Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

At the end of his official visit to Cameroon, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk granted a press conference on Wednesday, 7th of August 2024. Volker Türk, United Nations Human Rights Chief, declared on August 7, 2024, after concluding a three-day working visit in Cameroon. The Patron of Human Rights in the United Nations had a tight working agenda from the 5th to the 7th of August 2024, audiences with top government officials and a conference at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon marked that. He praised the warm welcome offered to him by officials who openly shared with him a wide range of issues linked to human rights. As a country where Mr. Volker Türk has a strong connection and engaged personally on the field for several years, he felt at ease to come back for an official visit as he described. In his declaration, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk said: “Cameroon today faces multiple complex human rights challenges – but also opportunities, particularly given its extremely youthful population, with more than 40 percent of Cameroonians under the age of 14, as well as a vibrant civil society. Globally, young people are influencing action on issues of national and international importance, prompting social change – climate change, equality, accountability, and more. 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, to ensure the free expression of political opinions. To make sure the space is protected for robust discussion and debate on how to tackle the challenges together, as a country.” He went further to outline some difficult challenges that need to be addressed by government officials, such as the three simultaneous security crises that have been plaguing different parts of Cameroon. Volker Turk mentioned the Far-North region that is persistently under the threats of Boko Haram terrorists; and the North-West and South-West regions that are at the heart of a crisis that sparked since 2016. He pointed out: “The situation in the North-West and South-West regions, with ongoing serious human rights abuses and violations against the civilian population; 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. Cameroon is also located in a region strongly affected by the climate crisis, particularly in the Far North region. As we see in many parts of the world today, drought, erratic rainfall, and increasing desertification in the Lake Chad Basin have triggered tensions and violence, sometimes between herder and farmer communities. Cameroon is an important refugee-hosting country. As of June this year, around 1 million people were also internally displaced in Cameroon, and a total of 3.4 million needed humanitarian assistance, out of a population of 27 million.”   UN Human Rights Chief expressed his worry as the current crisis in the affected regions of Cameroon not only leads to unlawful killings, human rights abuse, and violations but also affects the education of over 700.000 children who are denied the right to go to school. “In the North-West and South-West regions, what began as peaceful protests in 2016 has turned into a major crisis for the civilian population, with clashes between separatist groups, other armed groups, and security forces, including the military, leaving thousands killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and the denial of the right to education to more than 700,000 children. Reports continue to emerge of human rights violations and abuses, including unlawful killings, ill-treatment and torture, kidnappings for ransom, and restrictions on freedom of movement. The imposition of “lockdown Mondays” by separatist groups, preventing children from going to school, and people from accessing their livelihoods, at the risk of being shot – this is unacceptable and should be roundly condemned. No stone should be left unturned in efforts to silence the guns and bring this untenable crisis to an end – through dialogue with those who have grievances and demands, through accountability for the perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, and reconciliation measures, including an evaluation of existing Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) processes for certain members of armed groups.”  He added. The occasion was also well seized to unveil to media practitioners some recommendations of his fruitful working sessions with government officials. Volker Turk called on the government to facilitate humanitarian access to areas affected by conflict and urged the government to revise the 2014 anti-terrorism law in this regard. Moreover, he proposed to authorities an assessment mission by UN Human Rights teams in order to diagnose once again the situation on the ground. “My Office is ready to provide advice and assistance. 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. In my meetings with civil society, we discussed serious concerns over restrictions on the freedom of expression and association the right to peaceful assembly, and the need to ensure better protection of human rights defenders. 3 The period leading up to elections is always a particularly sensitive one. I called on political parties, across the spectrum, to commit publicly to the human rights cause, notably to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly will be defended in the context of the 2025 and 2026 elections. Civil society organizations and journalists need to be able to carry out essential monitoring and reporting in the pre-electoral context, alongside the “Commission des Droits de l’Homme du Cameroun (CDHC)”, including countering hate speech and disinformation – without intimidation or fear of reprisal. Action on emblematic legal proceedings would help send clear messages against impunity and serve to prevent

The Platform UNITY has launched series of sensitizations and campaigns that aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of Sexual and Gender Minorities(SGM) within the framework of one of their flagship project dubbed: “TOGETHER”. These campaigns of the project TOGETHER are out to highlight the need for the respect of Human Rights, and to show how all Human Beings are equal despite their sex, age, race, sexual orientation and diversity. These campaign messages are in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which calls for equality amongst human beings as stated for instance in Articles 1 and 2. Article 1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Article 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing, or under any other limitation of sovereignty. The Platform UNITY, abbreviated as PFU is a network of 34 organizations promoting and protecting the rights of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Cameroon. It was created on the 21st of October 2016 with the motto: Liberty, Equality, Harmony. Listen to the audio spot below, in English and French.

