ABSTRACT

This study appraises the application of international human rights instruments in Cameroon, examining the extent to which the country incorporates, implements, and upholds the standards and principles enshrined in international treaties and conventions. As a signatory to several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Cameroon is bound by its commitments to protect and promote human rights.

However, despite these obligations, there are notable gaps between the adoption of these instruments at the international level and their actual enforcement at the national level. This study critically examines the legal and institutional frameworks that have been established in Cameroon to domesticate these international norms and assesses the challenges and obstacles that have hindered their full realization.

The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on primary and secondary sources such as Cameroon’s constitution, national laws, court rulings, reports from international and local human rights organizations, and scholarly literature. Interviews with legal practitioners, human rights activists, and government officials also provide insights into the practical challenges of implementing international human rights instruments in Cameroon.

A key finding of the study is that Cameroon has taken significant steps to incorporate international human rights standards into its legal system. For instance, the 1996 Constitution of Cameroon explicitly affirms the country’s commitment to respect human rights as set out in international treaties. In addition, Cameroon has ratified several major international human rights conventions and has enacted domestic laws to protect specific rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and gender equality. The creation of institutions such as the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF) also reflects the country’s efforts to monitor and safeguard human rights.

Despite these developments, there are major challenges in the application of these international instruments. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of political will and inadequate legal reforms necessary to fully align domestic laws with international human rights obligations. For example, Cameroon’s penal code still contains provisions that are inconsistent with international human rights norms, particularly regarding freedom of expression, political dissent, and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, widespread corruption, political interference, and a weak judiciary further undermine the effective enforcement of human rights laws in the country.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness and understanding of international human rights instruments among the general population and even within the judiciary. Many citizens are unaware of their rights under international law, and there is a lack of adequate legal aid and representation for marginalized groups. This lack of knowledge and resources makes it difficult for individuals to seek redress for human rights violations through the legal system. Moreover, in practice, the judiciary often lacks the independence and capacity to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses, leading to impunity for violators.

The study also highlights specific human rights concerns in Cameroon, such as the treatment of political prisoners, the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Anglophone regions, and the protection of women’s rights. The ongoing Anglophone crisis has seen widespread reports of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and the restriction of civil liberties. Although international human rights bodies have condemned these violations, there has been limited accountability, raising questions about the government’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards.

The role of international human rights organizations and regional bodies such as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is also examined. While these organizations play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in Cameroon, their impact has been limited by the government’s reluctance to comply with international rulings and recommendations.

In conclusion, this appraisal underscores the need for Cameroon to take more concrete steps to bridge the gap between its international human rights obligations and their domestic application. This includes strengthening the judiciary, aligning national laws with international standards, improving awareness of human rights among the population, and ensuring accountability for violations. The research calls for sustained international pressure and domestic advocacy to ensure that the rights guaranteed under international human rights instruments are fully realized in Cameroon.

Keywords: international human rights, Cameroon, implementation, legal framework, human rights violations, Anglophone crisis, judiciary, accountability, CEDAW, ICCPR.