Visiting UN rights chief urges gov’t to revise 2014 anti-terrorism law, Penal Code.

The UN rights chief gave the admonition at the close of his three-day official visit to Cameroon.

During his sojourn in Yaounde, the visiting UN official held discussions with top government officials including Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.

In a statement delivered Wednesday at the end of his visit, the UN official noted that: “Cameroon today faces multiple complex human rights challenges – but also opportunities, particularly given its extremely youthful population, with more than 40 per cent of Cameroonians under the age of 15, as well as a vibrant civil society”.

He said the electoral process in Cameroon, leading up to the 2025 and 2026 elections, is a key opportunity to reinforce political inclusiveness and facilitate the participation of all segments of society, including young people, women, populations in conflict-affected areas, displaced people and people with disabilities.

Volker Türk explained that among the most difficult challenges for Cameroon are the three simultaneous security crises in the North West and South West regions, with ongoing serious human rights abuses and violations against the civilian population.

He also cited the impact of the attacks by Boko Haram-affiliated and splinter groups in the Far North region; and the spillover effects of the crisis in the Central African Republic in the East Region of the country.

The UN official insisted that no stone should be left unturned in efforts to silence the guns and bring the untenable crisis in Anglophone regions to an end.

He has urged authorities to dialogue with those who have grievances and demands, through accountability for the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, and through reconciliation measures, including an evaluation of existing Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, DDR processes for certain members of armed groups.

“Regrettably, there is persistent impunity for grave violations. The fight against impunity is absolutely key – regardless of the affiliation of the perpetrators – as it will go a long way in building confidence between citizens and the State. Where state security forces have been implicated in violations, it is essential that investigations take place independently, promptly and transparently, and perpetrators are brought to justice, alongside provision of protection for victims and witnesses. I was given assurances by the Government in this regard,” he continued.

He said a victim-centered approach must guide all efforts to resolve the protracted crisis.

“…I have called on the government to facilitate humanitarian access to areas affected by conflict. I have also urged the Government to revise the 2014 anti-terrorism law in this regard,” he added.

The UN official said his office remains ready to provide advice and assistance to Cameroon. 

“I have asked the authorities to facilitate an assessment mission by a team of UN human rights officers to the North-West and South-West regions to assess progress following the recommendations of our report in 2019, and conduct further evaluation of the situation,” he continued.

He said the period leading up to elections is always a particularly sensitive one, in all countries in the world. 

“I called on political parties, across the spectrum, to commit publicly to the human rights cause, notably to ensuring the rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly will be defended in the context of the 2025 and 2026 elections,” he noted.

“I also called on Cameroon to accelerate adoption of comprehensive legislation on violence against women, and to revise the penal code to ensure access to justice and other essential services for victims. Harmful practices, including forced or early marriage, sexual harassment, rape and sexual mutilation must be vigorously tackled,” he added.

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3194 of Friday August 09, 2024