Building Digital and Psychological Resilience: GWF and ESFA Strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Actors and Human Rights Defenders in Buea

Over 30 human rights defenders, journalists, women’s rights advocates and community leaders participated in a two-day training in Buea, Cameroon, on digital security, legal protection and psychological resilience, organised by Globe Watch Foundation and Ethical and Sustainable Future for All in partnership with CIVICUS and the Digital Democracy Initiative.

BUEA, CAMEROON — As digital threats, online harassment and restrictions on civic space continue to challenge civil society actors in Cameroon, Globe Watch Foundation (GWF) and Ethical and Sustainable Future for All (ESFA) have organised a two-day capacity-building training to strengthen the digital, legal and psychological resilience of human rights defenders and other civic actors.

Held on 10 and 11 October 2026 at the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) Conference Hall in Buea, Southwest Region, the training brought together more than 30 participants, including human rights defenders, women’s rights advocates, journalists, civil society representatives and community leaders.

Organised in partnership with CIVICUS and the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), the training focused on strengthening the capacity of participants to navigate digital threats, understand their legal rights, protect sensitive information and maintain their psychological well-being while carrying out human rights and civic engagement activities.

Through practical exercises, case studies and group discussions, participants examined the growing risks associated with online advocacy and explored strategies for protecting themselves, their organisations and the communities they serve.

Digital Security and Civic Space in Cameroon

Digital platforms have become essential tools for human rights monitoring, public-interest journalism, community mobilisation and advocacy. However, the same platforms can expose defenders to surveillance, censorship, disinformation, online harassment, phishing attacks, account hacking and the unauthorised disclosure of personal information.

For activists working in conflict-affected areas, these threats can have consequences beyond the digital environment, potentially exposing individuals, sources, witnesses and vulnerable communities to physical harm.

The training therefore approached security as an interconnected system involving digital protection, physical safety, legal awareness and psychological resilience.

Participants explored how online threats affect civic space and human rights work, particularly in contexts where speaking out on public issues may carry significant personal and professional risks.

Strengthening Digital Security: Practical Skills for Human Rights Defenders

The digital security sessions were facilitated by Mr. Shing Timothy, a journalist, fact-checker and digital security expert.

His presentation focused on personal and organisational digital security, with additional attention to physical security and the relationship between online exposure and real-world risks.

Mr. Shing emphasised that digital security cannot be adequately addressed in isolation from physical security, noting the close relationship between the two.

Understanding Digital Threats and Vulnerabilities

Participants examined digital rights and civic space, including threats associated with surveillance, internet shutdowns, censorship and disinformation. A case study involving an online campaign under attack helped participants understand how digital threats can undermine advocacy initiatives and endanger those involved.

The sessions introduced participants to the concepts of assets, threats, vulnerabilities and threat actors as essential elements of risk assessment.

They also examined common cyber threats, including phishing, malware, compromised accounts and doxxing — the malicious publication of someone’s private or identifying information without consent.

Working in groups, participants conducted threat assessments for their respective organisations to identify potential weaknesses and develop appropriate protective measures.

Password Protection, Multi-Factor Authentication and Secure Devices

Personal digital security was another major focus of the training.

Participants learned about the importance of creating strong, unique passwords for different accounts, using password managers, enabling multi-factor authentication and securing mobile devices.

They also examined safer browsing practices and responsible social media use, followed by individual digital security audits to help them identify gaps in their existing security practices.

One of the practical lessons was the danger of reusing the same password across multiple platforms. When one account is compromised, attackers may attempt to access other accounts using the same credentials.

Reflecting on the session, participant Dzelamonyuy said the training helped him understand why passwords should not be reused across different social media accounts.

The lesson reinforced a fundamental principle of digital security: simple preventive measures can significantly reduce exposure to cyber threats.

Encrypted Communication and Protection of Sensitive Information

Participants also explored secure communication, end-to-end encryption, metadata and the protection of confidential information.

The sessions addressed the use of secure messaging platforms and online meeting tools, as well as practical measures for protecting journalists’ sources, whistle-blowers, witnesses and other individuals who may face risks for sharing sensitive information.

On data protection, participants examined data classification, encryption, secure backups and information-sharing protocols.

