Les tensions et la violence entre les élèves, les enseignants et entre élèves et enseignants sont monnaie courante en raison des discours de haine alimentés notamment par des lignes de démarcation tribales et politiques. C’est un problème qui, s’il n’est pas traité par l’éducation à la citoyenneté, la sensibilisation avec des instruments de construction de la paix tels que les croyances, le cercle vicieux serait loin d’être enrayé. C’est sur la base du problème posé par l’utilisation abusive des mots hors ligne et en ligne, en particulier par les jeunes, que l’initiative #defyhatenow vise à sensibiliser et à développer des moyens pour contrer les discours de haine basés sur les médias sociaux, la rhétorique du conflit et l’incitation à la violence en ligne, en éduquant les jeunes sur les effets néfastes des discours de haine par la production d’un credo anti-discours de haine en collaboration avec les institutions publiques, les dirigeants de la société civile, les jeunes, les universitaires et les étudiants à diffuser dans les écoles primaires, secondaires et supérieures. 

L’objectif de ce credo est de promouvoir l’unité, la compréhension et le respect entre des personnes d’origines, de cultures et de croyances différentes. Il rappelle que chacun a le droit de s’exprimer librement, mais pas au détriment des autres. Il vise également à éduquer et à sensibiliser aux conséquences des discours de haine et à encourager les individus à réfléchir avant de parler. Ce credo ne vise pas à restreindre la liberté d’expression, mais plutôt à promouvoir une communication responsable et respectueuse. Il sert de guide aux individus pour qu’ils utilisent leurs mots de manière positive et constructive. Nous pensons qu’en adoptant ce credo, nous pouvons créer une culture de tolérance et de compréhension au Cameroun.

Pour empêcher les discours de haine de nuire, nous devons promouvoir une culture du respect et de la tolérance. C’est là qu’intervient le credo contre les discours de haine. Il s’agit d’un ensemble de principes et de valeurs que chacun devrait respecter pour promouvoir une société pacifique et inclusive. Ces principes comprennent le respect de la diversité, la valorisation des opinions d’autrui et le rejet de toute forme de discrimination ou de violence.

Le credo anti-discours de haine devrait également souligner l’importance d’une communication responsable et éthique. Cela signifie qu’il faut être attentif aux mots que nous utilisons et à l’impact qu’ils peuvent avoir sur les autres. Il s’agit également de vérifier les faits avant de les partager et de ne pas propager de rumeurs ou de fausses informations susceptibles d’inciter à la haine. Outre la promotion d’une culture positive et respectueuse, le credo anti-discours de haine doit également définir les conséquences pour ceux qui le violent. Il peut s’agir d’une éducation et d’une formation sur les effets néfastes du discours de haine, ainsi que de conséquences juridiques pour les cas les plus graves.

La mise en œuvre d’un credo contre les discours de haine au Cameroun ne sera pas une tâche facile. Elle nécessitera la collaboration et l’engagement de tous les secteurs de la société, du gouvernement, des médias, de l’éducation et des individus. Mais en travaillant ensemble et en promouvant une culture du respect et de la tolérance, nous pouvons créer une société plus sûre et plus unie, ainsi qu’un environnement scolaire pour les jeunes. 

Les mots ont le pouvoir de construire ou de détruire. Utilisons-les à bon escient et promouvons une culture du respect, de la tolérance et de l’inclusion à travers la production et la mise en œuvre de ce credo contre les discours de haine au Cameroun. Ensemble, nous pouvons faire la différence et créer une société où les discours de haine n’ont pas leur place. Luttons pour un Cameroun où toutes les voix sont entendues et respectées, et où la diversité est célébrée.

Hashtags: #defyhatenow  #NoToHateSpeech   #NoToHate #PeaceBuilding  #HateFreeCameroon #Act4Peace  

It is common practice and occurance to have tensions and violence between students, teachers and between students and teachers due to hate speech fueled especially along tribal and political lines. This is a problem that if not addressed through citizenship education, sensitisation with peace building instruments like creeds, the vicious cycle would be far from abated. It is based on the problem posed by the misuse of words offline and online especially by youths, that the #defyhatenow initiative aims to raise awareness of and develop means for countering social media based hate speech, conflict rhetoric and directed online incitement to violence, by educating youth on the damaging effects of hate speech through the production of an Anti-hate speech Creed in collaboration with state institutions, civil society leaders, youth, academia and students to be disseminated in schools from primary, secondary and higher education level.  

