Sep 01, 2008

UNPO UPR Statement: Cameroon


UNPO calls upon authorities to improve bilingualism implementation and end discrimination in Southern Cameroons.

The Universal Period Review (UPR) is a scheme under which the Human Rights Council of the United Nations endeavours to review the human rights records of its members. As per General Assembly resolution 60/521 of 2006:

The General Assembly, in its resolution 60/251, mandated the Council to

"undertake a universal periodic review, based on objective and reliable information, of the fulfillment by each State of its human rights obligations and commitments in a manner which ensures universality of coverage and equal treatment with respect to all States; the review shall be a cooperative mechanism, based on an interactive dialogue, with the full involvement of the country concerned and with consideration given to its capacity-building needs; such a mechanism shall complement and not duplicate the work of treaty bodies."

Submissions are invited from the member state under review, civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and relevant stakeholders. The resulting reports is subsequently examined by a UPR Working Group. States under review and relevant stakeholders are then invited to respond to any questions or issues that may have arisen. The outcome of the working group and subsequent presentations is the adopted by the plenary.

As the upcoming 4th session of the Human Rights Council meeting sees Cameroon under review, UNPO has submitted a report on behalf of UNPO Member Southern Cameroons. The report includes discussion of:

  • Ineffective implementation of bilingual policies
  • Abuse within the judicial process
  • ‘Jungle justice’ and low public confidence in law enforcement
  • Exploitation of timber

 Click here to see the UNPO UPR Submission in full.