39/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Cameroon

GE.18-11388 (E) 200718 200718



Human Rights Council Thirty-ninth session

10–28 September 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Cameroon

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing.

United Nations A/HRC/39/15

General Assembly Distr.: General 10 July 2018

English

Original: English/French

2 GE.18-11388

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution/1, held its thirtieth session from to 7 to 18 May

2018. The review of Cameroon was held at the 15th meeting, on 16 May 2018. The

delegation of Cameroon was headed by the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella.

At its 18th meeting, held on 18 May 2018, the Working Group adopted its report on

Cameroon.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Cameroon: Iraq, South Africa and the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution/1

and paragraph of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were

issued for the review of Cameroon:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/CMR/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/CMR/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/CMR/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Liechtenstein,

Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

was transmitted to Cameroon through the troika. These questions are available on the

website of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The head of the delegation greeted and thanked all the members of the troika, the

representatives of South Africa, the United Kingdom and Iraq, for having accepted to be

part of the troika, and assured them of the readiness of the Government of Cameroon to

facilitate their work.

6. The head of the delegation committed to replying to the best of his ability to all the

concerns raised and to considering the recommendations that would be made.

7. He thanked the treaty bodies, civil society organizations and all stakeholders in the

universal periodic review process for their reports, in which they had called the

Government’s attention to certain aspects of its management of human rights. Their

contributions during the preparation of the national report had been useful in understanding

current challenges and identifying appropriate solutions.

8. Cameroon had accepted the ratification of seven international conventions under

international human rights law and international humanitarian law at the second cycle of the

universal periodic review, in 2013. The ratification process of the conventions was in

progress and at an advanced stage.

9. Apart from the seven aforementioned conventions, between 2014 and 2016

Cameroon had ratified other instruments at the international and regional levels, such as the

International Labour Organization (ILO) Tripartite Consultation (International Labour

Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144), the African Union Convention on Protection and

Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa of 22 October 2009, and the African

Union Convention on the Prevention and Combating Terrorism of 1999.

GE.18-11388 3

10. The independence and autonomy of the National Commission on Human Rights and

Freedoms had been strengthened, particularly through the consolidation of human and

financial resources. These positive developments would enable the National Commission to

better fulfil its mission.

11. Further improvements had been made to the human rights framework and the

conditions in which they were exercised. Emphasis had been placed on combating impunity

and training law enforcement personnel.

12. In cooperation with the public authorities, the National Commission on Human

Rights and Freedoms, civil society organizations and other stakeholders had held seminars

and workshops on a regular basis to look into human rights issues, provide training and

raise public awareness.

13. Human rights training for law enforcement officials had taken place on an ongoing

basis. For example, the Office of Counter-Terrorism and OHCHR, in collaboration with the

Government, were running a project whose phases I and II had ended in March/April 2018.

The project consisted in providing law enforcement officials with capacity-building and

training in the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the law in the

context of counter-terrorism.

14. Efforts to end impunity for law enforcement personnel had progressed considerably

since 2013. In 2016, 175 proceedings had been initiated against law enforcement personnel

and 14 convictions had been handed down by the military court in connection with the

offences of endangering life or causing physical or mental harm. The penalties imposed

were recorded in the annual report of the Ministry of Justice on the situation of human

rights in Cameroon.

15. The adoption of two new laws on electronic communications and audiovisual

activities had facilitated the exercise of the freedoms of expression and communication.

Capacity-building sessions had been held to ensure that media professionals adhered to

ethics rules.

16. Since the submission of its report, Cameroon had seen developments with the

establishment, in February 2018, of the Constitutional Council. The Council had

adjudicated disputes in connection with the senatorial elections of 25 March 2018, which

had led to the election, for a five-year term, of the senators of the second Senate in the

history of the Cameroonian parliament.

17. President Paul Biya and the Government had made every effort to advance

economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights. School enrolment

figures had been rising steadily, while discussions on the establishment of a mechanism to

ensure full coverage were ongoing. The goal was to improve the population’s health,

especially that of children, adolescents, women, persons living with HIV/AIDS and low-

income individuals, by increasing the availability of health-care services and health

practitioners.

18. A national multisectoral programme to reduce maternal, neonatal and infant and

child mortality for the period 2014–2018 had been developed, along with several action

plans, in particular with regard to mother and child health. The aim of the national

multisectoral strategic plan to reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortality for the period

2014–2020 was to reduce maternal mortality.

19. Under the national strategic plan against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted

infections for the period 2014–2017, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission

through option B+ had begun in 2014. With support from the Joint United Nations

Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), capacity-building for outreach workers on mother-

to-child transmission, voluntary screening and the referral of directly concerned pregnant

women living in rural communities to prenatal and mother-to-child transmission prevention

services had contributed to the optimization of interventions in rural areas; overall results

were satisfactory.

20. In order to enhance the enjoyment of the right to health, a number of projects had

focused on increasing the supply of drinking water by building and rehabilitating water

4 GE.18-11388

production and catchment plants and extending distribution networks in urban, peri-urban

and rural areas. A human resources development plan for the health sector had been drawn

up in 2013 with the aim of remedying the shortage of qualified professionals, estimated at

27,753 people, by 2018.

21. The enjoyment of the right to education had progressed considerably since 2013.

Emphasis had been placed on providing free primary education by doing away with fees to

boost enrolment rates, supporting needy families through the distribution of basic textbooks

and clustering of school infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.

22. The school enrolment rate for girls had been promoted through awareness-raising

campaigns and incentives, the awarding of scholarships and instructional kits to girls, the

provision of snacks and the establishment of school cafeterias in priority education zones,

the construction of separate latrines and a range of measures for combating gender-based

violence in schools and child marriage.

23. Efforts to reduce poverty and improve the population’s standard of living had taken

the form of social safety net projects, labour-intensive public works, the Participatory

National Development Programme and the second grass-roots poverty reduction

subprogramme.

