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Summary: A compilation of extracts featuring child-rights issues from the reports submitted to the first Universal Periodic Review. There are extracts from the 'National Report', the 'Compilation of UN Information' and the 'Summary of Stakeholder's Information'. Also included is the final report and the list of accepted and rejected recommendations. Cameroon - 4th Session - 2009 Scroll to: Summary of Stakeholder compilation Accepted and rejected recommendations 6. Cameroon is a party to the six principal international human rights instruments adopted by the United Nations: (f) Convention on the Rights of the Child (signature 27 September 1990, ratification 11 January 1993). 8. At the national level, the preamble to the Constitution declares the Cameroonian people’s commitment to the following universal values and principles, which are guaranteed to all citizens by the State without distinction based on sex or race: • Protection of women, young people, the elderly and persons with disabilities • Children’s right to an education • Compulsory primary education 9. In addition to the preamble, a number of legislative and regulatory measures strengthen and ensure the realization of the rights and freedoms set out in the Constitution and the international and regional instruments mentioned above, for example: (n) Act No. 2005/015 of 29 December 2005 on trafficking and trading in children; 44. The preamble to the Constitution enshrines the right to education and makes primary education an obligation towards children. Three ministries are responsible for the education sector: the Ministry of Basic Education, the Ministry of Secondary Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. Generally speaking the quality and quantity of services provided by these ministries has improved. 45. In the area of basic education, the expansion of the service is reflected in the introduction of free primary education, attempts to reduce disparities between boys and girls, the construction of new schools and new infrastructure,4 and the recruitment of new teachers with a view to achieving a pupil-teacher ratio of 40 to 1 by 2015. An Education Sector Strategy was drafted in 2006 with the aim of increasing access to education while eliminating disparities; improving the effectiveness and quality of the education service; developing an effective partnership with the various sectors of society; and strengthening management and governance in the education system. 46. Efforts to improve quality include such measures as reducing the number of students repeating a year and applying the class graduation system, the use of a range of complementary teaching methods, and the addition of human rights to the primary curriculum. A teacher’s guide to human rights education at all levels (primary, secondary and higher) has been prepared at the suggestion of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms. It will be introduced gradually, beginning in the 2008/09 school year in 50 selected pilot primary schools across Cameroon’s 10 provinces, once Ministry of Education educators have been trained. 47. At the secondary level access has been increased by improving the distribution of schools, building and opening new ones and renovating existing ones. The Ministry of Secondary Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs have worked to meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities and the children of parents with disabilities by means of a joint circular exempting them from school fees. Experiments have also been carried out with inclusive schools that admit disabled students who are capable of attending classes with able-bodied children in order to make them feel less marginalized. Qualitative improvements include the strengthening of teaching methods and evaluation systems, the promotion and revitalization of counselling services, the establishment of multimedia centres and improvements in the curriculum. 48. In the higher education sector there have been quantitative and qualitative improvements to the service offered. In quantitative terms, a new university has opened in Maroua, for which 55 teachers will be hired; new departments have been created in existing universities; and 66 private higher education institutes have opened. In qualitative terms, the international style Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctorate system will make for more standardized courses, the aim being to thoroughly rethink university education, the curriculum and teaching methods. The BA/MA/PhD system provides a three-phase structure for higher education, research and professional training. Similarly, digital campuses have been established to promote distance learning. A Department for Dialogue and University Solidarity has been established to strengthen dialogue and participatory democracy. 67. Despite the proclamation of the principle of free primary education, intended to ensure equality of opportunity for all children, in practice it is not implemented everywhere. Many children are therefore still not receiving free primary education. 74. Special attention is given to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups (children, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups, older people) and of women and girls, so that no group feels excluded. A number of measures have been adopted in that regard by the Government as well as by development partners. 