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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?

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Recognition for Change: Mr. Nkwain Hamlet and Team Drive Equality Efforts with The World Bank

Working for Our Wellbeing is thrilled to share a milestone moment: Mr. Nkwain Hamlet, our Executive Director, has been recognized by The World Bank with a Certificate of Appreciation for his critical role in shaping the 2024 Equality of Opportunity Report on Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI). This acknowledgment comes at a time when the report’s findings are more vital than ever, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of sexual and gender minorities across 64 countries.

For Mr. Nkwain and the team, this isn’t just a professional achievement; it’s a testament to years of dedication, courage, and advocacy. “This report reflects the lived realities of people who are often unseen and unheard,” says Mr. Nkwain. “Our hope is that it will not only shed light on the injustices but also serve as a guide for positive change.”

The EQOSOGI Report: Key Findings That Demand Attention

According to the EQOSOGI report, nearly 1.3 billion people live under laws that criminalize same-sex relationships or restrict gender expression. In many regions, sexual and gender minorities face barriers in education, employment, and personal safety—obstacles that stifle growth and development. But the report also shows the flipside: countries with inclusive policies report stronger social cohesion and economic gains. It’s a roadmap for how society can thrive when everyone is given a fair chance.

This work couldn’t have happened in isolation. Pencrace Bebga from the Centre for Research on Peace, Environment and Governance (CREPEG), Larissa Kojoue from the Queer African Youth Network, Achille Kouyep and Aristide Verlain Tchapon from ACHREDHO Cameroun, and Ebeneza Munkam from the Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS (CAMFAIDS) all brought vital perspectives to this project. Our dedicated colleagues at Working for Our Wellbeing—George Lafon, Christian Damas Mintaka, Brice Tchuenguia, and Mr. Nkwain Hamlet—have been tireless in their pursuit of equality and dignity for all.

A Collective Vision for the Future

The team’s work on this project illustrates a larger vision. Every piece of data, every insight, and every story documented in the EQOSOGI report adds to a collective understanding of what equality should look like. And as the findings resonate on the global stage, Working for Our Wellbeing stands firm in its commitment to ensure that these voices continue to shape policies and perceptions.

“This recognition isn’t just ours—it belongs to everyone who shared their story, their data, their time,” Mr. Nkwain reflects. “Together, we’re making the case for a world where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated.”

For those interested in diving deeper into the EQOSOGI report’s powerful insights and in supporting the push for true equality, we invite you to read the full report, now available through The World Bank’s portal.

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Strengthening Human Rights in Cameroon: Nkwain Hamlet, Our Executive Director, at the Heart of the IVLProgram.

We are proud to announce that our Executive Director, Nkwain Hamlet, was selected to participate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), organized by the U.S. Department of State. This program brings together international leaders, providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills in key areas such as human rights advocacy.

During his time in the United States, Hamlet engaged with experts and explored innovative strategies to combat stigma and discrimination, particularly against sexual and gender minorities in Cameroon. This experience is especially crucial as Cameroon approaches the 2025 elections, a pivotal moment where human rights must be at the forefront of political discussions.

The current environment in Cameroon, marked by increasing challenges for sexual and gender minorities such as stigma, violence, and discrimination calls for coordinated action. Recent events, including regional homophobic movements that have led to violence, have jeopardized the fundamental rights of these citizens. However, the 2025 elections present a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of these communities and advocate for a more inclusive society.

With the skills gained through the IVLP, Hamlet is now better equipped to mobilize and advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities, fostering dialogue with political actors and offering concrete recommendations to integrate these rights into electoral platforms. We firmly believe that this mobilization could contribute to a positive shift in the perception and treatment of sexual and gender minorities in Cameroon.

In 2025, it is essential that the voices of minority communities are heard, and thanks to Hamlet’s IVLP experience, Working For Our Wellbeing will continue its commitment to an inclusive future where the human rights of all individuals are respected.

Follow our page to stay updated on our initiatives and the future actions we will take to defend these vital causes.