Mr. Shing recommended Signal for secure communications and Proton Mail for email security, highlighting their relevance to activists and human rights defenders. Participants were encouraged to assess their communication tools and practices according to their specific threat environments.

Incident Response and Organisational Security Policies

The training further addressed how organisations should respond when digital security incidents occur.

Participants studied the incident response cycle: identification, containment, investigation, recovery and lessons learned. They considered how to respond to compromised accounts, data breaches and other security incidents.

The sessions also highlighted the importance of organisational security policies that clearly define responsibilities, establish procedures for handling sensitive information and guide staff in responding to digital threats.

Mr. Shing stressed that individuals and organisations engaged in online advocacy must document and verify their evidence before publication.

Unverified claims can undermine public trust, weaken advocacy campaigns and expose human rights defenders and their organisations to legal and reputational risks.

Participants also discussed the role of institutions such as the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Cameroon in the country’s digital governance and regulatory environment.

Understanding Legal Protection for Digital Rights Defenders

The second part of the training was facilitated by Dr. Wabi Wakai, a practising lawyer and lecturer.

The sessions focused on the legal frameworks protecting digital rights, freedom of expression, privacy and the work of human rights defenders, with particular attention to the Cameroonian context.

The discussions were practical and interactive, allowing lawyers, journalists and other participants to exchange experiences and consider how the law applies to situations they encounter in their professional activities.

International and Regional Human Rights Frameworks

Participants reviewed several international and regional instruments relevant to digital rights and civic freedoms, including:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Articles 12 and 19, addressing privacy and freedom of opinion and expression.
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Articles 17, 19, 21 and 22, concerning privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association.
• United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders: Principles supporting the right of individuals and groups to promote and protect human rights.
• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Relevant protections for freedom of expression, association and assembly.
• 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa: Regional standards addressing freedom of expression, access to information and related digital rights concerns.

The discussions highlighted the importance of legality, necessity and proportionality when assessing restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

These principles are particularly relevant when governments or other authorities introduce measures affecting online expression, access to information, privacy or civic participation.

Cameroon’s Cybersecurity, Cybercrime and Data Protection Laws

The legal sessions examined constitutional guarantees, relevant provisions of Cameroon’s Penal Code and available legal remedies for individuals whose rights are violated.

Particular attention was given to Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 relating to cybersecurity and cybercriminality in Cameroon, including concerns surrounding the application of provisions on false news.

Participants also examined Law No. 2024/017 of 23 December 2024 relating to the protection of personal data in Cameroon.

These discussions helped participants consider the relationship between cybersecurity regulation, personal privacy, freedom of expression and the protection of sensitive information.

A hypothetical case involving harassment, surveillance and censorship allowed participants to apply the legal principles discussed during the training.

They also learned practical approaches to collecting, preserving and verifying evidence, completing incident reporting forms and using referral and support mechanisms when digital rights violations occur.

For human rights defenders and journalists, understanding the law is essential not only for identifying violations but also for documenting incidents responsibly, assessing legal risks and pursuing appropriate remedies.

Psychological Resilience: Protecting Those Who Defend Others

Beyond digital and legal protection, the training recognised the psychological pressures associated with human rights work and public-interest advocacy.

Human rights defenders and journalists may experience prolonged stress, threats, online abuse, intimidation and exposure to traumatic incidents. Women’s rights defenders may also face gender-based online attacks intended to humiliate, silence or discourage their participation in public life.

Participants discussed stress, burnout and secondary trauma, examining how prolonged exposure to threats and distressing information can affect personal well-being and professional effectiveness.

The sessions introduced practical approaches to responding to online harassment through four steps:

1. Assess: Evaluate the nature and severity of the threat and determine whether immediate protective action is required.
2. Document: Preserve relevant evidence, including messages, screenshots and other available records, while protecting sensitive information.
3. Report: Report the incident through appropriate platform mechanisms, organisational procedures or relevant authorities, where safe and appropriate.
4. Seek support: Access trusted colleagues, professional assistance, psychosocial services or other suitable support mechanisms.

Participants were also introduced to the basics of psychological first aid and strategies for strengthening personal and organisational resilience.

The discussions underscored an important message: protecting human rights defenders requires more than securing their devices. Their psychological well-being is equally important to the sustainability of their work.

