Visionary Reports

This was during the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

By Gina Esong

Members of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union –CJTU also known by its French acronym as SNJC joined their counterpart worldwide on November 2 to commemorate this year’s edition of the Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Celebrations in Douala was marked by a round table conference  which gave an opening for journalists to examined the practice of their profession as well as also seek means to promote solidarity  amongst practitioners. 

 The roundtable discussion was a great moment for the National President of CJTU Denise Nkwebo to outlined CJTU’s intervention mechanisms in case journalists are in difficulties . He said journalists should not be forced to cover dangerous events against their will.  He regretted that the Cameroon government is not protecting journalists as it should. To him, many journalists have been incarcerated as a result of the ongoing crisis in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.

  CJTU National Vice President in charge of Gender, Marion Obam used the occasion to enlightened female journalists on how to avoid sexual harassment and on line bullying. She encouraged her female folks to remain steadfast and ready to stand their ground no matter the situation.  Marion Obam disclosed that it was high time female journalists take up the challenged and fight against cyber bulling. She took time off to deliver some tips on how to go about it.

Sponsored by the United Nations, the journalists were privileged to receive press vests that will enable identify them whenever they are out for field work. While handing over the press vests, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cameroon, Allegra Baiocchi called on journalists to uses the jackets judiciously. She said it was a sort of protection especially for journalists in the crisis stricken regions of Cameroon. She outlined ways by which the UN system can help journalist in Cameroon.  In effect she advocated for solidarity amongst journalists, she said the UN can better assist journalists as a team rather than individuals.

 One of CJTU chapter president present to receive the press vests was Bakah Derick of the North West chapter; he told this reporter that the vests are identifications for media organs. Coming from the crisis stricken region he appealed to state and non state actors to respect all those who wear the vests as journalist with reputation who are only out to do their job. However, he cautioned journalist in the North West region to use the vests judiciously and not for misconduct.

 It should be recalled that the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalist is observed every year on the 2nd of November. This day was set aside by United Nations General Assembly in 2013 in its resolution A/RES/68/163 following the killing of two journalists in Mali.

The Resolution condemns all attacks against media practitioners and calls on member states of the UN to take measures to counter the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists, guarantee accountability and bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers and to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.