UN Urges Cameroon to Improve Humanitarian Access and Reform Anti-Terror Law

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urged Cameroon to enhance humanitarian access to its conflict-affected regions and revise its contentious anti-terrorism legislation. This appeal came following a brief visit to the Central African nation, which has been grappling with a separatist conflict in its Anglophone regions for the past seven years.

Cameroon, often referred to as "Africa in miniature" due to its geological and cultural diversity, has been facing significant challenges in its English-speaking areas since 2017. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of nearly 800,000 individuals, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

"I have called on the government to facilitate humanitarian access to areas affected by conflict."

The High Commissioner's request underscores the critical situation in Cameroon, a nation with a rich tapestry of over 250 native languages and a population of approximately 27 million as of 2024. Despite having one of the highest school attendance rates in Africa, the ongoing conflict has disrupted education and other essential services in affected areas.

Turk also addressed the controversial 2014 anti-terrorism law, urging the government to revise it. This legislation, enacted a decade ago, has been a subject of criticism from human rights organizations. Amnesty International has described it as repressive, arguing that it infringes upon rights protected by Cameroon's constitution.

A 2022 report by Amnesty International revealed that the majority of individuals imprisoned from the Anglophone regions had been sentenced under this law. In a notable case from 2017, a journalist received a 10-year prison sentence on terrorism charges under this legislation, raising concerns about press freedom in the country.

Cameroon's complex political landscape is rooted in its history, having been formed from the merger of French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon in 1961. This dual colonial legacy is reflected in the country's official bilingualism, with both French and English recognized as official languages.

Despite these challenges, Cameroon continues to be a significant player on the African continent. It boasts a diverse climate ranging from tropical coastal areas to semiarid northern regions, and is home to several endangered species, including the Cross River gorilla. The country's economy primarily relies on agriculture, and it has a rich cultural heritage, including distinctive musical styles like makossa and bikutsi.

As Cameroon navigates these complex issues, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures the protection of human rights and the restoration of peace in the affected regions.