To mark 2025 Human Rights Day: Canadian High Commission honours rights defenders with awards.

It organised to commemorate International Human Rights Day celebrated this year on the theme: “Our Everyday Essentials”. 

The event also marked the close of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, GBV. 

Canadian High Commissioner in Cameroon, H.E. Marie Claude Harvey, presented the awards to the laureates in the presence of State officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives, media partners, and invited guests. 

Zoom on laureates

Four laureates received the Human Rights Defender Awards for their work in advancing rights, supporting vulnerable communities, and promoting safe spaces.

Amongst them is the Executive Director of Heart of Hope Cameroon, Sylvie Ngum Chiabi, who was honoured for her advocacy on digital rights, youth engagement, and peacebuilding. Her organisation focuses on online safety, digital literacy, and public awareness. 

The Founder and President of the Association of Buyam-Sellers, ASBY, Marie Mballa Biloa, was recognised for advancing economic inclusion for women in the informal sector, as well as her national work against GBV.

Also awarded was the project lead at Cameroon O’Bosso, Bergeline Doumou. She who was awarded for her efforts in supporting women affected by Boko Haram and promoting democratic reforms. 

Crowning the list is the X-Maleya Foundation, which received recognition for using music, art, and youth engagement to raise awareness on gender-based violence and inspire thousands of young people. 

Enter Canadian High Commissioner

In her keynote address, High Commissioner Marie Claude Harvey highlighted the significance of World Human Rights Day, noting that it “reminds us of our shared responsibility to promote and protect human rights.”

She reflected on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Dignity, freedom, and equality are not privileges. They are inherent rights for every human being,” she noted. 

The diplomat added that the United Nations’ theme for 2025 underlined that Human Rights are as essential as basic necessities. 

In her words, “human rights are as essential as the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the shelter we seek.”

The High Commissioner pointed out that the 16 Days of Activism highlighted the need to address digital violence, explaining that cyber harassment, cyberstalking, and deepfake abuse remain key concerns. 

Marie Claude Harvey said Canada’s foreign policy was built on the belief that societies succeed when rights are respected and every voice can be heard.

Addressing the laureates, she said, “Bravo! You remind us that rights are resilient when people are determined”.

Laureates express gratitude, pledge to do more

Talking to reporters after receiving their awards, the laureates reaffirmed their commitment to continue their work.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Marie Mballa Biloa, said: “When you work, you do not know that people are watching. This award tells my sisters and brothers that only work counts”.

Speaking for women in the informal sector, she said the award has strengthened ASBY’s determination to support its millions of members and to keep fighting harmful practices. Mballa Biloa further encouraged young women to stay committed.

“I tell young girls not to give up. There is space in the informal sector for them to become autonomous,” she underscored.

On her part, Sylvie Ngum Chiabi said the shrinking civic space posed major challenges but stressed that her organisation would continue to advocate for digital rights. 

She added that expanding internet access and fair digital services remained key issues for many communities.

“This award shows that the world is seeing what we are doing, especially in digital rights. It encourages us to put more effort in fighting hate speech, misinformation, and cybersecurity issues,” Ngum Chiabi noted.

Ngum added that her team, through one of their projects, is training young people to become champions of safe digital spaces.

Members of X-Maleya reiterated their stand with survivors of gender-based violence and said the group would use its platforms to reach more young people.

“We feel honoured and happy. This award means we must continue. It is a lifetime mission for us. Gender-based violence concerns all of us. We are committed to everything that concerns the child and the woman,” X-Maleya stated.

For Bergeline Doumou, the award has motivated her team to continue supporting communities affected by conflict and insecurity.

“...Rights are far from being respected. We must keep fighting for Cameroonians,” Doumou said.

Art exhibition to raise awareness 

The ceremony also showcased artworks curated by Verina Ingram and Mekouti of the Association Art AfroBantu. The pieces highlighted the role of creativity in advancing human rights and ending gender-based violence.

The High Commission stated that Canada remains committed to supporting human rights defenders, promoting gender equality, and working closely with local partners to advance peace and justice.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3653 of Friday December 12, 2025