PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release5th July 2023Working for our Wellbeing Littoral-DoualaWFW strongly condemns the dissemination of false voice notes that have been circulating online and within WhatsApp groups. These voice notes falsely claim that police officers have been granted authority, through a presidential note, to conduct warrantless searches of individuals’ phones, particularly targeting minority persons. We express our deep concern regarding the potential consequences of such misinformation and its impact on the targeted communities, as we continue to insist that after fact finding we have not been able to identify any victim.We wish to emphasize that these voice notes are baseless and fabricated attempts to incite fear and panic among vulnerable individuals. Such dissemination of false information not only erodes public trust but also poses a significant threat to the human rights and personal privacy of individuals who may be unjustly targeted or subjected to unwarranted scrutiny.WFW urges all members of the community to remain vigilant and exercise caution in evaluating and sharing information received through various channels. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of any claims or notifications before accepting them as factual. We strongly advise against entertaining or further disseminating these voice notes or any similar unverified information.In the event that any individual is approached by law enforcement authorities requesting access to their personal devices, it is vital to assert one’s rights and seek legal assistance. We encourage all affected individuals to immediately contact the Human Rights Commission via the toll-free number 1523 to report any potential incidents of human rights violations. The Human Rights Commission is committed to upholding and safeguarding the fundamental rights and liberties of all citizens, including those within the sexual and gender minority community.WFW remains committed to fostering a society that respects and protects the rights of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We call upon the relevant authorities to investigate and take appropriate action against those responsible for spreading false information, thereby causing harm and anxiety within our communities.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:Working for our WellbeingWebsite: http://www.ourwellbeingcameroon.orgEmail: info@ourwellbeingcameroon.org