By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In a strategic advocacy symposium organized by the Movement for Democracy, Development and Transparency (MDDT Cameroon), some human right defenders (Journalists, legal practitioners and civil society activists) as well as traditional and community leaders in the South West region have been educated and reminded of their roles in regard to civilian protection and promotion of security rights especially in the context of the ongoing Anglophone crisis.
Working in collaboration with ‘Open Society Africa’, the symposium examined challenges faced by the various stakeholders’ concerned and charted ways forward on how to enhance the protection of civilians and the right to security.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator/Executive Director of MDDT, Barrister Clifford Niba Akonteh said the stakeholders were invited for the symposium in order to know their roles in the community, be enlightened on the concept of civilian protection/right to security and strategize on what needs to be done in that domain. “This is a medium for us to educate the community through the stakeholders here present on their role in regards to civilian protection and right to security” he explained.
He added that some of the security rights which should be effectively implemented include the right to life, the right to freedom of expressions, movement, right to privacy etc. “This is an issue which is contemporary. As a result of the crisis, we have a lot of kidnapping for ransoms, abductions, arbitrary arrest, indiscriminate killings, and unfair trials, destruction of property, torture and unwarranted prosecutions. These are things that must be addressed now for us to have a peaceful resolution to the Anglophone crisis”. The MDDT Executive Director opined.
As part of the project, Barrister Akonteh said MDDT shall in the days ahead visit the villages in the North West and South West regions to better educate the inhabitants on civilian protection and right to security. “After this symposium, we plan on having working sessions with various groups of persons; we also intend to produce a hand and online manual on civilian protection and the right to security to better educate especially human rights defenders on civilian protection and the various security rights. We also plan to create synergies especially civic hubs in communities after sensitizing them. That will enable us create protective civilian groups to facilitate the education process in their communities. We also hope to table some recommendations to policy makers on how not to puncture the right to security. We equally have a newsletter to produce which will also be disseminated”.
He called on all present for the symposium to act as tools and sensitize their various communities on civilian protection and the right to security.
In her keynote address, Mme Viban Gladys called on all to think strategically and act thoughtfully. “For us to be able to guarantee civil protection, security rights and inclusive participation, we need to have mutual understanding, respect one another and respect each other’s perspective about issues. You don’t have to stand on somebody’s head to be tall. Humility counts. Speak only when your words are more important than your silence and make sure you think kind thoughts and speak kind words” she advised.
Talking to press after the symposium, she added that the strife is an unnecessary civil strife which is not needed at this time “When we come to the table and understand the premise from which we are coming from then we can begin to dialogue with an open mind and with a free spirit. Our protection as civilians starts with us. If you want to change the world then you should be the change you want to see. We need to respect each other and know that everyone is somebody”.
“We have to start by knowing our rights and responsibilities as citizens before blaming the government or the forces of law and order. Let us stop blaming each other and seek for solutions that can help us come out of this stalemate that we find ourselves in. We cannot progress as a people and as a nation if we keep destroying, fighting and killing each other. Viban Gladys averred.
Participants discussed on the role of the law enforcement officers in the protection of civilians, the role of human right defenders (lawyers, CSAs and journalists) in the promotion of security rights and the role of traditional and community leaders in enhancing civilian protection and promoting security rights. Created in August 30 2001, MDDT promotes human rights, freedoms, democracy and peace.