According to a press release from the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, Mr. Volker Türk is expected in Cameroon for a three-day working visit. GENEVA (2 August 2024) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk conducts an official mission to Cameroon from the 5th to the 7th of August. During his visit, Türk is scheduled to meet senior Government officials, including the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, and Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, as well as members of a wide range of political parties, officials of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, representatives of civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and UN entities. The Human Rights Chief will also inaugurate new premises for the Central Africa Regional Office (OHCHR-CARO) in the capital Yaoundé. The Office covers Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe. This is the first visit by High Commissioner Türk to Cameroon. Turk’s predecessor visited the country in May 2019. A press conference will be held on Wednesday, 7 August in Yaoundé. Timesnews2.info  

Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene officially launched on Friday, 26th July 2024, the 30th edition of the International Day of Indigenous People in Yaounde.  On Friday, July 27, 2024, in Yaounde, Cameroon’s nation capital, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS) in partnership with local and international organizations launched the 30th edition of the International Day of Indigenous People. Ahead of the celebration of this year’s edition of the International Day of Indigenous People which takes place every 9th of August, government officials, and leaders of international and civil society organizations agreed to fully integrate indigenous people in activities that will alleviate their living conditions. During the presentation of stakes and challenges of this celebration, Georges Edmond Makita, Director in charge of national Solidarity and Social Development said despite the vast programmes that have been set in motion by the government through the Ministry of Social Affairs, there are many incentives which could put in place by some organizations. He said projects that are often carried out by organizations have to take into account aspects of safeguarding and the environment. Mr. Makita Georges Edmond underscored the need to examine some social programmes at the level of community-based organizations, so as to fit in social aspects that will positively impact the lives of Indigenous persons. As mentioned in his presentation, the Director in charge of national solidarity and social development outlined the fact that, transformative projects are crucial in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and which could only be attained if some policies are fully implemented in the field. Also, during the launch, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the key international organizations that collaborate with MINAS for the well-being of Indigenous people, was given the floor to highlight some of its major activities that incorporate Indigenous groups like the Baka and Bagyeli in the East region. According to WWF’s representative, a series of projects to help empower indigenous communities to participate in important management processes such as revenues from lands and agro-pastoral activities are undertaken in some regions of the country. To officially launch the International Day of Indigenous People’s two-weeklong activities, the Head of MINAS in Cameroon, Madam Nguene Pauline Irene said this 30th edition is placed under the theme: “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”. The theme of this 30th edition as outlined is a critical understanding of the pivotal role that indigenous people play in our societies. As indicated, Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the best protectors of the forest. Where their collective rights to lands and territories are protected, the forests thrive, alongside their societies. And not only is their survival crucial to the protection of our planet, but it is also crucial to the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity. Pauline Irene Nguene went further to note that this year’s celebration of the International Day of Indigenous People comes in a particular context as Cameroon is about to hold inclusive and peaceful elections, which calls for a massive mobilization of the population without discrimination. The timely celebration is also a moment to call for all Indigenous people to massively register on voters’ lists ahead of the presidential elections. Minister Pauline Irene Nguene said: “In his general orientation speech at the beginning of 2023, the Head of State prescribed the continued implementation of policies for the social inclusion of vulnerable society groups. In line with this, the Ministry of Social Affairs has made the inclusion of groups with specific vulnerabilities a priority orientation for all its major activities, in this case, the celebration of days dedicated to them. Again, beyond the permanent advocacy and sectoral actions undertaken by the various stakeholders, citizenship education for Indigenous Peoples would genuinely enable them to exercise their right to participate in public life in several areas, and bring about the desired changes for their social inclusion: for these communities, it is a question of ensuring their participation in social and economic life, their involvement in political life, in a nutshell, their participation in sustainable development. It is the exercise of this right to participation that would guarantee the feeling of belonging to the national community, and therefore the social inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and communities.” Another issue highlighted by Minister Nguene Pauline Irene in her keynote address is that of engaging Indigenous people in all decision-making processes; their active participation in citizenship for sustainable development and most importantly the respect for their rights. Elise Kenimbeni

