From the 31st of May to the 1st of June, at the Ministry of Justice, held the validation workshop of the Report of the Ministry of Justice on the State of Human Rights in Cameroon in 2016. The event which lasted two days was organised by the Department of Human Rights and International Co-operation and the opening and closing ceremonies was chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, Justice George GWANMESIA NYONGKAHA. He was personally representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Laurent ESSO.

Participants to the workshop came from all works of life, various ministries, different organisations, NGOs and the civil society. Their aim was to discuss, exchange and propose solutions and amendments to help improve the general living conditions of Cameroonians and the respect of Human Rights. In this light, they were divided into four (4) working groups. The first group was in charge of examining the general introduction, the preliminary chapter, fight against terrorism, Civil rights and Politics. Groupe 2(A) had the task to examine the introduction to the second part, the chapters on the Rights to education, to health, to leisure and to average quality life. Group 2(B) on its part was in charge of examining the right to Labour and social security, the right to land, to a healthy environment, to good governance and the fight against corruption. As for Group three (3), they were in charge of the examination of transversal questions and specific rights, the introduction of the third part, detainee conditions, promotion and protection of women’s rights, protection of refugees and displaced people as well as the conclusion of the third part and general conclusions. The focal points have as duty to enrich the document in its form and content so that it can best reflect the progress made as well as the challenges in the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Cameroon. 

In his opening address, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice reminded the focal points of their responsibility to not only improve the quality of the Report but also to contribute to the consolidation of a Human Rights culture in Cameroon. He marked a particular stop on the situation in thenorth-West and South-West regions which was a cause for concern.

At the end of the two days reflection and exchanges, the participants parted after a brief closing ceremony chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice. In his closing address, Justice George GWANMESIA NYONGKAHA, expressed the profound gratitude of His Excellency the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals for their various participations. He not only urged the participants to provide any additional information in due time for the effective completion of the 2016 Report but also start filing in their contributions for the 2017 Report on preparation.

Before parting, the participants in their different made recommendations in order to facilitate and get more accurate information in the elaboration of the next Report.

The report of the Ministry of Justice on Human Rights is an annual document of the Ministry of Justice which makes a retrospective analysis of the situation of Human Rights. It identifies progress made by Cameroon and challenges encountered in the promotion and protection of Human Rights.

Here below are the opening and closing words delivered by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals on the occasion.