24. Efforts to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living, at a time of worsening

economic constraints, had taken the form of assistance for chronically poor households,

support for income-generating activities in various fields such as agriculture, the promotion

of decent work and ongoing large-scale structural projects.

25. The delegation drew attention to the practical implementation of the three-year

emergency growth and employment plan for the period 2014–2017.

26. Attention continued to be paid to the specific concerns of certain population groups

with a view to achieving equality in practice. Electoral lists were required to take account

of gender. Education incentives for underprivileged groups, as well as initiatives to counter

stereotypes and end harmful practices and violence, had also been a focus of government

efforts to enable target groups, namely underprivileged indigenous persons, women and

persons with disabilities, to fully realize their potential.

27. In order to end discrimination against women and promote gender equality, the

National Gender Policy Paper had been adopted in 2014, followed by a multisectoral

implementation plan.

28. Cameroon had continued to implement its policy for the integration of persons with

disabilities at the strategic and operational levels. The National Policy Paper on the

Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities and its related action plan for 2017–

2021 had been updated.

29. Structural measures had been taken to deliver inclusive education and promote the

empowerment and social and occupational integration of persons with disabilities. An

interministerial committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of programmes and

projects involving indigenous persons had been established in 2013 to coordinate initiatives

designed for their benefit.

30. As an investment in the future, the preservation of human capital formed the

background of efforts to protect children through initiatives to recognize their legal

personality by streamlining the birth registration process, to protect them against violence,

to address the situation of street children and to care for orphans and vulnerable children.

31. Improvement of detention conditions was the leitmotif of efforts to realize the rights

of detainees not only by enhancing prison infrastructure and facilities but also by improving

health and nutrition, for which budgetary allocations had been significantly increased.

32. Efforts to combat torture in prisons had centred on building the capacity of prison

staff, monitoring and the imposition of sanctions. The choice of the National Commission

on Human Rights and Freedoms as the national torture preventive mechanism was

consistent with the goal of preserving the dignity of detainees.

GE.18-11388 5

33. During the period under consideration, cooperation with human rights mechanisms

had continued. The fact that the State had submitted the requisite reports to the treaty

bodies and had responded to various communications illustrated its openness to

constructive comments likely to lead to improved respect for the human rights of persons

under its jurisdiction.

34. The State had made no secret of the constraints that it faced, both economic and

security-related, and which it had been striving to overcome through an inclusive approach

that took account of the contributions of the various national actors and other partners. State

support in that endeavour was strongly desired by partners, in order to consolidate unity,

stability and territorial integrity.

35. Since 2014, the fight against Boko Haram, a terrorist group in the Far North region,

and the sociopolitical situation in certain neighbouring countries had led to a large influx of

refugees and internally displaced persons. As at October 2017, nearly 236,000 internally

displaced persons and 332,000 refugees had relocated to the Eastern, Adamawa and Far

North regions.

36. The social crisis in the North-west and South-west regions, which began at the end

of 2016, had also affected the realization of certain human rights.

37. Dialogue and the obligation to protect territorial integrity, people and their property,

and pacification characterized the response to the above-mentioned social crisis, aimed also

at consolidating the government policy of promoting social harmony. In this sense, in

addition to the responses to the claims being made, the institutional framework had been

strengthened by the decision of the President to create a national commission for the

promotion of bilingualism and multiculturalism.

38. Reconciling security and freedom remained a constant challenge for the State, as

was the development of information and communications technology.

39. The head of the delegation reiterated the State’s commitment to continuing the

implementation of the recommendations that Cameroon had accepted in 2013 and those

made at the current review.

40. Cameroon would continue to strengthen the good practices it had developed both

during the implementation of the recommendations accepted at it its previous review and in

the preparation of its third national report. These good practices included the drafting of a

timetable of actions and of a road map for the implementation of recommendations,

permanent consultations with stakeholders under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s

office, the briefing conducted by Cameroon with its international partners, and cooperation

with the Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa.

41. In addition to the expectations already expressed at the previous review on the

capacity-building of actors in the field of human rights and the protection of prisoners,

greater support for the fight against terrorism and more burden-sharing and care services

and management of refugees were still being sought, as was for national initiatives to foster

peaceful coexistence. Much more support for climate change adaptation policies was also

desired.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

42. During the interactive dialogue, 76 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue may be found in section II of the present report.

43. Italy appreciated the State’s efforts to raise school enrolment rates, including for

girls, its review of the Penal Code in 2016, including penalties for female genital

mutilation, and its intensification of the fight against enforced marriage.

44. Madagascar welcomed the ratification by Cameroon of the Protocol to the African

Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its adoption of article 242 of the Penal Code,

while regretting the cases of discrimination against, inter alia, marginalized and indigenous

children.

6 GE.18-11388

45. Mali noted with satisfaction the State’s ratification of the ILO Tripartite

Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144), the ILO

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No.155) and the Paris Climate

Agreement. It welcomed its adoption of the Penal Code.

46. Mauritius welcomed the State’s decision to sign two international human rights

instruments protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and of the child. It commended

it for its dedicated national action plans for 2015–2019 and 2017–2021.

47. Mexico acknowledged the progress made by Cameroon in legislation and policies

aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and regulating arms and munitions, and

also its measures to universalize birth registration.

48. Montenegro welcomed the State’s adoption of its National Action Plan for the

Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Cameroon (2015–2019). It urged Cameroon

to strengthen the National Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles, and to

criminalize female genital mutilation and forced marriages.

49. Mozambique commended Cameroon for having signed and ratified international and

regional human rights instruments, its cooperation with treaty bodies and mechanisms and

for its engagement with the special procedures.

50. Namibia praised Cameroon for the considerable measures it had taken on human

rights, including the adoption of the National Action Plan, despite the security situation and

the other challenges it faced.

51. Nepal noted the impact on human rights of the State’s National Action Plan, and its

promotion of equal access to education and health care. It wished Cameroon further success

in curbing gender-based violence and discrimination against women, and in its

empowerment of women.

