Human Rights : Actors Chart Torture Prevention Mechanisms

Stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights are updating their skills on torture prevention in a three-day sub regional conference organised by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa.  The sub-regional conference that began on October 10, 2023 is part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “Human Rights Initiative 75” and the 20th anniversary of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The opening ceremony of the conference was presided at, on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso, by the Minister Delegate, Jean de Dieu Momo, under the theme, “Promote the prevention of torture in Central and East Africa.” The various international experts will in the course of three days exchange knowledge on best practices and the stakes on torture prevention in member countries.
The Minister in his opening speech noted that the promotion and protection of human rights is at the centre of policies of the Head of State, Paul Biya. He added that the Constitution and preamble of Cameroon highlights the fact that every citizen has the right to life, with physical and moral integrity. At the international level, Minister Jean de Dieu Momo cited legal instruments ratified by Cameroon within the framework of the prevention of torture. “It is important to note that in conformity to its international engagements, Cameroon by the July 19, 2019 law on the creation, organisation and functioning of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, instituted a national mechanism against torture which went operational in April 2021,” he explained, adding that the said mechanism has a mandate of ...