Human rights stakeholders discussing ways to better protect clients online in Cameroon.

MTN Cameroon reaffirmed its commitment this week to creating a safer and more responsible digital environment, as well as protecting users' rights online, as the country works to combat a growing wave of online abuse.

The telco recently hosted its Digital Human Rights Café in Yaounde, where human rights stakeholders discussed the need of having safe and inclusive digital environments for communities, as well as the significance of human rights principles in online safety.

MTN Cameroon's environmental, social, and governance and shared value manager, Edouard Tamba, said the business respects its clients' rights in accordance with international norms.

“MTN believes in the rights of all using digital communication to freely communicate, share, and receive information. It endeavours to uphold the right to privacy and information security without arbitrary interference,” Tamba said.

Julie Mballa, a gender and human rights specialist at the United Nations Development Programme Cameroon, stated, "The protection of human rights in this century rests on our ability to articulate how to apply enduring human rights principles in the digital context."

While Fonyuy Kiven Timothy, human rights officer at the United Nations Human Rights Central African Regional Office, noted, "Understanding and protecting digital rights are vital for preserving human rights in today's technologically driven world."