Communication For Development : Focusing On Persons In Humanitarian Crisis

Humanitarians, scientists and communication experts have discussed the importance of developmental communication in the social inclusion of people in crisis. This was during the 4th edition of the Communication For Development Fair (C4D.COM), under the theme, “contribution of communication for development to the social inclusion of populations in situations of humanitarian and social crises.” 
Holding under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Communication (MINCOM), the President of the Organising Committee, Alphonse Ateba Noa, said it was a professional fair organised by Inter’Activ Consulting, an agency specialised in communication for development. The C4D.COM exhibition aimed at setting up a national platform for exchange, sharing and promotion of good practices in communication for development in Cameroon. 
This year’s edition was articulated around discussions on the theme, which brought together three panellists and a moderator. The panellists dwelled on the best communication strategies aimed at ensuring the social inclusion of people in refugee camps. Discussions began with a six-minute report on the situation of people in humanitarian distress in Cameroon. Professor Ignace Ndzana, a socio-anthropologist from the University of Ngaoundere presented the pathetic situation of refugees and the multiple problems they encounter amongst which hardship, housing, health, security, mental and environmental problems. Prof Ndzana said it is difficult to communicate the problems of refugees especially as some of them go through mental problems making it difficult for them to comprehend the importance of whatever message they may hear. 
The National Administrator in Charge of Development at the United Nations Refugees Agency (UNHCR) for Cameroon, Gabon and São Tomé and Principe, Paulin Zongo talked about the mandate of UNHCR an...