52. The Netherlands welcomed the invitation extended by Cameroon to the special

procedures, while expressing concern at reports of discrimination, violence, torture, ill-

treatment, arbitrary arrest and detention in the English-speaking regions of the State.

53. New Zealand was pleased to note the State’s participation in the thirtieth session of

the universal periodic review.

54. The Niger welcomed the progress made by Cameroon in human rights, including its

implementation of the National Action Plan for 2015–2019, capacity-building in the

judiciary and its emergency plan for growth and employment for 2014–2017.

55. Nigeria commended Cameroon for having adopted and implemented its National

Action Plan for 2015–2019, for fighting the impunity of law enforcement officials and for

strengthening its promotion of bilingualism and multiculturalism.

56. Poland praised Cameroon for having signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons

with Disabilities, and looked forward to the ratification and incorporation of the Convention

into national law.

57. Portugal welcomed the fact that Cameroon had taken positive steps to improve its

birth registration system, such as by establishing a national office for civil registration and

extending the deadline for registration.

58. The Republic of Korea welcomed the ongoing efforts made by Cameroon to

promote the right to health, and was pleased that it had signed the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities.

59. Rwanda praised Cameroon for its efforts to promote human rights, in particular

women’s rights, and to implement the recommendations made, and encouraged the

Government to continue to fight gender-based violence.

60. Senegal welcomed the State’s efforts to protect and promote human rights, by

ratifying the ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), providing

human rights training to police officers and organizing programmes to fight AIDS.

GE.18-11388 7

61. Serbia commended Cameroon for its efforts to organize educational talks for police

officers, to establish a police force to assist victims and witnesses of human rights

violations, and to fight impunity within the police.

62. Slovakia appreciated the efforts made by Cameroon to protect and promote human

rights, but remained concerned about human rights violations reported in the English-

speaking regions and allegations of torture of detainees suspected of terrorism.

63. Slovenia commended Cameroon for the amendments recently made to the Penal

Code aimed at fighting discrimination and early and forced marriage, but was concerned

about the persistence of different forms of violence against women.

64. South Africa welcomed the State’s decision to adopt and implement the National

Action Plan for 2015–2019.

65. Spain commended Cameroon for having strengthened its national human rights

institutions, although it remained concerned about reports of cases of female genital

mutilation, forced marriage and the criminalization of same-sex relations.

66. The Sudan praised Cameroon for its efforts to improve the protection and promotion

of human rights, and appreciated the State’s acceptance of most recommendations and its

cooperation with human rights mechanisms.

67. Switzerland welcomed the State’s decision to adopt the National Action Plan for

2015–2019, although it remained concerned about human rights violations in the

anglophone crisis and within the context of the fight against terrorism.

68. Togo commended Cameroon for the significant progress made in the area of human

rights, in particular the measures it had taken to fight poverty and to promote the

socioeconomic development of rural and the most vulnerable groups.

69. Tunisia praised Cameroon for the progress it had made in the protection and

promotion of human rights, and welcomed the steps taken to establish a national human

rights commission.

70. Uganda commended Cameroon for its ratification of international and regional

human rights instruments and the establishment of a national commission for the promotion

of bilingualism and multiculturalism.

71. Ukraine acknowledged the achievements made by Cameroon since the second

review cycle, but expressed concern about the worsening situation of human rights for the

English-speaking minority.

72. Although concerned with the human rights violations in the English-speaking

regions of Cameroon, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

commended the State for its enactment of the new Penal Code and the application of

provisions to address women’s rights.

73. The United States of America expressed concern at reports of human rights

violations and restrictions on the freedom of association and expression, and expected

Cameroon to improve the conditions of detainees and to fight discrimination against

vulnerable groups.

74. Uruguay commended Cameroon for its amendment to the Penal Code, the legislative

steps taken to promote gender equality and the ongoing ratification of important

conventions.

75. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised Cameroon for the implementation of

its National Action Plan for 2015–2019 and for its national programme to fight maternal,

neonatal and child mortality.

76. Viet Nam commended Cameroon for the progress made since the second review

cycle, but pointed out the challenges that the State still faced in its fight against terrorism

and climate change.

77. Zimbabwe congratulated Cameroon on its progress in implementing the

recommendations made during the second review cycle, such as the adoption of the

8 GE.18-11388

National Action Plan for 2015–2019 and the development of an emergency growth and

employment plan.

78. Afghanistan commended Cameroon for its commitment to implement the

recommendations at the previous review cycle, such as on the ratification of the Convention

on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

79. Algeria appreciated the State’s commitment to the protection and promotion of

human rights, including the adoption of the new Penal Code and measures to increase birth

registration of disadvantaged children.

80. Angola commended Cameroon for its adoption of the National Action Plan for

2015–2019 and the national gender policy paper, and also for the measures it had taken to

fight neonatal and child mortality.

81. Argentina commended Cameroon for its national action plan to the eliminate the

worst forms of child labour, and for the measures it had taken to protect women’s rights.

82. Armenia praised Cameroon for its implementation of recommendations on the

promotion and protection of human rights and for the development of human rights

education and awareness-raising programmes.

83. Australia commended Cameroon on its new Penal Code and its continuation of the

moratorium on death penalty, although remained concerned about the persistence of

prosecution and violence against minority groups, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex individuals.

84. Austria congratulated Cameroon on its adoption of the National Action Plan for

2015–2019, but expressed concern about the deteriorating situation of English-speaking

communities in the country.

85. Although concerned at the repressive approach taken to the crisis in the English-

speaking regions, Belgium commended the progress made by Cameroon in the field of

women’s rights.

86. Benin welcomed the State’s ratification of the ILO Convention on Occupational

Safety and Health, 1981 (No.155), the ILO Tripartite Consultation (International Labour

Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

87. Botswana praised Cameroon for its adoption of the National Action Plan for 2015–

2019, but was concerned about reports of political unrest and encouraged the Government

to take action.

88. Brazil encouraged Cameroon to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention on the Rights

of Persons with Disabilities.

