Issue
Freedom of expression in Cameroon has some legal protections, but access to important information could be further enhanced by a dedicated law.
Project partners
How we are helping
This project aims to bolster efforts to develop and adopt a Right to Information Act in Cameroon by strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and supporting joint advocacy for the enactment of a robust right to information law.
About the project
Access to information is a recognised human right essential for transparency and accountability in governance. While freedom of information is constitutionally protected in Cameroon, a dedicated right to information law would enable citizens and journalists to access critical data on public administration, natural resources, and economic activities.
Project partners, Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, recognise that lack of access to information impacts men, women, and vulnerable groups differently. Women and marginalised groups often face additional barriers to accessing information, exacerbating inequalities.
This project seeks to empower citizens to participate meaningfully in governance by raising public awareness of their right to freedom of expression and facilitating policy engagement to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the need for legislative change.
This will be achieved by:
- Establishing a network of civil society organisations, journalists, parliamentarians, and government officials to advocate for an effective right to information law.
- Hosting workshops in Yaoundé and Buea to strengthen stakeholders’ advocacy skills.
- Setting up a committee to develop a draft law for consideration and discussion by the network stakeholders.
- Organising advocacy meetings with parliamentarians, including visits to the National Assembly, to present the draft law.
- Partnering with cultural influencers to raise public awareness through campaigns and media engagement.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that the draft law will be a tangible step toward enshrining access to information in Cameroon’s legal framework, promoting transparency and accountability. Public and stakeholder awareness of the importance of a right to information law will be enhanced. By amplifying citizen voices, particularly those of women and marginalised groups, the project aims to build momentum for equitable governance reforms.
Project Partners
The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) is an independent, non-governmental, apolitical and non-profit making organisation dedicated to the protection and advancement of human rights and the promotion of democracy as a political culture in Africa. They engage in different and sensitive issues related to the advancement of human rights and democracy via a series of projects, and also seeks to foster research in these fields by offering opportunities to human rights activists, legal practitioners, graduate and undergraduate students to volunteer, intern and study at the centre and its partner institutions.
CAMASEJ supports and advocates for English-speaking journalists in Cameroon. The organisation enhances members’ skills and professionalism through training workshops and initiatives. CAMASEJ focuses on improving the quality of media reporting, upholding historical and political accuracy, and addressing critical issues like human trafficking and regional socio-political crises. By fostering a community of well-trained journalists, CAMASEJ aims to elevate the standards of journalism in Cameroon.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
