Asylum Seekers Enjoy Cameroon's Poor Human Rights Record

Every October 1, militants of the SCNC are, in one way or the other, harassed, tortured and others subjected to the worst forms of inhuman and degrading treatment. Although these events represent a tragedy of enormous magnitude, they also provide an avalanche of opportunities for Cameroonians seeking asylum.

Vero Ve' - Aura (Natural Linen/Multi Crosta) - Women's Zappos.com is proud to offer the Vero Ve' - Aura (Natural Linen/Multi Crosta) - Women's: Jazz up any outfit with this funky, multi-colored slip-on. Linen uppers are backed with leather. Overlay detail. Lightly cushioned footbed. Leather outsole.

That explains why every year, hundreds of Cameroonians apply for refugee status abroad, invoking one reason or the other for not wanting to return to Cameroon. Human rights norms extolled in Article 2(1) of the Convention places an obligation on states party to the Convention to "take effective legislative, administrative judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction."

The obligation, as stated by Javaid Rehman, a senior Human Rights lecturer at the University of Leeds, is immediate and the emphasis is upon effective measures to prevent acts of torture. Interestingly, the Committee Against Torture, CAT, had confirmed by its own findings in its enquiry under Article 22 of the Convention that Cameroon's record show a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant or mass violations of human rights.

This sad situation has inhibited states that have dared to expel or extradite individuals to Cameroon. Furthermore, considerable debates or extradite individuals to another state in the knowledge that upon their return (to their state of residence or nationality) they are likely to be subjected to torture.

Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights, ECHR, has, in particular, led to some striking and exceptional decisions where the claims have successfully relied on the argument that if expelled or extradited to Cameroon, they would suffer from torture, or inhuman degrading treatment or punishment.

Blay - 6065 (Black/Suede) - Women's Zappos.com is proud to offer the Blay - 6065 (Black/Suede) - Women's: Sweet and chic round toe pump with feminine details. Suede upper with stitch detailing and flower appliques. Leather lining. Non-skid sole.

Article 3 of the torture Convention, inspired by the case law of the ECHR, provides that:
1) No state party shall expel, return (reflouler) or extradite a person to another state where they are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.

2) For the purpose of determining whether there are such grounds, the competent authorities shall take into account all relevant considerations including, where applicable, the existence in the state concerned of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant of mass violation of human rights.

Similar provision of non-refoulement encapsulated in Article 3 can be found in Article 33 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of the Refugees. An interesting example of the application of this provision is provided in a case involving a Cameroonian national against Switzerland.

In this case, the author was a Cameroonian national who had been involved in political activities in Cameroon for the outlawed SCNC movement. From 1999 to 2003, he was detained a number of times during which he claimed to have been tortured by the Cameroonian authorities. He was sentenced in 2001 to two and a half years of imprisonment. The author claimed that during this period he was tortured and his house searched by the Cameroonian police.

In 2003, after having left Cameroon on a forged passport, the activist sought asylum in Switzerland. Despite having produced medical evidence of scars on his body, the Swiss authorities turned down his application on the basis that there were too many inconsistencies in his claim for asylum.

The activist, relying upon Article 3 of the Convention, then complained to CAT. The Committee took account of all the relevant considerations as provided in Article 3 (2) of the Convention. It considered the exiting consistent and systematic pattern of serious violations of human rights in Cameroon, which had been confirmed by its own findings.

According to the Committee, the critical facto is assessing the validity of the claims based under Article 3 is a determination that the person in question would be in danger of being subjected to torture upon his return to Cameroon. In upholding the author's claim, the Committee made the following observation:

In the instance case, the Committee considers that the author's ethnic background, his alleged political affiliation, his history of detention, and his internal exile should all be taken into account when determining whether he would be in danger of being subjected to torture upon his return.

The state party (Switzerland) has pointed out contradictions and inconsistencies as may exist in the author's presentation of the facts are not material and do not raise doubts about the general veracity of the author's claim.

In its General Comment, the Committee set forth the following guidelines as useful in determining the validity of the applicant's claim under Article 3 of the Convention.
a) Is the State concerned one in which there is evidence of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant or mass violation of human rights?

b) Has the author been tortured or maltreated by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity in the past? If so, was this the recent past?

c) Has the situation referred to in (a) above changed? Has the internal situation in respect of human rights been altered?

These questions and others can only be answered in the negative. Undoubtedly, Cameroon does not have any veritable institution for the promotion and protection of human rights. What exists in the name of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms is a ruse to mislead the international community.

As long as the regime continues to style the activities of the SCNC analogous to the elusive concept of terrorism, more and more credit will go to those Cameroonians seeking asylum. The regime should note that there is a great measure of truth in the well-known cliché: One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

Tambe Tiku,Human Rights Advocate

Comments

[BenB]

Welcome back friends,

So what steps for the future? That's what we want to see now on this forum, if we mean well for those we are staking our necks for. Or are we still going to contend with seeing our idols just walk away with a piece of the treasure that the SDF is?

I thought some of us were going to use the self-declared break to bury our idols and resurrect the SDF. And mind you, it's the whole, not a piece, of the SDF that's a treasure.

Anyone wanting a piece, anyone dying just to see their idol walk away with a piece of that treasure dripping with the blood of the martyrs and other ruined lives both at home and abroad, means ill for the SDF.

Remember the wisdom of King Solomon when two women were contesting a child? Solomon teased them with the proposal to have the child shared so each of them could have a piece of the child. The destructive, false mother said, Yes let's divide the child. That meant the child would be butchered and left dead!

The genuine mother (oh good woman, compassionate woman, wise woman) prefered to let the child go even to the wicked woman, just so he stays alive, at least for a start.

This dilemma faces us with the SDF. Everyone here thinks someone is wrong. But as Samleyin would say those idols, like us shall pass away but the SDF will remain.

So how do we solve this problem, above any consideration for persons or even with consideration for persons? Let's just think up tenable remedial measures. And this is time we'll tell the wicked from the good.

Over to you, friends.

Model journalists and experts/students in political science and economics that some of us brag we are on this forum, should especially make good political proposals, shouldn't we? You bet, we'll rather see more Fru Ndi/Ngwasiri talk here soon. We hope not.

BenF

[BenB]

Fru Ndi should not allow two SDF Conventions to hold. He has what it takes to make only one Convention hold and this in the supreme interest of the party, self-interest, personal ego aside. This is my idea:

Frustrate plans by those organising the Yaounde Convention to take over leadership of the party on a red carpet. This is how that can be done:

Storm the Yaounde Convention. Perhaps or perhaps not in the same way of the bloody storming of the Soulemane Convention in Yaounde in the late 1990s.

Well, it looks rather tricky. How can the Chairman lead an army of faithful militants to storm Ngwasiri's Yaounde Convention when they should be holding theirs in Bamenda same day? This is how (two possibilities):

1.) Postpone the Bamenda Convention by even a few days and mobilise militants to Yaounde to do everything, including EVERYTHING, to stop the Yaounde Convention, then go over to the Bamenda Convention, victory songs on their lips, and hold the bona fide Convention there.

There, if the Ngwasiri group fail to show up, they'll have themselves to blame. There, the world would have seen who really has the power.

2.) Forget about the Bamenda Convention and mobilise SDF militants to attend the Yaounde Convention. Use his popularity to defeat Ngwasiri and Muna on their "home turf".

Fru Ndi has what it takes to make this happen. He has the grassroots following in spite of the raging crisis and revelations about his misdeeds.

This would be a most noble way of proving Ngwasiri and Muna wrong. And it would leave no scars and there won't be conflict, no violence, no blood, no exclusion.

Another day is ticking out, bringing doomsday closer to the SDF. 11th May: DD-11 to Yaounde court verdict, -15 to the Convention(s). Two Conventions stare the SDF in the face. Even one-and-a-half Conventions would spell doom for the SDF, I repeat. And 16 expensive years would just have gone up in flames!

I've called for contributions to the way forward here and not one word has been said in that direction. Only the insults continue. Only more praises for Fru Ndi.

Here, I have set the ball rolling. Contradict me but please contribute something for the general good.

For some people on this forum the SDF and Cameroon can go to hell as long as Fru Ndi maintains the title of Chairman. Isn't that sad?

BenF

[Tayong(Copenhagen)]

Ben
This is not the forum for SDF . Here is the anglophone issue, Thank u

[BenB]

Human right abuse in Cameroon is not only about Anglophone cause. There are many SDF and non-SDF, Anglophone and non-Anglophone Cameroonians whose human rights have been abused too.

You seem to like the SCNC bent given to it in this article, eh? You benefitted from it too?

[Tayong(Copenhagen)]

Ben
Maybe you should read the article through . Benefit from what? what a joke. hope u arent making a mockery of anglophones. u dont need to know anything about me but check me out if u wish to. here we need to talk about this issue causing fellow countrymen to flee their own God given land to seek solace elsewhere and u ask me irrelevat questions? we arent here for fun gentleman

[Akoson]

.

.I think Professor Paul Nchoji Nkwi (PhD) wrote.

...Everyone says he wrote. But Mukete says what did he write??? Why???

Hello Everybody,

I'm happy there hasn't been much insults although Mukete did mildly. I bothered to read his two postings cos they're relatively shorter.

Mr. BenB, I like and admire your write ups. The contents're usually mature. However, I've realised that you've a conclusion already in your mind though you do everything possible to make it latent. Your first proposal about storming and disrupting the Yaounde convention is NOT the best. It may result to quarrels and possibly chaos. Let's not even think about that. Secondarily, your second proposed tactic is good from first thought. But when you think and think hard, you'll realise that the consequences're suicidal. Before I continue let me just state that I'd thought this too. I'm very sure many others have, even Fru Ndi. Now, Ngwasiri, being what he is, can cause more confusion when the "Bamenda" guys decide to attend the convention of the "Yaounde" guys. Place yourself in Fru Ndi's shoes and answer this question; if you move over to Yaounde to attend the convention and the organisers in Yaounde excludes your name from the list of contesters, what'll do??? The whole world will know that you attended that convention that produced another SDF chieftain. They'll not bother to look beyond and see what happened. Everyone has got their ambitions. I think Fru Ndi's is to change Cameroon. I still see so much exuberance of good faith in that man. So, such a mistake you're proposing could be the silliest ever recorded in world History. I wouldn't wish that my worse enemy even nurture such a thought, let alone doing it.

I smiled about the way you blend the ideas of the SDF standoff and the famous story of Wise King Solomon. It's wonderful indeed. Now, Fru Ndi doesn't want this child to be divided. It's very clear. Rather it's Ngwasiri who went ahead and scheduled a date that the "illegal" NEC had already scheduled. And remember that he, Ngwasiri participated in scheduling this date. Who then is guilty of dividing the child? It's clear that Ngwasiri doesn't know the pain and labour it takes to give birth to a child. He's the first to say let's divide the child. Is that what his
"Rev." Joshua of Nigeria taught him???I'm ashamed that even prof Asonganyi's indirectly campaigning that the child be divided by advising SDF militants to rally behind his so-called "origina" SDF, mindful of the fact that when some rally behind the "original" SDF, others'll prefer the "modern" SDF. Again, who or who are those who want to split the child? The answer's hovering in the wind. Even the stones know!!!

And now my own suggestion. The biggest and most needed word's RECONCILIATION. But how??? It's the simplest thing ever but hardest thing to do. Let the man of the people, I mean the Conscience Of Cameroon, Ni John Fru Ndi call Ngwasiri for dialogue. Doing this is not stepping low but being matured. If he, Ngwasiri denies then we can start thinking of other procedures.

Lastly, Mukete the Fiction writer. What did you expect Knangjo to do? I can only describe your contribution as choice of words. You only choosed words and "educated" prof on what he should do. You failed to understand that prof was ONLY making a reply to Ngwasiri's letter. You selected sections of the article to react to. Knagjo too selected portions of your write up to react to. This is not what I want to pull your ears about. In order to resolve a problem, we don't need to sing songs on who is wrong or right. There's a problem - the constitution - everyone's interpreting it their own way. After all reflections, let's say Ngwasiri is right. Now, is he still president of NAC? Yes or no. That same constitution he claims to have to his finger tips requires him to nullify his rejected resignation letter to all the organs that are. Did he do it? The "Bamenda" and "Yaounde" guys are ALL wrong from the look of things. Then what??? What do we do??? What do they do??? From the fine sermon BenB gave us, we learnt not to divide a child cos they'll die. Do we wanna kill the SDF? No! A part that can, through special intervention of GOD ALMIGHTY MIGHT produce an "anglophone" president who must be willing to listen to the plea of the SCNC and possibly instigate a grant of their independence. Therefore Mukete, could you please translate your FICTION writing expertise, concentrating all your energies into writing proposals on how the million dollar word - RECONCILIATION, could be achieved withing days ahead of a convention that will determine the dead of democracy in your country.

