As Cameroon prepares for upcoming elections, journalists and related media professionals are taking active steps to ensure that previously underrepresented groups are not left out of the democratic conversation. From 3 to 5 September 2025, reporters, bloggers, and media practitioners from the North West and West Regions convened in Bafoussam for a three-day workshop on “human rights monitoring during electoral periods,” organised by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (the Centre).
The workshop addressed a persistent problem of election coverage in Cameroon which often fails to adequately represent women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority communities. This underrepresentation not only silences important perspectives but also risks undermining public confidence in the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process.
According to Houryata Diarra, Human Rights Officer at the Centre, Election reporting frequently prioritises high-profile political actors while overlooking the experiences and concerns of marginalised groups. Women she observed may face intimidation or limited access to polling stations, youth and persons with disabilities are often ignored in policy debates, and minority communities can be excluded entirely from mainstream media narratives.
“Giving voice to the voiceless strengthens not just journalism, but democracy itself. Inclusive reporting helps citizens see themselves in the electoral process, which ultimately encourages participation and accountability.” Houryata observed
For three days, facilitators Houryata and Fonyuy Kiven Timothy from the UN Centre, guided participants through a series of sessions designed to promote ethical, inclusive, and safe reporting.
Day one focused on understanding the electoral landscape, civil and political rights, and techniques for identifying and documenting rights violations. Participants engaged in case studies to develop strategies for reporting on marginalised communities responsibly.
Day two emphasised ethics, safety, and interviewing skills. Journalists were trained on maintaining impartiality, protecting sources, and responding to threats while ensuring their reporting gave attention to all community voices. Simulated election-day incident reporting allowed participants to practise capturing events in real time, including the perspectives of those often left unheard.
Day three directly addressed inclusive reporting. Facilitators highlighted approaches to covering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and minority groups, and participants produced articles or blog posts reflecting these principles. Practical exercises ensured that inclusion was not theoretical but embedded in journalistic practice.
Fonyuy Kiven Timothy Franklin facilitating session Inclusive reporting they insisted is is a global standard. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirm that every citizen has the right to participate in public affairs, and media coverage plays a key role in making these rights visible and actionable. By ensuring marginalised voices are heard, journalists help Cameroon align with international human rights obligations and contribute to more equitable democratic processes.
Participants left the workshop with enhanced skills to report ethically, safely, and inclusively. Organisers emphasised that media coverage that reflects the experiences of all communities can increase voter awareness, foster trust in electoral outcomes, and reduce political alienation among groups traditionally ignored.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
