does not propagate untruths and threaten social cohesion, information that is not intended to destabilize social peace. We look forward to the specialization of the press on criminal issues, and intend to give them our unfailing support. We wish good luck to this press, which we want to see ingenious, professional and ambitious, because it is the true barometer of the advent of the rule of law”.
For Jean Njita, coordinator of the United Nations Information Center in Yaoundé, “journalists must take ownership of environmental issues and their consequences, while highlighting possible solutions. This requires a global strategy that includes: preventing and protecting crimes against journalists, guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression and the need for scientific research into access to key sources of information, as well as combating misinformation and disinformation, and promoting plurality and diversity of the media, particularly regional, local and community media”.
For Serge Banyimbe, representing UNESCO, “the choice of the environment as a theme shows the urgency of doing so, and why the press in general should be involved, because if nothing is done, we'll be heading for disaster. It's a question of making the link between the danger facing our planet and the danger facing the press in general. It's about helping people make the right decisions, which is the essence of a journalist's work. Information is a public good and plays a fundamental role in decision-making. This means taking responsibility, because the authorities often turn a blind eye to certain details that are sometimes crucial. This counterbalance from the press often leads managers to integrate the aspect of environmental and social management”.
For François Mbokè, “there's a need for ecological justice so that the press can play its part. It's a long-term battle, and the press needs the means to fight it, to be supported in a synergy of actions. Press freedom in a hostile environment is a major challenge of our time, because we have a responsibility to defend our planet. By working together, by raising awareness, by working in a concerted manner, we can preserve press freedom and guarantee free, independent and accessible information for all in the future”.
A question-and-answer session brought to a close this day of commemoration, which was initially launched in Windhoek, Namibia, 30 years ago, before being adopted by the Assembly of Nations in 1999.
Clément Noumsi
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