17 August, 2021
Cameroon: Multilateral action is urgently needed

In a new letter, eight NGOs led by AfricanDefenders and DefendDefenders reiterate their concerns over Cameroon’s situation and urge states to address the country’s human rights crisis at the UN Human Rights Council’s 48th session (HRC48, 13 September-8 October 2021).

“Cameroon is among the human rights crises the Council has failed to adequately address,” the signatories write. “Given the inaction of other bodies […], it is vital for the Council to send a clear message by stepping up its scrutiny and engagement.” 

As suggested in a first letter endorsed by more than 60 NGOs, states should come together to deliver a joint oral statement, which should include benchmarks for progress — a path for Cameroon to improve its human rights situation.

“If these benchmarks remain unfulfilled, the signatories write, then the statement will pave the way for more formal Council action, including, but not limited to, a resolution establishing an investigative and accountability mechanism.”