Amnesty International is calling on Cameroon to address its deteriorating human rights conditions following the suspension of four NGOs, most notably the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC). This move came after allegations surfaced regarding the harassment of Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, president of REDHAC, raising concerns over freedom of expression and civil society’s role in the nation.
On December 5, Minister Paul Atanga Nji issued a decree halting REDHAC’s operations for three months, citing concerns over “illicit and exorbitant funding” that might jeopardize financial integrity. Shortly after, police sealed REDHAC’s office in Douala, leading to Nkom’s protest by breaking the seals. In a troubling twist, Nkom faced further scrutiny during a December 31 summons regarding fundraising allegations for armed groups.
According to Human Rights Watch, REDHAC’s legal team contested the suspension, arguing it violated Cameroon’s 1990 law on freedom of association. They emphasized that necessary procedures for such actions were overlooked, noting that only designated authorities can pursue claims related to financial investigations under regional anti-terrorism regulations.
Ilaria Allegrozzi from Human Rights Watch criticized the accusations against REDHAC as unsupported by credible evidence. This situation is seen as a culmination of the government’s sweeping repression of civil society, media, and political dissenters, amplifying fears about diminishing rights in Cameroon.
Amnesty’s Marceau Sivieude remarked, “The ban on activities and the arbitrary suspension… is contrary to the country’s international human rights obligations to ensure… freedom of expression and association.” He denounced the targeting of Nkom as indicative of a broader trend of using the legal system to intimidate human rights advocates, echoing the urgent need for a change in the authorities’ approach to civil liberties.
As a regional entity dedicated to protecting human rights, REDHAC recently shed light on the widespread use of torture by Cameroonian security forces, submitting a report to the UN Committee Against Torture. This troubling pattern highlights the delicate and often perilous landscape for human rights defenders in Cameroon.
Amnesty International has urged Cameroon to rectify its human rights violations after the suspension of four NGOs, including REDHAC. The government cited concerns of illicit funding, while allegations against Alice Nkom signal a deeper issue of repression. Legal arguments contest the legitimacy of the suspension, highlighting the need for adherence to freedom of association laws. The situation reflects a concerning trend of government crackdowns on civil society.
The suspension of REDHAC and other NGOs marks a significant concern for human rights in Cameroon, emphasizing the ongoing danger faced by activists like Alice Nkom. As international entities urge for reforms, the need to uphold fundamental freedoms of expression and association remains crucial. The attention drawn to these issues could be pivotal in fostering a more supportive environment for human rights in the future.
The human rights situation in Cameroon has faced increased scrutiny amidst government crackdowns on civil society and media. This escalation includes the recent suspension of organizations that advocate for rights and freedoms, prompting organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to speak out. With a focus on issues such as arbitrary arrests, freedom of expression, and treatment of detainees, the context highlights the need for dialogue and reform in the nation’s governance of civil liberties.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