The purpose of this creed is to promote unity, understanding, and respect among people of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. It serves as a reminder that all individuals have the right to express themselves freely, but not at the expense of others. It also aims to educate and raise awareness about the consequences of hate speech and encourage individuals to think before they speak. This creed is not meant to restrict freedom of speech, but rather to promote responsible and respectful communication. It serves as a guide for individuals to use their words in a positive and constructive manner. We believe that by adopting this creed, we can create a culture of tolerance and understanding in Cameroon.

To prevent hate speech from causing harm, we need to promote a culture of respect and tolerance. This is where the Anti-Hate speech creed comes in. It is a set of principles and values that everyone should abide by to promote a peaceful and inclusive society. These principles include respecting diversity, valuing the opinions of others, and rejecting any form of discrimination or violence.

The Anti-Hate speech creed should also emphasize the importance of responsible and ethical communication. This means being mindful of the words we use and the impact they may have on others. It also means fact-checking information before sharing it and not spreading rumors or false information that can incite hate. In addition to promoting a positive and respectful culture, the Anti Hate speech creed should also outline consequences for those who violate it. This can include education and training on the harmful effects of hate speech, as well as legal consequences for more severe cases.

Implementing an Anti Hate speech creed in Cameroon will not be an easy task. It will require collaboration and commitment from all sectors of society, government, media, education, and individuals. But by working together and promoting a culture of respect and tolerance, we can create a safer and more united society and school environment for young people too. 

Words have the power to either build or destroy. Let us use them wisely and promote a culture of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity through the production and implementation of this Anti -Hate speech creed in Cameroon. Together, we can make a difference and create a society where hate speech has no place. Let us strive for a Cameroon where all voices are heard and respected, and where diversity is celebrated.
Hashtags: #defyhatenow  #NoToHateSpeech   #NoToHate #PeaceBuilding  #HateFreeCameroon #Act4Peace

Graphic designing is another form of communication and oftentimes it goes with journalism. I love journalism, it is my passion and will not pass by anything that will help me exercise the profession better. That was my major motivation for venturing into graphic designing. And once I set my mind on achieving something, I don’t look at whether it is reserved for men or for women. I just do it and make sure I do it well.

In Cameroon we can count the number of women who report sports. Talk less of women with disabilities who are into the field of sports Journalism. At the beginning, it was not easy bending into such a male dominated field where at times they belittle you for being “where you are not supposed to be.” But the reason why I chose that has kept me going – making a difference and silencing those who have doubts in women, particularly those with disabilities.

I believe so much in women with disabilities. We have a lot to offer if given the little push we need. I believe we can have a society where opportunities are distributed not because of gender but because of capabilities. Women have those capabilities.

On September 21 every year, the global #defyhatenow community converges online to share perspectives on peacebuilding efforts carried out worldwide.

#defyhatenow joins the international community today September 21, 2022 to mark the UN International Day of Peace – #PeaceDay! As is the case every year since 2015 all lovers of peace initiatives and processes are encouraged to organise or participate in activities aimed at promoting peace wherever they are.  As such, at #defyhatenow we choose to #Act4Peace through an annual virtual get-together known as #peacejam. To “jam” for peace is simply by means of improvising peacebuilding actions without extensive preparation but to develop new ideas and ways of doing things spontaneously with the energy coming from the creative interaction of the participants as they share perspectives around a particular theme and propose ideas of peacebuilding and social cohesion. 

The first #defyhatenow social media #peacejam took place in Juba, South Sudan, in 2015 and each year’s activities are coined around the UN global theme. The 2022 theme for International Day of Peace is End Racism; Build Peace! The broader #defyhatenow topic we hope to understand is: Why is it difficult to talk about racism? We are joining the United Nations in standing up against acts of hate online and offline, supporting the global calls for peace, and jamming with people from all over to look at new ways to end violent conflict. Racism is also a catalyst of coarsening public discourse that normalizes hate, denies dignity, and spurs violence. No country is immune from intolerance or free of hate!

This year, we hope to explore: How racism affects the response to conflict and peace-building?

According to a quote on the UN website, “achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and background.

Points of discussion

●      What is racism?

●      Why is it difficult to talk about racism

●      How is racism related to tribalism?

●      Systemic & structural racism in Africa

We will be sharing insights on how the world responds to conflicts in different locations based on skin color looking at experiences in Cameroon, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

●      What is racism?

Racism is the belief that a certain race of people, usually of the same colour, tend to have specific attributes that make them superior to other races and thus undermining the other races that are not of their own race.

The politics of hair and colorism.

●      How is racism related to tribalism?

The discussion here will be on how racism and tribalism are interrelated.

Racism and tribalism are structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized. Both are responsible for a lot of ills in modern society.

The effects of racism range from daily interpersonal interactions shaped by race or tribal based opportunities for good education, housing, employment, etc.

Tribalism can be attributed to aspects of underdevelopment, corruption, unfair opportunities, rigging of elections and violence etc.

From these definitions, it is important to note that both potentially carry elements of personal, collective, and/or political self-interest. They are all grounded in the desire of an individual or group to dominate, exploit, or assault others.

●      Why is it difficult to talk about racism?

●      Systemic & structural racism in Africa

#peacejam2022 is also about celebration, showcasing our artistic and cultural values. We will be entertained by artists from different parts of the world through poetry, music, spoken word and theater performance. 

One celebration, Several Locations!

In addition to the virtual annual session, onsite activities are organized before and during the international Day of Peace. Our Project Lead, Stephen Kovats, is currently participating in the UN Peace Day activities at Olua refugee settlement near Adjumani in Uganda. In South Sudan, onsite events are planned at Scenius Hub in Juba where discussions around peacebuilding will be taking place. In Cameroon, simultaneous activities are running in seven out of the 10 Regions of the country. From the Northern Regions, going down South, through the Littoral, West and Centre Regions, local actors and stakeholders from different parts of the national triangle are championing actions for the promotion of peace, in celebration of the day reserved for them!

At the end of this year’s #peacejam2022 our hope is to have people speak out against all forms of discrimination and hate be they online or offline. To have participants understand the need for a renewed social contract, based on rights and opportunities for all, to tackle poverty and exclusion, invest in education, and rebuild trust and social cohesion. Extend solidarity to everyone fleeing conflict or persecution without any discrimination based on race, religion or ethnicity. Let us all create #PeaceDay every day! This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!!!

About the International Day of Peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution to provide globally shared date for all humanity to commit to a Peace building culture above all differences; the UN General Assembly has declared this day as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. Calling on everyone to ensure that people of every race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, creed and sex enjoy a sense of belonging and safety, and have an equal opportunity to contribute to the success of building an environment void of hate and violence be it online or offline. 

But as per the UN, achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race, color, sex or tribe, adding that we all have a role to play in fostering peace. Tackling racism is a crucial way to contribute to this effort.  It is in this light that the UN coined this year’s theme: “End Racism. Build Peace!”

#Act4Peace 

#PeaceDay

#defyhatenow 

#peacejam2022

#CheckYourPrivilege 

#HateFreeCameroon

For more information, read the concept note: https://bit.ly/33t7h6s

If selected, you will gain knowledge and skills used by professional fact-checkers and help start a fact-checking community in your area or workplace.  

Applicants from across South Sudan and beyond are welcome to apply.

The overarching objective of this three-month training is to strengthen participant capacity on the promotion of veracity and accuracy of the information in the public domain in South Sudan.

The training is scheduled to take place from Monday, 03 October to Friday 16th December 2022 between 02:00 pm and 04:00 pm CAT, two days a week via Google Meet.

During the three-month training, trainees will learn:

– Fact-checking basics: Understanding fact-checking methodology & taxonomy, and fact-checking techniques using a range of specialized tools.

– Audience Engagement: Understanding how to create unique topics/themes for specific audiences, and how to build audience engagement and feedback systems.

– Production systems: Understanding how to design editorial/research workflow processes, tooling and staffing strategies, for streamlined integration into an organization’s wider production processes.

– Policy frameworks: Understanding how to apply international ethical and professional guidelines for quality assurance and industry accreditation, with special emphasis on applying the International Fact-Checking Network’s (IFCN) Code of Principles.

Are you eligible? Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be able and willing to commit to attending all the virtual classes and completing all lesson assignments during the three months.

2. You must have access to a laptop/computer or smartphone with internet connectivity, to be able to participate in online classes and benefit from the digital mentorship and electronic resources.

3. You must be based in South Sudan or elsewhere, with demonstrable local experience/insights.

4. You must be fluent in English, as this will be the language of instruction and mentorship. Your fact-checks may be produced/published in another language, but translated copies must be made available in English.

5. You must commit to sharing your new skills and insights within your organisation and wider journalistic/research fraternity, by demonstrating your projects and techniques to peers.

6. You demonstrate a commitment to free and independent media in your professional career.

Upon ‘graduation,’ you will be awarded a certificate of completion and inducted into 211 Check’s community of professional fact-checkers. Here is the training syllabus: https://bit.ly/3IgY6EA

The deadline for applications is 09 September 2022 at 4:30 PM