1. In 2001, the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) encouraged Cameroon to ratify and implement the OP-CRC-SC and OP-CRC-AC.7 In 2003, the Committee against Torture (CAT) recommended that Cameroon ratify the OP-CAT.8 2. In 2001, while noting the process taken up by Cameroon to harmonize existing legislation with the Convention, CRC remained concerned about the domestic legislation, including customary law, which was very fragmented and partly unsuitable, outdated and not in conformity with the Convention, and expressed concern about the continued existence of customs and traditions which impede children from fully enjoying their rights.9 5. OHCHR noted that, as reported by the Government, on 10 November 2006, a Committee for the Elaboration and Implementation of the Plan of Action for Human Rights was created, to integrate human rights education into the primary school system. The Plan of Action for 2007- 2008 envisages the effective teaching of human rights education to begin in primary schools at the beginning of the school year 2008/2009.14 A 2004 UNDP report noted that teacher training programmes on human rights include courses on tolerance and international understanding. Subjects like ethics and civics have become compulsory in primary and secondary education.15 15. In 2001, CRC expressed concern at the persistence of discrimination in Cameroon, in particular at the disparities in the enjoyment of rights experienced by children from rural areas, least developed provinces, Batwa children and children from other marginalized population groups. It recommended inter alia that Cameroon make greater efforts to ensure that all children enjoy all the rights set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child without discrimination; and prioritize and target social services to children belonging to the marginalized and most vulnerable groups.38 16. In line with the concluding observations of the HR Committee in 1999,39 CRC was in 2001 concerned that children are victims of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, sometimes constituting torture, committed notably at police stations, in detention places and in prisons. It was also concerned at some instances of forced disappearance and extra-judicial execution of children. It recommended, inter alia, that Cameroon address the causes and incidence of these phenomena; establish an independent mechanism to investigate reports of torture, forced disappearance and extrajudicial execution of children and to bring to justice the persons responsible; adopt legislative measures for the fullest compensation and rehabilitation of child victims of torture; and systematically train the police force, prison staff and the judiciary on the human rights of children.40 CRC also recommended, as highlighted by UNHCR,41 that measures be taken to ensure that detained children are provided access to food, health, education services, and that the conditions in detention meet the needs of the children and are compatible with their rights under the Convention.42 19. In 2001, CRC was concerned at the use of FGM and at the lack of legal prohibition or national strategy of its prevention. It recommended that Cameroon adopt legislation prohibiting the practice of FGM and implement programmes to sensitize the population about the harmful effects of this practice.46 On the same issue, CEDAW in 2000 recommended inter alia that Cameroon provide access to legal remedies and medical services, establish counselling services for victims, train legal, health and police personnel, and launch public-awareness campaigns in order to achieve zero tolerance with regard to all forms of violence against women and girls,47 including domestic violence against women, which was still regarded as culturally acceptable by certain sectors of society.48 A 2007 UNIFEM report noted that it has supported the introduction and strengthening of legislation against gender-based violence, including laws against domestic violence and rape and family law provisions.49 21. In 2001, CRC was concerned at the large number of children sold by their parents and subsequently exploited in the labour market, and about the increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography, especially among those engaged in child labour and street children. It recommended inter alia that Cameroon take measures to prevent and combat the sale and trafficking of children, including an awareness- raising campaign and educational programmes, particularly for parents; facilitate the reunification of child victims with their families and provide adequate care and rehabilitation for them and ratify the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.53 25. In 2001, CRC was concerned at the difference between the minimum legal ages for marriage of boys (18 years) and that of girls (15 years), which allows for the practice of early marriage and that a child below the age of 18 years might be recruited into the armed forces with parental consent. It recommended that the State raise the minimum age for marriage to 18 for both boys and girls, develop sensitization programmes to curb the practice of early marriage; set a minimum and upper age limit for compulsory education; set a minimum age of 18 years for recruitment into the armed forces, without any possibility of recruitment below that age, even with parental consent; set a minimum age for medical counselling without parental consent, to make access to health services possible for adolescents.57 30. In 2001, CRC recommended that Cameroon, inter alia, reinforce its efforts to provide support and material assistance to economically disadvantaged families and to develop and implement comprehensive policies and programmes to improve the health situation of children, particularly