19 December, 2024
Stand With REDHAC: Defending Civic Space and Human Rights in Cameroon

AfricanDefenders and its network members and partners are deeply concerned and disturbed by recent news of the unjustifiable imposition of a restriction on the Network of Human Rights Defenders in Central Africa (REDHAC) to operate throughout Cameroon. AfricanDefenders and all its member networks believe this decision is unfounded and based on misleading and non-factual information.

An official letter signed by Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration states that: ‘The association known as the “Central African Human Rights Defenders Network” (REDHAC) is null and void for lack of authorisation and activities likely to undermine the integrity of the national financial system’.

Such decisions and allegations appear to be part of a disinformation campaign. They contradict the recent amendments and reforms acknowledged by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding non-profit organizations (NPOs).

We strongly and unequivocally reject these unfounded concerns about financial integrity. We firmly believe that the Cameroonian authorities’ move aims to undermine REDHAC’s critical work in Central Africa and Cameroon.

“The erosion of civic space in Cameroon has reached alarming levels, with repressive measures and unlawful administrative decisions becoming a distressing norm. These tactics undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms that are the backbone of any democratic society. We strongly condemn these actions and draw Cameroon’s financial partners to stand firm against the State’s suppression of civil society organizations (CSOs),” Says Hassan Shire, Chairperson of Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network and Executive Director of DefendDefenders

Despite the October 2023 Best Practices Guide to States released by the FATF, which was designed to protect relevant NPOs and ensure legitimate activities are not disrupted, the Minister of Territorial Administration of Cameroon has chosen to implement the poor practices highlighted in the FATF’s recommendations.

Administrative decisions must be firmly grounded in existing laws, policies, and procedures. They cannot be made arbitrarily; a solid and justifiable legal foundation is imperative. The arbitrary suspension of REDHAC, executed without prior notice, is without lawful basis and constitutes a violation of the freedom of association stipulated in Cameroonian law and international human rights law. This decision directly undermines the crucial work of human rights defenders who advocate for rights and freedoms.

Legal channels and appropriate investigative agencies must operate strictly within the law if there are suspicions of wrongdoing. In the absence of evidence, as is clearly the case with REDHAC, the suspension of all their activities must be lifted immediately.

This decision equally unduly disrupts and discourages REDHAC’s legitimate activities. It goes against Cameroon’s obligations under the United Nations Charter, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the guidelines of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Freedom of Association and Assembly in Africa.

“The state repression in Cameroon has reached a turning point, contrary to its commitments under international laws and standards. Systemic attacks have targeted journalists, civil society organizations, and pro-democracy activists. Such regression indicates that the days ahead are bleak,” says Prof Adriano Nuvunga, Chairperson of the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network.

We recognize and appreciate the profound impact of REDHAC’s efforts, particularly in the context of restricted civic space in Cameroon. REDHAC’s work is of the utmost importance, as it positively contributes to human rights advocacy in Central Africa and offers hope in the fight for fundamental rights and freedoms.

‘Human Rights Defenders play a vital role in protecting and advocating for human rights and freedoms as outlined in laws and international treaties. These rights are fundamental and should not be arbitrarily limited. The suspension of REDHAC comes amidst rising reports of human rights violations, including silencing, intimidation, and harassment, which is a troubling trend that requires international attention. We particularly stand in solidarity with our sister Maximilliene Ngo Mbe, during this period,” says Mary Pais, Co-Director African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders

We condemn any intimidation move by the Cameroonian authorities, including administrative summonses and threatening statements.

Therefore, we urge the minister to reconsider this decision and engage in a constructive dialogue with REDHAC. This dialogue is key to resolving the current situation and ensuring REDHAC’s work continues.

“Those in authority positions have the responsibility to ensure that rights and freedoms are respected and protected. Human rights are not just words; they reflect people’s hopes for dignity and humanity. Protecting these rights is a collective obligation, including that of the State. An injustice against one is an injustice against all,” says Kamau Ngugi, Chairperson of East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network

We call on the Cameroonian authorities to adhere to the commonly agreed-upon best practices paper by FAFT. This document provides clear examples of poor practices to avoid. It offers guidance on implementing measures proportional to assessed risks without imposing undue burdens on the non-profit sector. END

For more information, contact :

Joseph Bikanda: [email protected]

Prof. Adriano Nuvunga:  [email protected]

Mary Pais Da Silva : [email protected]

Nicolas Agostini:  [email protected]

Signatories

• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
• Centre for Women’s Rights and Leadership (CWRL)
• Civic Space Network-Africa
• Coalition Burkinabè des Défenseurs des Droits de l’Homme
• Coalition Ivoirienne des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (CIDDH)
• Coalition Sénégalaise des Défenseurs des droits de l’homme
• Coalition Togolaise des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (CTDDH)
• Coalition Burundaise des Défenseurs des Droits de l’Homme
• DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
• East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network
• Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center
• Gender Centre for Development (GenCed)
• Human Rights Defenders Network-Sierra Leone
• Institut des Médias pour la Démocratie et les Droits de l’Homme (IM2DH)
• Network of Human Rights Journalists, the Gambia
• Rede Caboverdiana dos Defensores de Direitos Humanos (RECADDH)
• Rede Mocambicana dos Defensores de Direitos Humanos
• Réseau Nigérien des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (RNDDH)
• Réseau Ouest Africain des Défenseurs des Droits Humains
• Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SouthernDefenders)
• African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders