Commonwealth holds workshop for Cameroon Human Rights Commissioners

Human rights experts are meeting in Cameroon for a Commonwealth workshop on the roles and responsibilities of Human Rights Commissioners.

The workshop for the Cameroon National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF), is taking place from 4 to 6 June 2007. It will help newly-appointed Commissioners enhance their capacity to handle complaints and investigate human rights violations.

“National human rights institutions have a vital role to play in promoting public awareness and protection of citizens’ rights,” said Jarvis Matiya, Human Rights Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

“Recognising the significant role that the NCHRF has to play in promoting and protecting human rights in Cameroon, we hope that this workshop will help to build the capacity of its members who are drawn from diverse backgrounds.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat assisted Cameroon in reconstituting the Commission and legislation was passed by parliament two years ago.

Dr Chemuta Divine Banda, Chairperson of the Commission, said: “Since June 2003 this Commission has been changing from what was generally perceived as a powerless institution firmly in the grip of Government and merely used for window dressing, to an institution constituted and functioning closely in conformity with the Paris Principles and the Commonwealth Best Practice.”

The 2001 ‘Commonwealth’s Best Practices on National Human Rights Institutions’ are guidelines covering the processes involved in establishing national bodies to promote and protect human rights. They also focus on organisations' powers and mandates, their role in conflict resolution, accessibility to the general public and their relationships with other institutions.

Participants will share knowledge and experiences on how best to perform their duties. The workshop will prepare members and senior staff to promote a culture in which people enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms while respecting the laws and regulations in force.

The workshop is supported by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation.

Experts from the United Nations office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Rights and Democracy of Canada and the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights are attending.

Secretariat Links:

• Human Rights