89. Bulgaria welcomed the progress made in legislative and institutional frameworks,

public policies and the protection and integration of persons with disabilities.

90. Burkina Faso expressed satisfaction at the progress made in strengthening the

legislative and institutional frameworks on human rights, in particular the adoption of the

national child protection policy paper and the review of the Penal Code.

91. Burundi welcomed the Government’s strategies in the fight against impunity and

terrorism and its adoption of the National Action Plan for 2015–2019, but called upon

Cameroon to improve school enrolment rates.

92. Canada expressed concern about the tensions in the English-speaking regions and

the terrorist threats in the Far North region, although it understood the security challenges

that Cameroon faced. It reminded the Government of Cameroon to uphold human rights in

all circumstances.

93. Expressing concern at the climate of violence persisting in the English-speaking

regions and the excessive use of force against protestors, Chile urged Cameroon to take

steps to ensure a safe environment for the exercise of freedom of expression and association

throughout the country.

GE.18-11388 9

94. China complimented Cameroon on its formulation and implementation of the

National Action Plan for 2015–2019, and on its efforts to promote economic and social

development, to reduce poverty and to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and refugees.

China called upon the international community to support constructively the State in its

efforts to fight terrorism.

95. The Congo acknowledged the strengthening of the regulatory framework and the

State’s adoption and implementation of the National Action Plan for 2015–2019, and

invited Cameroon to continue its initiatives in favour of vulnerable populations.

96. Finland welcomed the progress made by the State in the promotion of women’s

rights, but was concerned at the deterioration of the overall situation of human rights,

aggravated by anti-terror laws. Finland encouraged Cameroon to give access to

international human rights mechanisms, including with respect to those held in detention.

97. France expressed its concern at the fact that the situation of human rights and of

fundamental freedoms was not critically questioned in most parts of the country, and

therefore called upon the State to pursue efforts to improve that situation.

98. Gabon welcomed the training on human rights provided to judicial officers and

public administration executives, and also the efforts made to allow all citizens access to

drinking water.

99. Georgia commended Cameroon for having ratified the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and

for its adoption of the national gender policy paper.

100. Germany appreciated the amendment made to the Penal Code, but remained

concerned about the persistence of violence against women and at reports of violations of

freedom of the press and the right to assembly in the English-speaking regions of

Cameroon.

101. Ghana urged Cameroon to finalize its ratification of regional and international

human rights treaties such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

102. Haiti praised the efforts made by Cameroon to ensure universal birth registration and

the protection of children against sexual exploitation, and commended the review

conducted in 2016 of its legal and institutional framework.

103. Honduras complimented Cameroon for having ratified the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and

for having criminalized discrimination.

104. While appreciative of the adoption of article 242 of the Penal Code prohibiting all

types of discrimination, Iceland remained concerned about the high rate of maternal

mortality and the gender-based conditions in force with regard to Cameroonian nationality.

105. India welcomed the strengthening of the National Commission on Human Rights

and Freedoms, the plans for combating poverty, vulnerability and exclusion, the national

gender policy paper and the amendment to the Penal Code.

106. Indonesia commended Cameroon for its ratification of relevant human rights

instruments and its greater efforts to protect the economic and social rights of vulnerable

groups, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities.

107. Iraq praised Cameroon for its implementation of the National Action Plan for 2015–

2019 and the employment plan for 2014–2017, and also its efforts to guarantee drinking

water and to prevent discrimination against women.

108. Ireland was pleased to note the steps taken by Cameroon to combat violence against

women and children, but remained concerned about reports of violence and discrimination

against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community and

human rights defenders.

10 GE.18-11388

109. Morocco welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture, and commended Cameroon on its efforts to provide human rights training

and education, to fight impunity and to promote economic, social and cultural rights.

110. Libya praised Cameroon for having adopted and implemented the National Action

Plan for 2015–2019, and also for having ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture.

111. Lesotho praised Cameroon for the legislative measures it had taken, and its

initiatives to cooperate with international and regional mechanisms for the promotion of

human rights.

112. The head of the delegation thanked the delegations for their questions and

recommendations and provided the following answers to some of the questions asked.

113. Cameroon had signed the Rome Statute, and internal procedures were under way in

preparation for ratification. Cameroon maintained a fruitful relationship with the

International Criminal Court, in particular in terms of judicial cooperation. It had hosted

Court officials during their investigation missions in connection with human rights cases.

Mutual assistance requests from the Office of the Prosecutor or the defence were executed

by the Cameroon judicial authorities in cases in which the Cameroonian authorities had

agreed to cooperate with the Court.

114. Furthermore, pursuant to significant legal reforms, serious crimes falling under the

remit of the Court, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, could now

be prosecuted before the military courts following the adoption of Law No. 2017/012 of 12

July 2017 to lay down the Code of Military Justice.

115. Regarding impunity, violations of the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment had

been reported and had been investigated, leading to disciplinary and judicial sanctions.

Between 2013 and 2017, 100 police officers had been found guilty, following

investigations, of acts of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and had

received heavy disciplinary sanctions, including reprimands, dismissal, delayed promotion,

suspension and demotion. To supplement these measures, the national mechanism for the

prevention of torture in places of deprivation of liberty was being established after the

mandate had been assigned to the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms.

116. Concerning the death penalty, including in cases under counter-terrorism legislation,

Cameroon had, in recent years, been the victim of attacks by terrorist groups such as Boko

Haram. In response, it had authorized the death penalty for the most serious offences, in

particular endangering innocent lives and jeopardizing the State and its institutions, on the

basis of article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, whereby the

death penalty could be imposed for the most serious crimes. Notwithstanding the above,

Cameroon had not carried out any executions since the 1990s.

117. As for the elimination of violence against women, including female genital

mutilation and forced or early marriage, Cameroon had adopted a national gender policy

paper in 2014 to promote gender equality, followed by a multisectoral action plan in 2016.

The legal framework had been further strengthened by the adoption of the Law of 12 July

2016.