Dans le cadre de son projet dénommé : “TOGETHER”, la Plateforme Unity poursuit sa campagne nationale qui a pour objectif de promouvoir l’inclusion sociale et de lutter contre les fléaux qui minent notre société. A travers ce spot en anglais et français, la Plateforme Unity plaide pour une approche à la compréhension des choix de vie et d’orientation de chaque être Humain. Les êtres humains sont tous les mêmes et jouissent des mêmes droits quel que soit leur orientation sexuelle. Vivre sans critiquer son prochain tel est le message clé dudit spot. Et de promouvoir la tolérance entre êtres humains. Le projet dénommé : « TOGETHER » qui est à sa deuxième année d’implémentation grâce au soutien de l’Union Européenne, veut apporter sa contribution à l’édification d’une société où les inégalités, l’intolérance, la discrimination et la stigmatisation ne feront plus autant de victimes. La Plateforme Unity, réseau des organisations à base communautaire a initié cette campagne de promotion des droits humains et d’éducation sur les questions de genre et d’identité. ECOUTEZ LE SPOT AUDIO EN ANGLAIS ET FRANÇAIS

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Care International signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, 19th of July, 2024 in Yaounde. Chaired by the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène Nguene, the ceremony was aimed at officially presenting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the joint Action Plan of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS) and that of Care International for the period 2024-2026. In his address, the Director of Care International, John Mubalama Kashamba, presented the domains of collaboration and the objectives of the MOU which include the facilitation of access to basic social services such as health and education for Socially Vulnerable Persons; the fight against all types of vulnerabilities through coordinated action; transparency to gain the confidence of beneficiaries; sharing of resources where MINAS provides institutional and technical resources and where Care International provides material resources and makes good use of resources provided by the ministry. Mr. Mubalama Kashamba took advantage of his speech to appreciate the 45 years of hospitality shown to Care International by Cameroon’s government. Minister Pauline Irène Nguene in her speech highlighted actions carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs for the socio-economic integration of Socially Vulnerable Persons. She emphasized that the contribution of partners is essential to ameliorate the living conditions of Socially Vulnerable Persons. The signing of this MOU will strengthen social inclusion and promote human capital development in line with the National Development Strategy 2030. The newly signed MoU will equally increase the intervention areas for Socially Vulnerable Persons. She concluded her speech by calling on the actors of decentralized services and Technical Operation Units to work with Care International for effective implementation of the joint Action Plan for 2024-2026 so that this MOU will positively impact the beneficiaries. The ceremony ended with the MoU sealed between Minister Pauline Irène Nguene and Mr. John Mubalama Kashamba of Care International. Timesnews2.info

Dans le cadre de son projet dénommé : “TOGETHER”, la Plateforme UNITY ne cesse d’accentuer ses campagnes de sensibilisation et d’éducation sur des thématiques clés, telles que l’inclusion pour tous ! La Plateforme Unity souligne l’importance de l’inclusion pour tous dans le but de combattre les fléaux tels que la stigmatisation, la discrimination et les inégalités liées à l’éducation et le travail des personnes. Une campagne qui a pour objectif de promouvoir l’inclusion sociale et de lutter contre les fléaux qui minent notre société au quotidien. La plateforme Unity, réseau de 37 organisations à base communautaire a initié cette campagne de promotion des droits humains et d’éducation sur les questions de genre et d’identité. Ceci dans le cadre de son projet dénommé : « TOGETHER », qui se veut d’apporter sa contribution à l’édification d’une société où les inégalités, l’intolérance, la discrimination et la stigmatisation ne feront plus autant de victimes. Voici le spot en français et en anglais sur l’inclusion pour TOUS !