HUMAN RIGHTS IN CAMEROON: BETWEEN COMMITMENT AND REALITY

COMMITMENT

Human rights violations are a global scourge that particularly affects LGBTQ communities, women and children. According to the OHCHR, LGBT people are at risk of arrest, blackmail, extortion, stigmatization, discrimination, violence and in some cases, the death penalty. The figures are alarming: 70 Countries have discriminatory laws that criminalize same sex relationships.

As a signatory and ratifier of several international human rights instruments, Cameroon is required to respect and implement these texts in its national legislation. In particular, the country has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which commits it to protecting the human rights of all individuals on its territory without discrimination. This means that Cameroon must take concrete measures to prevent and combat human rights violations, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children and minorities.

REALITY

In Cameroon, human rights violations are numerous and alarming. According to Amnesty International, armed groups and security forces are accused of committing acts of torture, summary executions, enforced disappearances and sexual violence on a large scale, particularly in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions. More than 580,000 people have been displaced by armed violence in the Northwest and Southwest Regions and dozens of people are being arbitrarily detained, including journalists, political opponents and human rights activists.

The consequences of these violations are devastating. LGBT people are often deprived of their fundamental rights, such as the right to life, liberty and security. Women and children are often victims of violence, trafficking and exploitation, which can lead to long term physical and psychological consequences. Privileged social classes may abuse their position to oppress the less powerful, thereby perpetuating inequality and discrimination.

It is essential to take action to end these violations and promote human rights. The UN, international organizations, governments and local communities must work together to protect the rights of LGBT people, women and children. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting human rights and protecting vulnerable groups by providing essential support and services to victims of violence and discrimination.

OUTLOOK

How can the human rights situation in Cameroon be improved? Should the Cameroonian government repeal discriminatory laws, including Article 347/1 of the Penal Code and adopt laws that explicitly protect the rights of LGBTQ people? Should human rights protection mechanisms, such as the National Human Rights Commission, be strengthened and their independence guaranteed? Should civil society and human rights organizations be supported and protected in their advocacy and awareness raising work? And ultimately, can the international community play an important role by exerting diplomatic pressure and providing technical and financial assistance to help Cameroon improve its human rights situation?