A/HRC/11/21*
Sectoral Strategy for Health and welcomed the Plan for Good Governance to protect the
economic, social and cultural rights of its citizens. It sought information on measures and
policies to fight corruption, especially on the structure for re-housing victims of forced
eviction.
71.
Haiti recommended that Cameroon (a) ratified fundamental instruments to which it
was not yet party, notably OP-CRC-AC and OP-CRC-SC; and (b) corrected the
shortcoming in the Code of Criminal Procedure, notably the need to respect requirements
for serving warrants of arrest at all times, including on Sundays and holidays, and to
address the current possibility for police officers to proceed to an arrest without a warrant.
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.
73.
In its response, Cameroon thanked delegations for the statements encouraging it in
the perennial exercise of entrenching a human rights culture in Cameroon. On questions
regarding cooperation with human rights institutions, it reiterated that Cameroon was in the
process of ratifying a number of instruments and the process of adhesion has begun for
others. It desired full cooperation with all institutions, and confirmed that Cameroon would
welcome the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of freedom of expression.
On institutions relating to human rights, the delegation cited the Constitutional Court,
saying relevant legislation was in place and appointment of members would follow soon.
On respect for indigenous rights, it said legislation was being prepared to entrench some of
those rights, dealing with issues such as grazing rights and rights to their specific way of
life.
74.
The Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission said the new commission
comprised of 30 members — 19 men and 11 women. Its main difficulty is in having
effective presences in the vast, diverse territory of Cameroon. He said it undertook
constructive engagement focused on projects likely to significantly impact the human rights
culture in Cameroon. In addition to initiatives mentioned above, the Commission produces
publications and radio and news programmes on human rights, and has a complaint
management service to deal with complaints of human rights violations. He said the
Commission appreciated the contribution of development partners and valued assistance
from the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP and the Organisation Internationale de la
Francophonie.
75.
The delegation said it was aware that sometimes law enforcement authorities might,
in their exuberance, perpetrate certain abuses, and has thus embarked on a process to imbue
them with a sense of respect for human rights. Cameroon also has actions geared towards
improving democratic governance. Management of elections is an important factor in this
regard, thus the establishment of ELECAM which, with full independence, has the mandate
to carry out the full operation of elections from start to finish. It acknowledged that its
resources are limited in the conferment of benefits in education or housing to citizens. It
expressed gratitude to all those who give assistance in this connection. Mindful that
corruption has eroded a lot of what could have been achieved, it said the Government’s
anti-corruption drive is real, strong and effective, and will produce desired results within a
short time. Cameroon is in the process of strengthening its economy, which has been
diversified and new areas such as mining activities are being emphasized. It expressed hope
that it would be in a position to continue to provide for the population, especially in rural
areas. The delegation was mindful that there was not a quick fix to these problems and only
with such kinds of discourse and encouragement, Cameroon will achieve its desired
objectives.
16
GE.09-16396
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