in rural areas; pay particular attention to the rights and needs of children in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and in all programmes intended to improve the standard of living in the country; reform the social security system, with a view to broadening its coverage.67 31. CEDAW noted in 2000 the high rate of fertility and repeated pregnancy, the high mortality rate among mothers and children and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Cameroon. It recommended that Cameroon, inter alia, review the abortion laws, undertake to increase the use of contraceptives, develop programmes to protect mothers and children, and strengthen its awareness campaigns to make women aware of the risks and effects of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.68 A 2006 UNAIDS report mentioned that at the country level, Cameroon has integrated AIDS and gender into the budgets of 26 ministerial departments.69 40. While acknowledging the efforts made to ameliorate the situation of child refugees, CRC recommended that Cameroon inter alia set up a system for the registration of refugee children; and consider ratifying the 1954 and 1961 Conventions on statelessness.79 Stakeholder Compilation (in French & English) 4. Franciscans International (FI) a indiqué qu’un Parlement des enfants a été établi au Cameroun en 1998 et que la contribution de ce Parlement pour la jouissance effective des droits de l’enfant dans le cadre de l’amélioration de la législation nationale relative aux enfants, la mise en place des structures devant favoriser l’accès aux droits par les enfants ou tout autre programme visant à promouvoir les droits de l’enfant, n’est pas connue, ce qui jette le doute sur la portée de cette structure.5 18. FIACAT/ACAT et FIDH/MDHC ont recommandé aux autorités camerounaises de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour améliorer les conditions de vie des prisonniers et assurer ainsi leurs droits à la sécurité, à la santé et à l'intégrité physique et morale; réduire la population carcérale; garantir la gratuité des soins dans les prisons ; assurer en pratique le droit des détenus à une nourriture suffisante ; et faire en sorte que les détenus femmes, hommes et mineurs soient placés dans des lieux de détention séparés.29 FI a recommandé au Gouvernement camerounais d’adopter un système de peines alternatives à la prison pour les enfants en conflit avec la loi, qui s’inscrive dans une démarche d’éducation et de réinsertion.30 19. FI a souligné que le phénomène des enfants de la rue au Cameroun est inquiétant,31 que l’âge minimum d’admission à l’emploi est une préoccupation puisque les dispositions de la Convention 138 de l’OIT sur l’âge minimum d’admission à l’emploi, ratifiée en 2001 par le Cameroun, ne sont pas respectées et que cette situation très répandue dans le pays, influe sur l’éducation des enfants victimes de ces pratiques.32 FI a recommandé au Gouvernement camerounais de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour abolir le travail des enfants33 et prévenir et combattre la traite des enfants.34 FI a également recommandé de mettre en place une politique nationale destinée à mieux protéger les enfants de couples divorcés en dotant notamment, les établissements scolaires de centres psycho-sociaux afin de détecter dans les familles les cas d’enfants victimes de mauvais traitements et de pratiques assimilables à la discrimination.35 20. La CNDHL a précisé que la protection des droits des enfants au Cameroun souffre encore de nombreux problèmes dont : l’infanticide, la corruption de la jeunesse, l’outrage à la pudeur en présence d’une personne mineure de 16 ans, les violences sur enfant, l’enlèvement de mineurs, le trafic et la traite, l’exploitation, la non-scolarisation surtout des jeunes filles et des enfants handicapés, la délinquance juvénile, l’inadaptation sociale, l’exclusion, les excisions, les enfants de la rue et abandonnés, la malnutrition, la mortalité infantile.36 31. FI a fait savoir que dans les zones rurales, notamment dans la partie septentrionale, le suivi des grossesses n’est pas systématique et est plus compliqué en raison de l’éloignement des centres de santé – lorsqu’ils existent – et du manque d’équipement pour les soins élémentaires.54 FI a également noté que la prise en charge des enfants infectés et affectés par le VIH et SIDA est un sujet de préoccupation et que même si le coût des antirétroviraux reste relativement bas, l’aspect nutrition qui doit accompagner le traitement est complètement négligé.55 FI a recommandé au Gouvernement camerounais d’intégrer dans sa politique de lutte contre le VIH et SIDA une composante visant à apporter toute l’aide nécessaire aux enfants infectés56 et de renforcer les mesures spéciales prévues pour porter assistance aux orphelins dont les parents sont décédés des suites d’une infection au VIH/SIDA.57 34. FI a souligné qu’en 2004, le Gouvernement camerounais a institué l’éducation primaire gratuite conformément à l’article 28 de la Convention relative aux droit de l’enfant, mais certaines pratiques, encouragées volontairement ou involontairement par le Gouvernement semblent remettre en cause cette gratuité. 