118. Concerning the fight against violence on children, the government and his partners

have been working to protect children against violence by creating institutions, providing

services for children victim of violence, carrying out awareness-raising activities, providing

support for victims and by prosecuting alleged perpetrators. In 2017, the government

adopted the National Child Protection Policy Paper which defines the strategic framework

for the protection of children in Cameroon.

119. An interministerial committee on follow-up to recommendations and/or decisions of

international and regional human rights mechanisms had been established under the Office

of the Prime Minister in 2013. It received the recommendations accepted by Cameroon,

which it then conveyed to the various relevant ministries for implementation. Their

implementation was assessed at meetings where progress was noted and challenges were

discussed with the aim of taking remedial measures.

GE.18-11388 11

120. Lastly, the elimination of child labour and the improvement of child health through

immunization were matters that Cameroon took very seriously.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

121. The following recommendations will be examined by Cameroon, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-ninth session of the Human

Rights Council:

121.1 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with a view to abolishing the death

penalty for all crimes (Italy);

121.2 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at the abolition of the death

penalty, and culminating in the process of eradicating the death penalty

(Uruguay);

121.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol of the International Convention

on Civil and Political Rights (Rwanda);

121.4 Proceed with the abolition of the death penalty by ratifying the

Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights (Brazil);

121.5 Accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty (Togo);

121.6 Abolish the death penalty from its legislation definitively and ratify

the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights (Chile);

121.7 Abolish the death penalty for all crimes and ratify the Second

Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (France);

121.8 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights (Australia) (Spain);

121.9 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, and commute all existing death sentences (Czechia);

121.10 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

(Iraq);

121.11 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (Côte

d’Ivoire);

121.12 Consider ratifying the conventions to which it is not yet a party, in

particular the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its

Optional Protocol and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(Gabon);

121.13 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (France);

121.14 Speed up the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (Georgia);

121.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and

12 GE.18-11388

the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Ukraine);

121.16 Consider speeding up the ratification of the International Convention

for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Mozambique);

121.17 Ratify and fully implement its obligations under the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Convention

on Civil and Political Rights (New Zealand);

121.18 Ratify without reservation the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Convention on

the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Belgium);

121.19 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Senegal);

121.20 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

establish a national preventive mechanism accordingly (Czechia);

121.21 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and establish a

national mechanism for the prevention of torture (Finland);

121.22 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the

sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (Burkina Faso);

121.23 Move towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Rights

of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(Democratic Republic of the Congo);

121.24 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child

pornography (Indonesia);

121.25 Take necessary measures to complete ratification of the Optional

Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and ratify the International

Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

(Tunisia);

121.26 Move towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

121.27 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the

Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Austria);

121.28 Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

(France);

121.29 Ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)

(Portugal);

121.30 Finalize its revision of the Civil Code, ensuring that the provisions on

the rights of the child are harmonized with those of the Convention on the

Rights of the Child (Senegal);

121.31 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

GE.18-11388 13

Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(Slovakia);

121.32 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(Slovenia);

121.33 Ratify and implement the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child

pornography (Botswana);

121.34 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (Togo);

121.35 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography

(Uganda);

121.36 Ratify the international human rights legal instruments to which it is

not a party, and further strengthen its cooperation with the treaty bodies

(Niger);

121.37 Adhere to the human rights treaties to which it is not yet a party, in

particular the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All

Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Convention on the

Status of Refugees and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities (Honduras);

121.38 Strengthen the work of the Technical Council on Labour Migration

in examining the possibility of ratifying the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Indonesia);

121.39 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Lesotho);

121.40 Complete the process of ratification of the International Convention

on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Uganda);

121.41 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Congo);

121.42 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Convention relating

to the Status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on the Reduction of

Statelessness (Benin);

121.43 Ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the

Crime of Genocide (Armenia);

121.44 Speedily incorporate the international conventions ratified by

Cameroon into national law, and implement action plans and laws (South

Africa);

121.45 Accept visits by relevant special procedures, and facilitate monitoring

and reporting to the Human Rights Council (Slovakia);

121.46 Continue to strengthen its policies in the field of human rights,

especially economic, social and cultural rights (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

121.47 Continue to implement awareness-raising activities on ownership of

human rights principles by the various stakeholders (Ethiopia);

14 GE.18-11388

121.48 Continue implementation of the National Action Plan for the

Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (Sudan);

121.49 Provide the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms

with adequate resources to enable it to carry out its mandate (Ghana);

121.50 Provide support for capacity-building and human rights actors

(Sudan);

121.51 Adopt legislation to protect human rights defenders and journalists

(Czechia);

121.52 Consider repealing provisions that criminalize homosexuality (Italy);

121.53 Pursue its efforts to strengthen civil and political rights as well as the

social, economic and cultural rights of its people (Mauritius);

121.54 Expedite the establishment process of a formal framework for

dialogue between civil society human rights organizations and the Government

(Indonesia);

121.55 Continue its capacity-building programme for the State and civil

society actors with respect to human rights (Mali);

121.56 Take further steps to finalize the various pending legislative and

institutional initiatives that will contribute to the full enjoyment of human

rights, including the national family policy paper and the national child

protection policy paper, and update the Civil Code, among other things

(Namibia);

121.57 Apply measures to strengthen national human rights institutions

(Nepal);

121.58 Ensure transparency of and provide information on the human rights

situation in the English-speaking region, inter alia by allowing the United

Nations and national and international human rights institutions and

organizations access to the region (Netherlands);

121.59 Grant the International Committee of the Red Cross or other

reputable international agencies access to English-speaking separatist leaders

extradited from Nigeria and detained incommunicado since January (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

121.60 Investigate all cases of disappearance of political opposition

representatives, including members of the English-speaking minority, and take

all adequate measures to find them and enable them to return safely to their

homes (Poland);

121.61 Ensure the effective implementation of the official bilingualism policy

in consultation with all stakeholders, in order to assure equal treatment to the

English-speaking minority and to eliminate marginalization in all its forms

(Haiti);