Who says what??

Twisted-thinking forehead, Son Of Ako - LSE.

[optimistic]

I did enjoy all that is said in this forum,and I think everybody has a point to make and everybody's opinion counts.
But I realise that most of us in this forum are extremists in thinking.I think the best thing is come out with a solution and hence the best thing is not to be in extremes.
I WILL ALSO BEG ON MUKETE AND BenF OR BenB WHO SEEM TO BE THE PRIVATE DETECTIVE(S) IN THIS FORUM TO ALSO INVESTIGATE DEEPLY THE ESEME MURDER CASE AND BRIEF US.GIVE THE FORUM THE FACTS SO THAT THEY CAN KNOW COS SOMEWHERE SOMEHOW,CAMEROONIANS THINK OR FEEL JUSTICE WAS NOT DONE.
WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR YOUR RESULTS.
Optimistic

[samleyin]

Optimistic, Ben B(F) and Akonson.

Optimistic why did you call only on Ben B not to privatise the forum. I think you should have talked to AKonson as well not to do that dispite our opposing sides of the debate. Lets try to be objective and if somebody does not reaason the way we do, we should not strive only to identify his fault but also the fault of those who take side with us.

Akonson and Ben B, this is not the best way for seeking recognition from contributors. Not the amount of postings we do post here will make us great but the ideas we put across. I will call on you two and the notorious Mukete to post articles only where they are related. Stop changing courses of debate in this forum.

[Aladine Copenhagen]

Ben,
Can you please leave the inspired people of our Southern Cameroon alone on this page? I beg you in the name of God dont distract us, even though can never.. i beg leave Tayong alone,Leave Ako and rest alone and go your way ok

Aladine

[.Legima Doh (LD)]

Akoson,
When you write a lengthy and redundant comment we manage to read it though boring but when you keep on copying and pasting,you make yourself an uninteresting commentator in this forum.We are tired of reading nothing new from you.Nothing new means no contribution and you ought not write.
Ben B,
From your comment,you did not understand the article.Firstly,it started on the issue of Oct 1 about the activities of the SCNC and then about the seeking of asylum on grounds of the SCNC.Tell me,how does Oct 1 concern the SDF and how those the SCNC concern the non anglophones?It is true that the human rights of the SDF militants,non SDF militants,anglophones,non anglophones are abused but only the sympathizers of the SCNC who may or maynot be sympathizers of SDF but are definitely,anglophones because francophones are not sympathetic of the SCNC at all but would want to do everything to derail the course of the SCNC.So your comment is irreconcilable with the article and that is what Tayong meant.Moreso your questioning whether he benefitted from an asylum on grounds of the SCNC is ungentlemanly and uncalled for.I appreciate his reply to your comment.Its all about being watchful before commenting ok.
International bodies recognize the significance of the SCNC and not much about the SDF as at now.lets all come to light.SDF was,it tried,we appreciate that but now it is time for consummation of freedom-Our total independence and sovereignty with the SCNC at the forefront.Liberation of the Southern Cameroonians.
Legima Doh,
SCNC Sweden.

[Bangwaman]

I want to suggest that Mr Tambe Tiku has written something good in a wrong place.This advantage that some Cameroonians enjoy grace to the poor human right record we have shouldn,t have been posted in this forum.In some ways,it may make it difficult for would-be persons to suceed.Not all the truth should be made public.
I also want to suggest that many writers in this forum respect the topic they,re treating.When the topic is talking of ASylum,and people fill spaces with party conventions, sdf ,fru ndi,Ngwasiri etc,, i doubt if they,re discussing the topic which has been proposed,or if it,s sdf ,ngwasiri and fru seeking asylum.
We should stop writing anything anywhere.

[jemea]

bangwaman,
are u suggesting that the truth shouldn't be told because some people will benefit from lies? Thats typical Cameroonian way of thinking, what a shame.
As concerns Akoson, he's just trying to shadow the article with his posting just because he knows the article was describing him.
I want to laude the effort of the author of the articl for being courageous and not corrupt like other journalists who will take money to write fictitious stories. This is true journalism and if I had some cola, I'll send it to him.
jemie

[Charles Forkwa]

The trend for seeking asylum will continue until there is VERIFIABLE democratic change in "Cameroon".
No one is going to bet their future on LIP SERVICE.