60 FI a ajouté que les écoles camerounaises étaient pauvres en équipements matériels et didactiques et font aussi face à un manque d’infrastructures, ce qui entraîne notamment des effectifs pléthoriques dans les classes, dont certaines comptent jusqu’à 150 élèves.61 Selon FI, en dépit de la législation prévoyant le rapprochement des élèves des établissements scolaires, la réalité est tout autre62, de même que l’enfant handicapé est encore plus marginalisé, alors qu’il devrait bénéficier d’une aide adaptée et d’un accès effectif à l’éducation63. Le taux de scolarisation des jeunes filles par rapport aux garçons reste encore faible et la préférence à l’éducation des garçons à celle des filles est encore une réalité dans le pays surtout dans les zones rurales.64 35. FI a recommandé au Gouvernement camerounais de mettre en œuvre les recommandations du Comité de l’ONU sur les droits de l’enfant concernant la santé, les mariages forcés, le travail des enfants, la traite des enfants et les enfants en conflit avec la loi;65 de faire de la gratuité de l’éducation primaire une réalité, en enlevant les dépenses imprévues qui conditionnent l’éducation des enfants ;66 de recadrer les attributions et le rôle des Associations des Parents d’Ecole pour assurer effectivement la gratuité de l’école primaire ;67 et d’accompagner la construction des écoles par le recrutement d’un personnel enseignant de qualité et en suffisance, et d’assurer leur équipement.68 39. Le CED a en outre signalé que l’un des problèmes cruciaux auquel font face les peuples autochtones dans le cadre de la participation à la vie politique, est lié à l’absence de pièces d’identité officielles, ce qui contribue à la négation de leur personnalité juridique et ne leur permet pas de ce fait d’être inscrits sur les listes électorales, d’ester en justice, d’inscrire leurs enfants à l’école.75 D’après le CED, les peuples autochtones des forêts accèdent difficilement aux soins de santé,76 et leur niveau d’instruction est très faible, l’extrême pauvreté dans laquelle ils vivent ne leur permettant pas d’envoyer leurs enfants à l’école, et les spécificités culturelles à l’instar de la langue, de la tradition orale et des périodes de chasse n’étant pas non plus prises en compte dans le système éducatif.77 6. Since independence, Cameroon has undergone positive evolution attested by its accession to international legal instruments. The 1990s had been a milestone for human rights promotion and protection in Cameroon, which had adopted laws liberalising politics, media, trade union and religion. A National Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms, and a National Observatory for election (replaced by Elections Cameroon – ELECAM) had been established. The Constitution of 18 January 1996 strengthened human rights promotion and protection, emphasizing Cameroon’s commitment to the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the African Charter for Human and Peoples Rights and the other duly ratified conventions. International human rights instruments had constitutional rank. Besides ratifying numerous universal and regional instruments Cameroon had signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and envisaged ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) and the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Special Rapporteur on torture and the Special Rapporteur of the African Commission for Human Rights and Peoples had visited the country. 8. Protection of the rights of children is one of the government’s priorities. However, the emerging phenomena of street children and trafficking and violence against children have reduced the impact of the Government’s action to assist children. Centres to receive street children or victims of trafficking and exploitation have been created with the support of the Belgian Red Cross, the European Union and other international partners. Regarding violence against children, the Government’s willingness to bring legislation into line with relevant conventions is manifest. Forced marriage is an offence and primary education is free and compulsory. In 2004 the Government created a Ministry on Women’s and Family Issues and constant efforts are made to follow a gender-based approach. The Constitution enshrines the principle of equal rights for all citizens. A national action plan for the integration of women in development has been adopted with the support of national and international partners and the current reform of the Criminal Code would result, inter alia, in the criminalization of female genital mutilation (FGM). 14. Algeria recommended to Cameroon accede to the optional protocols to CRC and to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW). As the report emphasized the difficulty of eradicating corruption, Algeria recommended Cameroon increase effectiveness of the Plan of Action to reform the judicial system to combat corruption more effectively. It welcomed the improvement of conditions of detention since the entry into force of the Code of Criminal Procedure and recommended Cameroon to take all necessary measures to ensure conformity of those conditions with international standards. It recommended Cameroon request technical assistance from OHCHR to improve the promotion of human rights. 16. Germany asked about the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED) and the Rome Statute. Germany recommended Cameroon (a) facilitate full access to prisons by international and local humanitarian organizations and speed up judicial reforms, including the construction of new prisons; (b) raise awareness of the issue of FGM and adopt adequate legislation prohibiting the present practice and continue to implement effective programmes to sensitize the population about the harmful effects caused by this practice; © subscribe fully to the principle of equality in all areas of life, especially in respect of employment and occupation, and review and adapt the relevant legislation; and (d) thoroughly reform the legal framework regulating the founding and operation of independent media enterprises. 