121.62 Redouble its efforts to effectively implement its bilingualism policy in

order to ensure that the English-speaking population does not suffer from

discrimination in employment, education or access to legal services (Honduras);

121.63 Observe the right of its citizens to express their views in dealing with

the problems of the English-speaking provinces (Czechia);

121.64 Initiate a multi-stakeholder dialogue at the political level with the

various stakeholders in the English-speaking communities in order to identify

appropriate measures to respond adequately to the violence affecting the

Southwest and Northwest areas of the country (Austria);

121.65 Expressly engage in a sustained dialogue with the representatives of

the English-speaking community on the crisis in the North-west and South-west

GE.18-11388 15

regions of the country to reach a consensual solution that upholds human rights

(Canada);

121.66 Redouble efforts for the full and effective implementation of the

official bilingual policy, and ensure that the English-speaking minority is not

subject to inequality in access to public services, the administration of justice,

and freedom of speech (Republic of Korea);

121.67 Mobilize resources and seek the international assistance necessary to

enhance its capacity to uphold human rights, in line with its international

obligations (Nigeria);

121.68 Take further positive measures to better protect the rights of women,

children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups (China);

121.69 Intensify efforts to combat discrimination against persons living with

HIV/AIDS (Lesotho);

121.70 Adopt measures to eliminate discrimination against vulnerable senior

citizens and persons with disabilities, in particular older women and women

with disabilities (Ghana);

121.71 Continue efforts to combat all forms of discrimination against women

and ethnic minorities (Senegal);

121.72 Continue efforts to combat discrimination against women and to

promote gender equality and the implementation of the national strategy to

combat gender-based violence (South Africa);

121.73 Adopt effective measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination

against the most vulnerable and neglected groups of women, in particular older

women, women with disabilities, rural women and refugee women

(Madagascar);

121.74 Decriminalize homosexuality, punished under article 347 bis of the

Penal Code (France);

121.75 Decriminalize same-sex relations by replacing article 347-1 of the

Penal Code, and initiate a campaign to raise awareness in the public about

homosexuality (Germany);

121.76 Decriminalize consensual same-sex conduct between adults, and take

all necessary steps to protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex community from all forms of discrimination and violence (Ireland);

121.77 Review the Penal Code with a view to decriminalizing homosexuality

(Spain);

121.78 Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between persons of the

same sex, and combat discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (Mexico);

121.79 Decriminalize consensual sex between adults of the same sex, and any

other discriminatory practice based on sexual orientation or gender identity,

protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and

guaranteeing their fundamental rights (Uruguay);

121.80 Decriminalize consensual same-sex relations (Australia);

121.81 Ensure the protection and security of lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons and of human rights defenders committed to

their cause (Switzerland);

121.82 Decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations and immediately

cease targeted discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons (United States of America);

16 GE.18-11388

121.83 Eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender

identity and protect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex

community from violence and harassment (Netherlands);

121.84 Take the necessary measures to protect and prevent discrimination

against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, as previously

recommended (Argentina);

121.85 Review laws that discriminate against women, in particular articles

1421 and 1428 of the Civil Code relating to the administration of family assets

(Mexico);

121.86 Ensure universal birth registration without discrimination by

developing information systems with solid databases that would include

information on the number of people yet to be registered, creating mobile

registration units to reach the most remote areas, and conducting campaigns to

inform all families about deadlines and ways to register their children

(Mexico);

121.87 Eliminate all discriminatory provisions from the Nationality Code

relating to the acquisition of nationality by children born outside wedlock and

the naturalization of children with disabilities (Portugal);

121.88 Ensure that women have equal rights to nationality as men under the

Nationality Code (Republic of Korea);

121.89 Review the Nationality Code to ensure that men and women have

equal rights in the area of nationality (Côte d’Ivoire);

121.90 Continue its efforts aimed at combating all forms of discrimination in

its population (Nigeria);

121.91 Revise the antiterrorist law of 2014 in accordance with international

human rights standards and obligations (Poland);

121.92 Formally abolish the death penalty by amending its Penal Code and

counter-terrorism laws (Australia);

121.93 Review and amend the 2014 antiterrorism law to ensure that it is not

used to restrict freedom of expression, assembly and association (Switzerland);

121.94 Review the texts relating to counter-terrorism by providing a more

specific definition of terrorism (France);

121.95 Review, with the full participation of all stakeholders concerned,

before the upcoming review cycle, the 2014 counter-terrorism law in order to

harmonize it with all international standards on human rights and the right to

a fair trial (Haiti);

121.96 Amend the 2014 antiterrorism law to bring the definition of

terrorism into line with international human rights obligations and standards,

repeal the death penalty, and end the use of military tribunals to try civilians

(Canada);

121.97 Maintain the existing moratorium on judicial executions, and

consider commuting all current death penalty sentences to other forms of

punishment (Namibia);

121.98 Finalize the abolition of the death penalty (Ukraine);

121.99 Improve the implementation of the right to a fair trial and access to

justice (France);

121.100 Comply with procedural rights in trials, thus ensuring a fair trial for

everyone, also in cases of alleged terrorism (Germany);

121.101 Consider reasonable time frames for preventive detention (France);

GE.18-11388 17

121.102 Combat impunity by undertaking prompt, independent, effective and

impartial investigations into allegations of human rights violations and crimes

under international law by those held to account in accordance with

international fair trial standards and the rule of law and without recourse to

the death penalty, and ensure redress for victims (New Zealand);

121.103 Acknowledge and investigate credible allegations of human rights

violations and abuses, and hold those responsible to account (United States of

America);

121.104 Allow independent international and regional human rights

investigators unhindered access to investigate and monitor human rights

violations, including through unannounced inspection visits, to all places of

detention (New Zealand);

121.105 Take appropriate measures to align conditions of detention with

international standards (Italy);

121.106 Pursue efforts to prevent torture and to improve prison conditions

(Morocco);

121.107 Release all those arbitrarily detained, make every effort to ensure the

human rights of prisoners and detainees are fully observed, and ensure an end

to practices of torture and illegal detention (New Zealand);

