SYMPOSIUM ON MEDIA AND SAFETY
By the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) in partnership with Alliance Française Bamenda
Wednesday 30 October 2024
By Bakah Derick
Introductory remarks: An Ode to the brave or the suicidal?
As we gather to mark the 10th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, our focus this year “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies” addresses an issue that applies deeply with media professionals worldwide. Since its establishment by the United Nations in 2013, this day has reminded us of the alarming reality: journalists are often silenced by threats, violence, and even death, yet few of these crimes ever see justice. This systemic lack of accountability and impunity sends a chilling message that those who report truth, particularly in conflict zones and during emergencies, are expendable.
The challenges journalists face in crises have only intensified in recent years, from covering conflicts to reporting on natural disasters and global health emergencies. In such volatile environments, the risks to media workers are heightened, yet the legal protections they rely on are often weakened or ignored entirely. Today’s panel will discuss these urgent issues, exploring ways to strengthen the safety mechanisms that protect journalists on the front lines and ensure that crimes against them do not go unanswered. Our goal is to advocate for a world where those who shed light on society’s most pressing issues can work without fear, secure in the knowledge that justice and accountability will prevail.
Let us take this opportunity not only to reflect on the dangers faced by journalists but to call for concerted action in ending impunity because an attack on journalists is an attack on democracy and the right to information for all.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to what promises to be a most riveting panel discussion on the "Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies." Now, I say riveting because there’s nothing quite like watching a group of seasoned journalists, who risk life and limb daily, gather to talk about safety. Yes, safety: a word that feels more like an inside joke in the North West Region, where “wearing a bulletproof vest” may as well be added to the dress code for reporters.
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Journalists and related media professional in this region deserve a standing ovation not because they’re celebrated, or well-compensated for their fearless efforts (God forbid), but because they show up.
They dare to document the chaos around them while knowing full well that the shield of 'press freedom' is about as useful as an umbrella in a hurricane. And yet, here we are, discussing safety. Isn't it marvellous?
Of course, the real heroes of the story are the organisations and unions that represent these journalists and related media professional. Surely, they have systems in place to ensure that their reporters are adequately protected. I mean, it’s not like they're being sent out with nothing but a notepad, a pen, and a prayer, right? Oh wait, they are.
But fear not, dear journalists and related media professional! There’s always hope. Hope that if you disappear for a few days, someone might notice. Hope that your media house will at least pen a heartfelt obituary, or better yet, put up a tweet about you; because who needs tangible support when you can be immortalised in 280 characters?
And so, as we embark on this intellectual journey, let us remember that the primary responsibility for your safety lies not with the government, not with international bodies, but with you: yes, YOU. Protect yourself, dear journalist, because your byline might be the last thing left of you.
Welcome everyone and thank you to the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union for asking my humble person to moderate this high profile pannel
Now, on to the serious matters at hand.