19. Slovenia welcomed that Cameroon’s incorporation of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and international treaties into its Constitution and its de facto moratorium on the death penalty. It noted reports about a large number of children sold by parents and exploited in the labour market and about increasing number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography, especially among those engaged in child labour and street children. Slovenia recommended that Cameroon (a) establish an anti-trafficking public campaign and put in place measures to protect victims of trafficking and give them the necessary legal and psycho-social assistance and societal reintegration; (b) adopt legislation prohibiting FGM and other discriminatory cultural practices; (c) extend an open invitation to United Nations Human Rights Council special procedures; and (d) abolish the death penalty. 20. Noting that various NGOs had reported instances of torture, particularly torture of children by members of the security forces, Argentina asked about measures to avoid such practices. According to CEDAW, marked cultural stereotypes, as well as customs and traditions discriminating against women, persisted in Cameroon. Argentina inquired about the policies for promoting gender equality, including eliminating FGM. Argentina recalled that in 2005 the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had called on the Government to consider introducing changes to local legislation regarding homosexuality to bring them into line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards accepted by Cameroon. NGOs, too, had described various cases of people convicted in Cameroon for engaging in homosexuality. Argentina recommended Cameroon considering the possibility of reforming the laws criminalizing homosexuality and adapting them to international standards. 21. The Holy See mentioned that Cameroon encouraged civil society and NGOs to monitor human rights in its country and noted the establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Commission, and human rights teaching programme for police and prison guards. It noted that the police was not subject to penalties for human rights violations and inquired how the State intended to remedy that. It noted that the fact that “pygmy” communities in the country were not officially recognized in its administrative structures directly affected their ability to own land and to participate in decision-making. It recommended that Cameroon put in place a special law that will take into consideration those communities’ land rights. It emphasized that access to healthcare remained a difficulty, especially in rural areas, and inquired about surmounting the difficulties. It pointed out that enforced marriage of young girls was a serious fact, asking about the causes and means to combat it. 23. Azerbaijan noted that Cameroon’s national report focused on recent legislative reforms which guaranteed, inter alia, the right to a fair trial, right to participate in elections, right to safety, life, and freedom of communication, and referred to problems related to fair trial, corruption and the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. It noted the importance of bringing national legislation into conformity with international human rights standards, and of institutional reforms such as the establishment of the Constitutional Council, the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms which will contribute to the betterment of the human rights protection situation in the country. Azerbaijan mentioned that some children still did not have free primary education and asked about measures being taken by the Government to ensure equal access to free primary education for all children. Azerbaijan recommended Cameroon (a) consider ratifying the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education and (b) continue efforts and endeavours to improve overall human rights protection situation in the country. 27. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea took note of the positive outcome of efforts to realize the right to an adequate standard of living, supported by measures such as increased purchasing power and guarantee of the right to decent housing. It encouraged Cameroon to continue these efforts and requested further information on plans and programs to ensure that the proclaimed free primary education system benefited all children in that age. 28. Luxembourg noted that freedom of association, trade union rights and the right to strike were guaranteed by law, but that human rights defenders were often intimidated, harassed, arrested and sometimes arbitrarily detained. Such an arrest was reported in December last year following a peaceful demonstration against corruption. It recommended that Cameroon (a) cooperate with special procedures on these cases, fully respect fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders, train police forces to respect human rights and non-violent techniques of maintaining order, and to prosecute the perpetrators of violence; (b) apply strictly the Convention Against Torture and welcomed the intention announced during the review to ratify the OP-CAT. Luxembourg joined Argentina, Canada and France in recommending to Cameroon to (c) reform its legislative arsenal on this point and establish effective protection of homosexuals against discrimination and attacks. Asking about measures to sensitize and legislate in areas of domestic violence, FGM and in combating trafficking in children. It recommended to the Government to (d) continue its legislative reform and abolish all laws resulting in inequality. 