GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1- As part of continuous dialogue initiated in 20021 with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and in compliance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (The Charter), the State of Cameroon hereby submits its 4th, 5th and 6th Periodic Reports relating to The Charter. The Report covers the period 2013-2017, and in a bid to produce updated information, it contains some information for the year 2018.
2- This Report was drawn up in compliance with the methodology laid down by the ACHPR. In this regard, the drafting that was supervised by the Interministerial Committee for Monitoring the Implementation of Recommendations and/or Decisions of International and Regional Mechanisms tasked with the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the Prime Minister’s Office, was guided by the willingness to involve different stakeholders from the Administration, the Civil Society and the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF). Contributions were requested from all the parties with a view to preparing a draft by a team coordinated by the Ministry of Justice. The Draft Report was later submitted to all stakeholders for validation during a Workshop organised on 4 and 5 December 2018. Civil Society Organizations (CSO) under the supervision of the NCHRF further examined the Draft Report during a meeting held on 21 March 2019. Thus, the Report is a reflection of the initiatives of the different components involved in the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Cameroon during the reference period.
3- From the date of submission of the previous Report, Cameroon has ratified other instruments of the African Human Rights Protection System that require it to submit a Report to the ACHPR. In compliance with the relevant directives that provide for a Single Report in such situation, this Report offers Cameroon the opportunity to submit her initial Report relating to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights relating to Women’s Rights in Africa, and the African Union Convention on the Protection and Assistance to Displaced Persons in Africa. Regarding the Charter, information comprises responses to the recommendations on certain rights made in March 2014 when Cameroon defended her 3rd Periodic Report as well as other rights contained in the Charter. The Report further contains progress made, challenges encountered and future prospects in the promotion and protection of Human Rights.
