FULLY FUNDED
26 – 28 June 2024
Benin
The West and Central Africa Regional Journalists Training on Reporting and Engaging with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders is a pivotal event aimed at enhancing the capacity of journalists in the region to report effectively on human rights issues and engage with key stakeholders. This training program is a collaborative effort between Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), Defend Defenders, and CIVICUS, with the goal of empowering journalists to cover human rights topics accurately, promote transparency, and advocate for the protection of human rights defenders in West Africa.
This activity is organized with the support of the CHARM Africa Project.
Background Context
In West and Central Africa, human rights issues, including the protection of human rights defenders, are of paramount importance. Journalists play a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for justice, and holding perpetrators accountable. The training program aims to deepen journalists’ understanding of human rights principles, the role of the African Commission, and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), meeting at its 77th Ordinary Session held from 20 October to 9 November 2023, in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania under resolution ACHPR/Res.569 (LXXVII) 2023, on the “Need to Protect Civic Space freedoms in Africa” unanimously agreed to forge a constructive and sustainable way of protecting and promoting civic space and fundamental freedoms in Africa. This was taken as a set of orientations for States on the effective implementation of the key provisions of African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and as further elaborated on in other relevant provisions under international human rights law.
Recalling various resolutions of the Commission, including ACHPR/Res. 69 (XXXV) 2004 and ACHPR/Res.119 (XXXXII) 2007 on the situation of human rights defenders in Africa, Resolution ACHPR/RES. 336 (EXT.OS/XIX) 2016 on measures to protect and promote the work of women human rights defenders, and Resolution ACHPR/Res. 475 (EXT.OS/ XXXI) 2021 on the need to protect civic space in Africa, the Commission requests interested stakeholders “to facilitate open, transparent and inclusive elaboration of the African and International guidelines through consultations, among another strategies, to ensure am all inclusive process and strengthened institutions for an effective way of achieving the goals that make the Africa We Want.
Journalists in West and Central Africa face a myriad of challenges in the exercise of their work, ranging from legal constraints and physical threats to self-censorship and economic pressures. These obstacles significantly impede the ability of journalists to report freely, investigate critical issues, and hold power to account. Here are some of the key problems faced by journalists in West Africa:
- Legal Constraints: Draconian laws that criminalize speech and restrict press freedom pose a significant challenge to journalists. These laws, often remnants of colonial-era legislation, are used to silence dissenting voices, intimidate journalists, and curb investigative reporting.
- Physical Threats and Violence: Journalists in the region are frequently subjected to physical attacks, harassment, and intimidation, especially when reporting on sensitive issues or exposing corruption. These threats not only endanger the lives of journalists but also create a climate of fear that hampers investigative journalism.
- Self-Censorship: Due to the hostile environment and the risk of reprisals, many journalists resort to self-censorship to protect themselves from harm. This self-imposed limitation on reporting leads to a lack of critical coverage on important issues, undermining the role of the media as a watchdog and advocate for transparency.
- Economic Pressures: Media houses often face economic challenges, making it difficult for journalists to conduct in-depth investigations or produce high-quality journalism. Limited resources, lack of funding, and financial constraints can hinder the ability of journalists to pursue stories that require time, resources, and expertise.
- Political Interference: Journalists frequently encounter political interference in their work, with governments and political figures exerting influence over media content, editorial decisions, and news coverage. This interference compromises the independence and integrity of the media, leading to biased reporting and censorship.
- Threats to Press Freedom: The shrinking space for press freedom in West and Central Africa is a growing concern, with journalists facing increasing restrictions on their ability to report freely and hold power to account. This trend undermines democracy, transparency, and the public’s right to access accurate information.
- Targeting of Investigative Journalists: Investigative journalists, in particular, are at high risk of persecution, harassment, and legal threats for their work exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and government misconduct. The dangers faced by investigative reporters deter many from pursuing critical investigations.
Goals
- Enhancing Reporting Skills: The training aims to equip journalists with the necessary skills to report accurately on human rights issues, including violence prevention, conflict-sensitive reporting, and peace journalism.
- Promoting Engagement with Stakeholders: Journalists will learn how to engage effectively with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to amplify human rights advocacy in the region.
- Fostering Transparency and Accountability: By empowering journalists with knowledge and tools, the program seeks to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical reporting in West and Central Africa.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Reporting: Journalists will produce informed, fact-based reports on human rights issues, contributing to a more informed public discourse and increased awareness of human rights violations.
- Enhanced Advocacy: Through engagement with key stakeholders, journalists will advocate for the protection of human rights defenders, promoting a safer environment for those working to uphold human rights.
- Network Building: The training will facilitate the creation of a network of journalists committed to human rights reporting, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives in the region.
- Empowerment: Journalists will be empowered to play a proactive role in addressing conflicts, promoting peace, and combating disinformation through ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting practices.
Date and Location
The meeting is scheduled for June 26-28, 2024 in Benin and the details about the hotel venue will be shared in due course.
Language: The training will be conducted in English and French with simultaneous interpretation services.
Participants: About 25 Participants will be drawn from the region
Application : Interested Journalists are invited to submit their CV and 3 Sample Articles to Mr GBENAGNON John, RFLD’s Human Rights Senior Officer at GBENAGNON.JOHN@RFLGD.ORG