33. Turkey welcomed the consolidation of the right to a fair trial through entry into force of the Code of Criminal Procedure, but noted difficulties in the eradication of “popular justice,” requesting information on it and actions to fight it. Turkey encouraged Cameroon’s efforts in combating impunity of law enforcement personnel. Turkey recommended that Cameroon strengthen its efforts to eradicate corruption in order to achieve the objective of good governance and also recommended that it took into account the comments given by the CRC and the CEDAW in order to ensure better harmonization of national legislation with these Conventions and allow women and children to fully enjoy their rights. Turkey noted that the visit of the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture had favourable results and encouraged Cameroon to take this visit as an example in its future cooperation with special procedures. 35. The Philippines noted that Cameroon as a developing country needed the support of the international community to enhance local and national capabilities, asking Cameroon to outline its priorities for human rights capacity-building. It encouraged further measures to increase enrolment rates, especially of girls and indigenous children, in primary education. Philippines recommended that the Government continue to strengthen the health sector, paying particular attention to access to health services for children and indigenous peoples. 37. The issue of corruption has made headlines in Cameroon, with a number of very important political personalities in jail because of corruption and institutions set up to tackle it. Cameroon has taken note of the request by many delegations to remove homosexuality from the penal code. This is an extremely sensitive issue in the cultural environment and whereas Cameroon understands the wishes of the international community, it must balance them with this sensitivity. Primary education is free in Cameroon, but in some parts of the country, because of cultural antecedents, it is not taken advantage of. The Government has to ensure that parents send their children to school. In secondary school, the payment is minimal and even waived in many cases. 38. There has been a moratorium on implementation of the death penalty for over 20 years. Cameroon noted the international community would like it to drop death penalty but it could not do so without carefully looking at all the parameters involved, particularly because of the public’s feelings towards certain offences. On cooperation with special procedures, Cameroon stated that in principle, it is open upon request to all Special Rapporteurs. On eliminating practices concerning, inter alia, women and children, such as FGM, forced marriage and other forms of discrimination, the reform of the criminal code is underway, and in particular, the forthcoming adoption of the code of the family and of the child. These codes will make it possible to address these issues and bring legislation in line with international commitments. 40. On the persistence of FGM, disparities in education between boys and girls, health issues and the economic and social rights of rural areas, it said FGM now is a relatively small phenomenon affecting 0.4 per cent of the female population. Campaigns are being carried out vis-à-vis the target communities. The Ministry of the status of women since 2004 has been visiting regions to meet institutional leaders and engage in dialogue. The Government has identified areas with low school attendance and has embarked on campaigns with target groups, backed by UNICEF. On access to health and education in rural areas, a number of programs are being carried out by the Government. 41. India was encouraged to learn that the Government was aware of gaps and intended to prioritize good governance, appreciating the introduction of free primary education and attempts to reduce disparities between boys and girls. It was pleased about the steep reduction in the price of medicines, enabling wider access, and provision for free tuberculosis and antiretroviral drugs. It asked about the functioning of the National Commission and whether it was in accordance with Paris Principles. 44. South Africa noted the creation of a special oversight division of the police to counter impunity by law enforcement personnel; judicial reform; introduction of free primary education; and the development of health sector strategy providing a package of basic services and special programmes to combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Cognizant of the challenges of developing countries and of concerns raised by special procedures, South Africa recommended: (a) ratifying the OP-CAT; (b) adopting legislative and administrative measures to compensate and resettle indigenous communities forcibly removed from their land; (c) abolishing domestic legislation that reinforced discrimination against women; and (d) implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 46. Mexico commended Cameroon for important efforts to respond to challenges faced in its development as an independent country, and for the constitutional status given to international legal instruments and their precedence over domestic legislation. Mexico welcomed the laws against gender-based violence, including against domestic violence, rape, dispositions about family law. It recommended (a) that Cameroon make all possible efforts to achieve the complete elimination of all kinds of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence; (b) that all national legislation that criminalized