ESFA, GWF Strengthen Civic Space and Digital Rights Advocacy in Cameroon
On 1 August 2026: Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA), in partnership with Globe Watch Foundation (GWF), has convened civil society actors, human rights defenders, youth leaders, media professionals and other stakeholders for a high-level capacity-building workshop focused on strengthening civic space and protecting digital rights in Cameroon.
Held in Yaoundé under the theme “Advocacy within the Rule of Law: Stakeholder Workshop on Freedom of Association, Expression and Assembly (FOAEA) and Digital Rights Protection in Cameroon,” the workshop provided a practical platform for participants to examine challenges affecting civic participation and identify strategies for advancing fundamental freedoms within the framework of the rule of law.
The activity formed part of an ongoing project jointly implemented by ESFA and GWF, funded by the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) and coordinated by CIVICUS. The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of civil society and other stakeholders to promote civic freedoms, protect digital rights and undertake effective, evidence-based advocacy.
Practical Dialogue on Cameroon’s Shrinking Civic Space
Unlike a workshop based solely on conventional presentations, the Yaoundé session adopted a highly participatory and practical approach. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges encountered in their respective fields and examined practical scenarios relating to civic participation, human rights and digital communication.
Expert presentations were complemented by interactive discussions, allowing participants to connect legal and conceptual issues with their professional and community experiences. The approach encouraged peer learning, networking and the identification of practical solutions to challenges confronting civic actors in Cameroon.
A major area of discussion was Freedom of Association, Expression and Assembly (FOAEA). Participants examined the importance of these freedoms as fundamental pillars of democratic governance and discussed the need for citizens, civil society organizations, media professionals and other groups to participate peacefully in public affairs while respecting applicable laws.
The discussions further emphasized the importance of exercising civic freedoms in accordance with the rule of law and international human rights standards, while encouraging constructive engagement between civil society and public institutions to advance accountability, transparency and respect for fundamental rights.
Digital Rights Take Centre Stage
Digital rights and responsible online participation also featured prominently during the workshop. Participants examined emerging challenges associated with the increasing use of digital platforms, including hate speech, defamation, misinformation, disinformation and online incitement. Discussions also focused on the legal and ethical responsibilities that accompany freedom of expression in the digital environment.
Participants were encouraged to adopt responsible digital practices, including verifying information before sharing it, avoiding content that could promote violence or discrimination, and using online platforms to facilitate constructive civic dialogue.
The discussions reflected growing recognition that digital spaces have become important arenas for civic participation, advocacy and public debate. Consequently, digital literacy, online safety and responsible digital citizenship were identified as essential components of contemporary human rights and advocacy work.
Participants Explore Strategic Advocacy
The workshop also focused on strengthening strategic advocacy and civil society engagement.
Participants explored the importance of evidence-based messaging, stakeholder engagement, coordinated action and constructive policy dialogue. Civil society organizations were encouraged to strengthen their ability to document issues affecting communities, develop credible advocacy messages and engage relevant decision-makers.
Participants noted that coordinated civil society action can increase the effectiveness and visibility of advocacy initiatives aimed at influencing public policy and institutional reforms in the public interest.
Workshop Strengthens Collaboration Among Civic Actors
The workshop resulted in increased understanding of FOAEA, greater awareness of digital rights and online risks, and strengthened knowledge of strategic and rights-based advocacy approaches.
It also provided participants with opportunities to exchange experiences and practical solutions while strengthening relationships among stakeholders working on human rights, civic freedoms and digital security.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting an open, inclusive and resilient civic environment in Cameroon, with responsible digital engagement recognized as an important component of meaningful civic participation.
Call for Stronger Multi-Stakeholder Action
The discussions highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among civil society organizations, human rights defenders, youth, media professionals, public institutions and other stakeholders in protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms.
Among the recommendations were continued capacity building on FOAEA, digital rights and strategic advocacy; increased awareness of national and international legal standards protecting civic freedoms; strengthened digital literacy and responsible digital citizenship; improved coordination among civil society actors; and stronger engagement between civil society and public institutions.
The workshop also called for sustained multi-stakeholder initiatives to address emerging threats to civic space and digital freedoms, while promoting ethical leadership, professionalism and respect for human rights both online and offline.
Building a Rights-Based and Digitally Secure Cameroon
The Yaoundé workshop reaffirmed the importance of civic freedoms and digital rights to democratic governance and sustainable development in Cameroon.
Through the practical exchange of experiences and knowledge, participants were equipped with approaches for strategic advocacy, responsible digital engagement and stronger collaboration across sectors.
ESFA and GWF, with support from the Digital Democracy Initiative and coordination by CIVICUS, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the capacity of civil society and other stakeholders to contribute to an open, inclusive, rights-based and digitally secure civic environment in Cameroon.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