121.108 Ensure that civilians are not tried by military courts (Poland);

121.109 Put an end to incommunicado detention and ensure that no person is

deprived of liberty in secret or placed in unofficial detention facilities (Republic

of Korea);

121.110 End the practice of incommunicado detention and ensure that no one

is detained in a secret or officially unrecognized place, including unregistered

military detention centres (Austria);

121.111 Carry out investigations into alleged torture and ill-treatment of

detained persons, ban incommunicado detention and enact laws aiming at the

prevention of torture in places of detention (Czechia);

121.112 Investigate thoroughly all cases of the use of excessive force against

demonstrators and participants in public gatherings, and all cases of torture

and illegal detention by security forces (Poland);

121.113 Lift unnecessary restrictions on freedom of assembly, investigate the

alleged excessive use of force in dispersing demonstrations and ensure that

arrested protestors receive a fair trial (Australia);

121.114 Take appropriate measures to ensure that security forces comply

with international human rights laws and standards, including by conducting

independent and transparent investigations into allegations of excessive use of

force and by prosecuting perpetrators (Belgium);

121.115 Guarantee the protection of the civilian population by ensuring that

reported cases of violations and abuses committed by the security forces are

independently investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice

(Switzerland);

121.116 Investigate all reported cases of violations and abuses, and hold

perpetrators to account in accordance with the rule of law, in the context of

concerns raised about arbitrary arrests, excessive violence and extrajudicial

executions by government forces, armed groups against members of the

country’s English-speaking minority, and allegations of torture of detainees

suspected of belonging to terrorist groups (Slovakia);

121.117 Endeavour to end all use of arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens,

and the use of torture and other cruel treatment (Botswana);

18 GE.18-11388

121.118 Release prisoners deprived of their liberty for peacefully protesting

(Poland);

121.119 Take the necessary legal measures, before the next elections, to

enable electoral judges to consider as admissible copies of minutes submitted to

parties in polling stations (Canada);

121.120 Fully respect, protect and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression,

association and of assembly, including by lifting restrictions on mobile and

Internet services unless provided for by law, and comply with international

human rights law and standards on the use of force (New Zealand);

121.121 Ensure freedom of expression, freedom of access to information and

the right to assembly (Spain);

121.122 Adopt measures to guarantee the freedom of the press and its

diversity by allowing free access to media and information (Germany);

121.123 Ensure that any restrictions on freedom of assembly and

demonstration are in line with international obligations (Austria);

121.124 Ensure the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly

for all, including journalists, human rights defenders and opposition party

members, and lift any restrictions on these rights that are not in line with the

provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

(Finland);

121.125 Take all necessary measures to enable human rights defenders,

journalists and other members of civil society to carry out their legitimate

activities without fear of reprisal, and free of all restrictions (Ireland);

121.126 Respect the rights to peaceful assembly, and freedoms of association

and expression, including when exercised online, and afford all of those

detained all the rights enshrined in Cameroon’s constitution and under

international law (United States of America);

121.127 Adopt concrete measures to strengthen the participation of women

and minority groups in public life (Angola);

121.128 Take steps for the adequate representation of women in political life,

and encourage their economic empowerment (Bulgaria);

121.129 Consider after 2019 extending the decent work country programme

signed with ILO in October 2014 (Haiti);

121.130 Support and enhance efforts to promote women’s rights, paying

particular attention to ensuring equal opportunities in the labour market

(Mali);

121.131 Intensify efforts to improve work conditions for women workers

(Iraq);

121.132 Continue efforts to ensure gender equality, in particular in the labour

market (Tunisia);

121.133 Effectively implement the measures taken against violence against

women and in the promotion of equality of men and women, particularly in

access to employment (Djibouti);

121.134 Make a greater effort and devote more resources to programmes

aimed at promoting employment for young people and women, especially

through training and vocational education (Viet Nam);

121.135 Improve the implementation of social protection programmes that

provide assistance to the most vulnerable Cameroonians (Djibouti);

GE.18-11388 19

121.136 Continue social programmes to combat poverty and inequality, in

order to provide the best possible quality of life for its people (Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela);

121.137 Continue to promote economic, social sustainable development,

implement poverty reduction strategies and raise people’s living standards

(China);

121.138 Continue to promote the health sector (Egypt);

121.139 Speed up the implementation of health coverage for all (Gabon);

121.140 Take measures leading to the eradication of all forms of

discrimination in health-care settings, including in the context of HIV/AIDS, by

ensuring that the Ministry of Public Health develops strategic documents that

take into account the human right to health (Portugal);

121.141 Adopt comprehensive legislative and political measures to ensure

access to health services for persons with HIV/AIDS and sexual and

reproductive education for women and girls, particularly in rural areas

(Honduras);

121.142 Strengthen the implementation of measures to prevent the

transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child (Angola);

121.143 Provide a sufficient number of health centres and hospitals

throughout the country (Serbia);

121.144 Continue to improve health infrastructure and access to health care,

especially for the rural population (Togo);

121.145 Further intensify its efforts to ensure right of access to health care for

all, in particular access to medical care for women (Viet Nam);

121.146 Take all necessary action to reduce maternal mortality

(Afghanistan);

121.147 Decriminalize abortion and repeal section 339 (2) of the amended

Penal Code to remove the requirement of obtaining certification from a

prosecutor before an abortion can be legally obtained (Iceland);

121.148 Pursuant to the strategy paper for the education sector in Cameroon

for 2013–2020, continue to increase the enrolment rate in primary and

secondary schools and improve the quality of education (Bulgaria);

121.149 Continue efforts to implement the strategy paper for the education

sector for 2013–2020 in order to improve school enrolment rates (Libya);

121.150 Guarantee all children an equal footing in access to free primary

education (Congo);

121.151 Take further measures to improve children’s access to education,

without discrimination (Armenia);

121.152 Set up a national action plan and a strategy aimed at ensuring that

minorities have access to appropriate school programmes that respect their

way of life and their culture (Madagascar);