homosexuality be brought into line with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other relevant instruments; (c) that all necessary efforts be undertaken to resolve the situation of indigenous peoples, in accordance with, international standards, particularly for the Mbororo fulani peoples to have ownership of their traditional lands and the still denominated pygmy communities which according to the ILO were not officially recognized in Cameroon’s administrative structures; (d) and that Cameroon ratify and implement effectively the following: OP-CAT; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography,(OP- CRC-SC); the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OP-CRC-AC); the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPD) as well as its Optional Protocol (OP-CPD) and the Convention No. 169 of the ILO concerning indigenous and tribal peoples in independent countries. 47. Nigeria appreciated the establishment of bodies to regulate and monitor the implementation of rights, including women’s rights and empowerment, children’s rights and welfare, universal education and primary healthcare. Recognising that finances, capacity- building, technical assistance, technology and technical know-how were major impediments, Nigeria called on the international community to provide much needed support towards human rights and attainment of millennium development goals and targets. It recommended Cameroon to continue to improve its policies and programmes towards advancing the status of women, girls’ education, children with disabilities, as well as strengthening measures and mechanisms on administration of justice, investments in prison infrastructure, protection of detainees’ rights, and the overall enjoyment of civil and political rights. 48. The Russian Federation commended the efforts undertaken to protect and promote human rights, particularly of vulnerable groups such as children, the disabled and elderly, and also women and girls. It asked Cameroon about the experience of implementing the strategy of action in the area of healthcare and how the implementation of that strategy has been promoting Cameroon’s achievement of the relevant Millennium Development Goals. It asked if, given the present economic crisis, Cameroon required technical assistance from the OHCHR. 50. Estonia stated that the Special Rapporteur on torture expressed some concerns regarding the overcrowding and independent monitoring of places of detention, access by detainees to family and lawyers, and medical examination and recommended to Cameroon to ratify the OP- CAT and establish an independent and effective national preventive mechanism. Therefore, Estonia recommended to Cameroon (a) to accede to OP-CAT and establish a national preventive mechanism provided in this instrument. Asking about steps taken to combat torture against children in detention, Estonia recommended that Cameroon (b) took all necessary measures to ensure that detained children would get the necessary treatment and assistance. 54. Indonesia commended Cameroon for making good governance its national priority and its determined stand against corruption. Indonesia recommended to Cameroon that with the support of and in cooperation with the international community; the government should step up its efforts to provide free primary education to ensure the right to education of all children in the country. It also recommended striving to provide adequate housing in order to fulfil the right of families to decent housing conditions. It commended efforts to combat corruption since becoming a party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and recommended that it continued to eradicate corruption in all its forms, through appropriate legislation. 55. Italy shared Cameroon’s concern for the minors living in the street which constituted an especially vulnerable group of the population. It recommended that Cameroon adopt effective measures to better guarantee the rights of homeless children and to implement the recommendations of the CRC in this regard; develop a national strategy to guarantee better access to education for all children and to include in its school system, at every level, appropriate measures in the area of human rights education in accordance with the 2005-2009 Plan of Action of the World Program for Human Rights Education; and strengthen measures to combat the phenomenon of FGM. 57. Malaysia recognised challenges faced by Cameroon in human rights promotion and protection and congratulated its continuous efforts and establishment of human rights institutions. Malaysia noted disparities between children from rural areas and least developed provinces with those in urban areas, asking about specific measures to address these disparities. Malaysia recommended (a) that Cameroon considered adopting a comprehensive strategy at all levels to combat all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence; (b) to take appropriate measures to prevent and combat the sale of children, children exploited in the labour market and child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography; and (c) to undertake further appropriate measures to improve the situation of children, in particular taking into account the rights and needs of children in its national Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and in all other programmes intended to improve the standards of living in the country. 