[njoya]

IM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED OF THIS WILD JUNGLE IN THE NAME OF LA REPUBLIQUE.UNTIL THE SCNC IS GIVEN ITS RIGHTFUL AUTHORITY, HAVE NO DREAM THAT WE SHALL EVER STOP THE FIGHT AND CAMPAIGNS FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE ANGLOPHONE STATEHOOD.THIS TREND WILL NOT STOP SO LONG AS THE HUMAN RIGHT SITUATION CONTINUE TO GET WORSE.

[Akoson]

Hey les anglos!,

No one can intimidate me or seek my notice. ONLY the authorities of postnewsline can give me directives. Dullards like Legima Doh (LD)'ll NEVER understand what I write despite that I do everything humanly possible to make it so simple for a class five leaver like Mukete read and appreciate.

I'm on a campaign. No one can stop me from it. Discussing the PERTINENT issues(THE SDF AND THE SCNC) that are and NOT reactions to ambassadors who don't know how the common man on the streets live. Note that you're not obliged to read my postings for Christ's sake. Just scroll down and get to the next mail. I don't wanna heap adjectives on your primitive thought. Idiot!

Eyes of A Tiger, Son Of Ako - LSE.

.

[LIENGHOTUE GIDEON]

I am glad to read about your finding on the Cameroon poor human rights situation.Many changes have been announced by the gov't in place to that regard.That's to improve human rights situation, fight corruption and event to practice the Anglophone common law system all over the cameroon.There is somthing behind these changes.It has to do with the IMF and the world bank decision to council some cameroon debts.
What the international community fail to look at is the actual practice of these changes by the system in place.The swiss gov't fialed to appreciate these man strugle with a bad system like that.The international community and the foreign governments need not rush to decisions when some laws are introduce in cameroon.Study it practicality.We love our homes but there's no peace there. The peace that is prevaialing in cameroon is that which the people are afriad of their jobs and be arrested and lockup without charge.There's a long way to go to change this country.

[Azese .N.Martin]

Hi BenB. You are very inspired and I have always loved your comments.I don't think I agree with your proposals or Oppinion for Fru Ndi on the convention.I know your oppinion counts and even counts much.
- Postponing the Bamenda convention will be very downgrading for FRU NDI. To me, it will mean a weakness in his part. Also , going to yaounde to stop the Yaounde convention will be too arrogant for pa FRU , because he would be using force and this may not be legally or politically seen for we don't know the jurisdiction of his power.
- Also , forgetting about the Bamenda convention and going attending the yaounde convention sounds better but still posses a problem. on one hand,forgetting the Bamenda convention that was scheduled by him FRU NDIusing the powers that were conferred on him as CHAIRMAN is underminding and thus letting go his powers. Also attending the Yaounde convention that was not organised by the CHAIRMAN and was said to be a REBELLION and against the SDF convention will be smarching his own powers and his own words.
THIS IS MY PROPOSAL which is an oppinion and may not count though: He ( CHAIRMAN) should ;
1-LEGALLY Fire ALL the ORGANISERS of this so call Yaounde convention from SDF;
2- Legally follow them and prevent them from USING the name SDF as their party;
3- Make sure he prepares the Bamenda rendez-vous well and with his usual outspokeness convince the population and millitants to follow the true SDF;.

I DON'T MEAN TO MAKE IT A DEBATE BETWEEN YOU AND I. ALL thesame your advice may be taken , and mine is a consequence of your oppinion or a prolongation.
COURAGE TO ALL CAMEROONIANS AND NON-CAMEROONIANS WHO SACRIFICE THEIR TIME ENERGY AND MONEY (internet) TO CONTRIBUTE AND HELP BUILD OUR BELOVED COUNTRY CAMEROON.FOR ALL OPPINIONS COUNT EVEN IF SEEN BAD BY OTHERS.

[Legima Doh]

Akoson,
When you use vile adjectives on me without giving supporting points to defend them,you make yourself double fold idiotic and stupid.I did not say I was stopping you from commmenting in the forum ok.It is your feeble and faint encephalon that made you to reason in that despicable direction.My points are true and if your unbriddled idiotic passion for commenting even when you have nothing to offer is to be emended,then I challenge you to stop copying and pasting ok.Idiots of your freakish reasoning will always react the way you did but always on baseless grounds.Come up with more adjectives ok,Swine!.
Legima Doh