121.153 Ensure that access to education for children from minorities is

guaranteed and respected, without discrimination (Madagascar);

121.154 Ratify the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) Convention against Discrimination in Education

(Madagascar);

121.155 Move towards the ratification of the UNESCO Convention against

Discrimination in Education (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

20 GE.18-11388

121.156 Accelerate the process of the ratification of the Convention against

Discrimination in Education (Afghanistan);

121.157 Adopt measures preventing sexual harassment by teachers and child

marriage, which lead to high dropout rates of girls in secondary schools

(Poland);

121.158 Step up efforts to raise the school enrolment rate for girls (Lesotho);

121.159 Take steps to effectively ensure the equality of girls and young

women at all levels of education, and their retention in schooling (Portugal);

121.160 Take measures to provide free primary education and equal access

for all children (Serbia);

121.161 Take measures to increase the attendance rate of girls in secondary

education (Togo);

121.162 Ensure that girls and young women have equal access to all levels of

education (Iceland);

121.163 Fully implement article 356 of the 2016 Penal Code, and criminalize

all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital

mutilation and early and forced marriage (Namibia);

121.164 Continue to fight against female genital mutilation through the

implementation of the five-year action plan adopted in 2011 and reviewed in

2016 (Burkina Faso);

121.165 Strengthen its efforts to promote women’s rights, particularly in

combating gender-based violence and discriminatory practices related to

marriage, and collect data disaggregated by gender (Brazil);

121.166 Fight further against the practice of early and forced marriage

(Belgium);

121.167 Complete the drafting of the national family policy paper in order to

adequately address the issue of early and forced marriage (Zimbabwe);

121.168 Repeal all discriminatory provisions in marriage and family

relations, and adopt legal provisions that criminalize female genital mutilation

(Spain);

121.169 Pursue all efforts to enhance women’s empowerment (Egypt);

121.170 Take necessary measures to ensure effective access to justice for

women (Ukraine);

121.171 Continue efforts to eliminate discriminatory and harmful traditional

practices against women and girls (Nepal);

121.172 Assign human, technical and financial resources to the national

action plan against female genital mutilation in order to protect the human

rights of women and girls (Honduras);

121.173 Strengthen the implementation of legislation and policies aimed at

ending harmful traditional practices, in particular child, early and forced

marriage and female genital mutilation, and ensure that cases of domestic

violence are investigated and prosecuted (Rwanda);

121.174 Adopt legal provisions specifically criminalizing female genital

mutilation, breast ironing and discriminatory widowhood rites, and include

adequate sanctions for perpetrators of such acts (Iceland);

121.175 Strengthen measures to investigate and punish perpetrators of

practices or acts of violence against women, such as female genital mutilation

and forced marriage (Argentina);

GE.18-11388 21

121.176 Intensify awareness-raising campaigns throughout the territory to

eradicate the practices of female genital mutilation and forced marriage,

involving all social actors, including religious and community leaders (Chile);

121.177 Continue to combat early and forced marriage by raising awareness

of families and local communities (Libya);

121.178 Strengthen the fight against gender-based violence, including

domestic violence (Algeria);

121.179 Adopt a law on violence against women, and repeal legal provisions

that eliminate the crime of rape if the perpetrator marries the victim (Spain);

121.180 Prohibit all forms of domestic violence against women, especially

rape in marriage, as the new Penal Code does not cover all forms of violence

against women (Germany);

121.181 Redouble efforts to eliminate any form of discrimination and violence

against women, implementing positive actions and awareness-raising

campaigns on the subject (Uruguay);

121.182 Provide women greater access to legal resources, and psychosocial

and medical assistance (Spain);

121.183 Continue to prioritize child protection as a fundamental priority for

the State (South Africa);

121.184 Ensure full and effective implementation of the 2017 national action

plan for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour (United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

121.185 Accelerate the process of updating the Civil Code with a view to

enhancing the protection of children’s rights (Zimbabwe);

121.186 Revise current legislation to explicitly prohibit corporal punishment

of children in all settings, including at home (Montenegro);

121.187 Enact legislation to prohibit corporal punishment of children in all

settings (Namibia);

121.188 Establish the minimum age for marriage at 18 years for both girls

and boys (Montenegro);

121.189 Continue to fight early child marriage (Tunisia);

121.190 Pursue efforts to combat early or forced marriage and violence

against children (Morocco);

121.191 Adopt public policies to eradicate the recruitment of children by

armed groups, including strategies for the rehabilitation and reintegration of

such children into society in accordance with international human rights

standards (Chile);

121.192 Redouble efforts to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the

kidnapping of children for the purpose of selling organs or magic practices

(Congo);

121.193 Further continue the implementation of its policy for the integration

of persons with disabilities at the strategic and operational levels (Ethiopia);

121.194 Strengthen its policies towards ensuring full protection for the rights

of minorities (Georgia);

121.195 Take the necessary measures to protect refugee and displaced women

against all forms of exploitation (Algeria);

121.196 Allow and facilitate unhindered humanitarian assistance wherever

required to provide relief for the affected population (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland).

22 GE.18-11388

122. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

GE.18-11388 23

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Cameroon was headed by H.E MBELLA MBELLA, Minister of

External Relations and composed of the following members:

• H.E Anatole Fabien Marie NKOU, Ambassadeur, Representant Permanent du

Cameroun aupres des Nations Unies à Geneve;

• Monsieur Aimé Parfait BIKORO, Chargé de Mission, Premier Minister;

• Madame Helene GALEGA, Directeur des Droits de l’Homme, Magistrate, Ministere

de la Justice;

• Madame Cecile MBALLA EYENGA, Directeur des Nations Unies, Ministere des

Relations Exterieures;

• Monsieur Aurelien ETEKI, Directeur des Affaires d’Europe, Ministere des Relations

Exterieures;

• Monsieur Bertin BIDIMA, Premier Secretaire, Mission Permanente du Cameroun,

Geneve.