64. Serbia noted measures to improve the human rights situation, including the creation of a Special Division for Oversight for the Police in the Department of National Security and encouraged Cameroon to continue with reform. Serbia welcomed efforts in combating impunity, especially of law enforcement personnel. Serbia noted the system of education in Cameroon and inquired on the means the ministries cooperated and coordinated their actions. Noting that many children were still not receiving primary education, Serbia asked for more information on the challenges the Government was facing in this regard. 66. Niger noted with satisfaction Cameroon’s dissemination of an integration of international human rights norms at the national level. It asked about experiences in incorporating international norms concerning women and children’s rights; on constraints encountered and its approach to remedying certain gender discrimination problems; and on the correlation between education of girls and the status of women, particularly regarding indigenous communities. As a recommendation, Niger encouraged Cameroon to intensify the rate of cooperation with treaty bodies. It also noted that Cameroon deserved the understanding and the technical and financial cooperation of the international community in human rights. 72. Djibouti commended Cameroon for the priority accorded to health care, education and the rights of women and children, and for good governance, tolerance and spirit of brotherhood prevailing in the country. Djibouti recommended Cameroon to consider ratifying the CPD as well as the CED and the OP-CAT. Accepted and Rejected Recommendations The following recommendations were accepted by Cameroon: 76. 1. Accede to the two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) (Algeria); ratify and implement effectively the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OP-CRC-AC) (Mexico); ratify fundamental instruments to which it is not yet party, notably OP-CRC-AC and OP-CRC-SC (Haiti); ratify and implement effectively the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) (Mexico, Luxembourg); sign (United Kingdom) and ratify the OP-CAT (United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Djibouti); accede to OP-CAT and establish a national preventive mechanism provided by the Protocol (Estonia, Czech Republic); 14. Continue to improve its policies and programmes towards advancing the status of women, girls’ education, children with disabilities, as well as strengthening measures and mechanisms on administration of justice, investments in prison infrastructure, protection of detainees’ rights, and the overall enjoyment of civil and political rights (Nigeria); 15. Raise awareness as to the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) and adopt adequate 16. Take into account the comments of CRC and CEDAW in order to ensure better harmonisation of the national legislation with conventions and to allow women and children to fully enjoy their rights (Turkey); 17. Make all possible efforts to achieve the complete elimination of all kinds of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence (Mexico); consider adopting a comprehensive strategy at all levels to combat all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence (Malaysia); continue to be supported in its endeavours to address the issue of violence against women (Pakistan); 18. Implement the recommendations of CRC in order to guarantee the rights of homeless children (Italy); 19. Improve measures to prevent and combat the sale of children, children exploited in the labour market and child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including prostitution and pornography (Malaysia); 20. Improve the child anti-trafficking public campaign and put in place measures to protect victims of trafficking and put in place the necessary legal and psycho- social assistance and societal reintegration (Slovenia); 30. Undertake further appropriate measures to improve the situation of children, in particular taking into account the rights and needs of children in its national Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and in all other programmes intended to improve the standards of living in the country (Malaysia); 32. Continue its efforts to strengthen the health sector, paying particular attention to access to health services for children and indigenous peoples (Philippines); 33. Continue to reinforce measures to ensure that detained children get the necessary treatment and assistance (Estonia); 36. Continue its efforts to ensure equal access to education throughout its territory for all, without distinction as to sex or social origins (France); continue its work to improve the scope of education and its quality at every level (Belarus); continue its efforts to universalize free primary education (Brazil); step up its efforts to provide free primary education to ensure the right to education of all children (Indonesia); strengthen the national strategy to guarantee better access to education for all children and to include in the school system, at any level, appropriate measures in the area of human rights education in accordance with the 2005-2009 Plan of Action of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (Italy); Cameroon did not reject any recommendations
5th February 2009, 9am - 12pm
legislation prohibiting the practice of FGM and continue to implement effective programmes to
sensitize the population about the harmful effects caused by this practice (Germany); adopt legislation prohibiting FGM (Slovenia, Brazil) and other discriminatory cultural practices (Slovenia); strengthen measures to combat the phenomenon of FGM (Italy); continue its legislative reforms to address discriminatory cultural practices, including FGM, in line with CEDAW recommendations (Botswana);