Cameroon rights group petitions against anti-terrorism bill

Divine Chemuta Banda, chairman of the National Commission for Human Rights and Freedom has criticized the anti-terrorism bill recently adopted in Parliament and is pending promulgation by the head of state.

He was speaking at the opening of the 17th ordinary session of the commission held at the Yaounde conference center today, Friday Dec. 19.

Banda disclosed that he had opportunity to express the grievances of the commission when he addressed MP s at the national assembly before the close of the November Parliamentary session. “I told them that it was wrong for the bill which infringes on the rights of citizens to go through Parliament without consultation of the commission. We had the impression that the whole country was united against the critical security issue when even parties of the opposition joined the ruling party to support and encourage the soldiers at the war front, but the bill has brought in division.” He stated.

The rights commission chair said the Special Criminal Court was created without the knowledge of the commission, but when they pointed out irregularities in the decree creating it, their proposals were considered and the texts regulating the court were modified to avoid human rights abuse.

“Let’s put our heads together and try to ensure that information get to the president on time, since the bill is yet to be promulgated into law.” Banda urged commission members who include members of both houses of the national assembly, representatives of the press, civil society, and women’s groups. “Our ambassador in Senegal has informed us that anti human rights bills don’t get promulgated by the president even after Parliament’s adoption” he said. He reiterated the need for timely action that would avert promulgation of the bill.

A delegation of the commission attended an international forum on Democratic control of armed forces this year. Banda said that it was imperative that lessons learned at the Conference be also thought to other members of the commission. “Countries should be able to ensure that the armed forces act in favour of citizens; that they protect citizens and guarantee their security and safety. Soldiers are meant to serve the people and we should ensure that they play that role.” He said.

Banda, however, commended government efforts in human rights promotion. He said Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa were honoured in 2012 with an award from the African commission on human and people’s rights. The award was given to these countries in recognition of measures taken by the respective governments in fostering human rights.

He insisted Cameroon must do everything possible to continue the initiative which began in 1990 by the creation of a national human rights outfit. He regretted that the commission still has no head office building and that government does not provide a substantial amount of money for the functioning of the commission.

“When we present our budget, they just give us a sum that does not reflect our needs, and we’re forced to drop many things from our plan of action .I hope in five years to come, we will be able to construct a befitting head office.”