Safe Advocacy and Responsible Digital Campaigning

The training concluded with practical sessions on safe advocacy and campaign planning.

Participants explored how to conduct pre-campaign risk assessments, protect people involved in advocacy activities, counter disinformation and communicate human rights concerns ethically.

The sessions emphasised the need to consider potential consequences before publishing sensitive information or launching online campaigns.

Responsible advocacy requires accuracy, informed judgement and respect for the dignity, privacy and safety of affected individuals.

Participants reflected on how the knowledge acquired could be integrated into their organisational policies, digital communication practices and advocacy strategies.

Digital Security in Conflict-Affected Communities: Lessons from the Anglophone Crisis

The experiences shared during the training illustrated the specific challenges facing professionals operating in conflict-affected environments such as Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions.

Participant Mr. Kiiven highlighted the complexities of digital security within the medical profession, particularly in the context of the Anglophone crisis.

He explained that medical professionals are bound by confidentiality obligations, which may create difficult situations when those obligations come into tension with demands from authorities.

His contribution demonstrated that digital security in conflict settings is not merely a technical concern. It also involves professional ethics, legal obligations, confidentiality and the protection of sensitive information.

Medical records, patient identities and communications between healthcare professionals can contain information that must be protected against unauthorised access or disclosure.

The discussion reinforced the importance of developing security practices that reflect the specific responsibilities and risks associated with different professions.

It also highlighted the need for human rights defenders, journalists, medical professionals and other civic actors to understand both their legal obligations and the protections available to them.

Key Lessons for Civil Society Organisations and Human Rights Defenders

The two-day training generated several practical lessons for participants and their organisations.

1. Security must be comprehensive. Digital, physical, legal and psychological protection are interconnected. Weakness in one area can undermine safeguards in others.

2. Evidence must be documented and verified. Accurate documentation strengthens human rights advocacy, supports accountability and reduces the risks associated with publishing unverified allegations.

3. Basic digital hygiene matters. Unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, secure communication tools and regular backups are practical measures that organisations can implement.

4. Legal literacy strengthens protection. Understanding national laws and international human rights standards enables defenders to identify potential violations, assess risks and pursue appropriate remedies.

5. Psychological well-being is part of security. Burnout, secondary trauma and online harassment can undermine the ability of defenders to continue their work safely and effectively.

6. Organisational preparedness improves incident response. Written security policies, clearly assigned responsibilities and established incident response procedures help organisations respond more systematically to threats.

7. Safe advocacy requires responsible communication. Risk assessments, verification of information and ethical storytelling help protect campaign participants and the communities represented.

Participants Leave with Practical Skills and Action Plans

At the end of the training, participants received a digital security guide manual and left with practical knowledge, tools and action plans intended to strengthen security within their respective organisations.

The programme provided an opportunity for civil society actors, journalists, human rights defenders and community leaders to examine shared challenges and identify measures they can adopt in their daily work.

Globe Watch Foundation expressed appreciation to the facilitators, Mr. Shing Timothy and Dr. Wabi Wakai, for sharing their expertise. The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of Ethical and Sustainable Future for All, CIVICUS and the Digital Democracy Initiative in making the training possible.

Conclusion: Building a Safer Environment for Human Rights Work in Cameroon

As digital technologies continue to shape civic participation, journalism and human rights advocacy, protecting those who use these tools to promote accountability and justice has become increasingly important.

The Buea training demonstrated that meaningful protection requires an integrated approach combining digital security, legal knowledge, responsible information management and psychological well-being.

For civil society organisations operating in Cameroon, these measures are essential to protecting sensitive information, strengthening organisational resilience and sustaining civic engagement in challenging environments.

By equipping defenders with practical skills and a stronger understanding of their rights and responsibilities, the initiative contributes to efforts to create a safer environment for those who defend fundamental freedoms, report on public-interest issues and serve their communities.

Globe Watch Foundation and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting civil society actors and human rights defenders so they can continue their work more safely and sustainably.

This article is published by the Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) to promote awareness of digital rights, human rights protection and the safety of civil society actors in Cameroon.

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Suggested image alt text: Human rights defenders, journalists and civil society actors participating in digital security and psychological resilience training at the CHRDA Conference Hall in Buea, Cameroon, on 10–11 October 2026.