Locals sensitised on Human Rights protection

Inhabitants of the Mbankomo locality in the Mefou and Akono Division of the Centre Region have been challenged to voice out against incest, rape, unwanted pregnancies, unhealthy widowhood rites, heritage rites linked to the womenfolk, female leadership especially in rural areas, the respect for legal procedures, torture, abusive detention and the indiscriminate settling of land issues (land grabbing not excluded).

The call was echoed on September 9, 2014 in the Mbankomo Town hall during the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms. The Chairperson, Dr Chemuta Divine Banda told over 30 attendees (to intend create awareness of others on human rights protection) at the opening ceremony of the one-week awareness-raising caravan that if the Rights Commission was in Mbankomo, it was because the locality is amongst those noted for abusive detentions, abuse of hierarchy, cases of torture, abuse of rights to ownership of property (especially land), and the abuse of the rights of the vulnerable especially women, children and the disabled.

He underlined the need for the population to come out of its shelves by contributing to the protection and prevention of the rights of man by denouncing violators.

Rights Commission chairperson said they were pushed by the desire to make the outfit better known and educate the population on human rights as they believe that the improved understanding of the human rights by the authorities and all will lead to the respect of human rights. The hope for a better record of human rights remains the prime initiative of the Commission.

An exhibition stand with the Commission’s products was set up in the locality to create awareness welcome victims whose rights have been violated. Besides legal clinics, film projections and educative talks helped educate local authorities and population about the fundamental human rights principles.

Local authorities and community leaders also upgraded skills on the contours of human rights protection.

Similar activities took held in Mbanjock in the Upper Sanaga of the Centre Region on September 11, 2014 and Ngoumou in the Mefou and Akono Division of the Centre Region.