Position Statement By North West Human Rights Lawyers And Civil Society Organisations On The Alarming Increase Of Rape And Sexual Violence In Cameroon
We, the collective of human rights lawyers, human rights defenders, activists and civil society organisations in the North West Region of Cameroon, express our deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the disturbing and unacceptable increase in cases of rape, sexual violence and abuse against women, young girls and children across our communities.
A Grave Violation of Human Rights
Rape is a grave crime and a brutal violation of human dignity, bodily integrity and fundamental human rights. It is an attack not only on individual survivors, but also on the moral foundation of society, the rule of law and the principles of justice and humanity.
Such acts must never be tolerated, excused, concealed or normalised under any circumstance.
Accountability Under the Law
We reaffirm that rape is a serious criminal offence punishable under Article 296 of the Cameroon Penal Code. We call for the strict and impartial application of the law against every perpetrator, regardless of social status, position, influence or affiliation.
Impunity for rape and sexual violence encourages further abuse, silences survivors and undermines public confidence in the justice system. No person accused of such a serious offence should be protected by political, social, traditional, institutional or financial influence.
Justice
Every reported case must receive a timely, impartial and effective investigation.
Accountability
Perpetrators must face the legal consequences of their actions without interference or preferential treatment.
Survivor Protection
Survivors must receive confidential, respectful and survivor-centred support.
Prevention
Communities and institutions must address the harmful attitudes and practices that enable sexual violence.
Human Rights Obligations
These crimes violate rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon and breach Cameroon’s obligations under international and regional human rights instruments, including:
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
- The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- The Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol.
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child.
An Urgent National Concern
The increasing reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence demand immediate national attention and coordinated action.
Silence, negligence, delays in investigations, intimidation of survivors and weak enforcement mechanisms must no longer shield perpetrators from accountability.
A society that fails to protect its women and children fails its future.
Our Calls for Immediate Action
- Immediate and effective investigation and prosecution: All reported cases of rape and sexual violence must be investigated and prosecuted through transparent, survivor-sensitive and timely judicial procedures.
- Strict penalties for convicted perpetrators: Courts should impose the strongest sanctions permitted by law, particularly in cases involving children, vulnerable persons, repeat offenders, violence, abuse of authority or offences committed during conflict.
- An end to impunity and interference: No perpetrator should escape justice through influence, intimidation, informal financial settlements, threats or social pressure.
- Stronger law-enforcement and judicial institutions: Police officers, investigators, prosecutors, judges and relevant officials must receive specialised training, adequate resources and clear procedures for handling sexual violence cases.
- Review and strengthening of legal frameworks: Existing laws and procedures should be reviewed to close loopholes that allow perpetrators to avoid accountability or discourage survivors from seeking justice.
- Comprehensive protection and support for survivors: Survivors must have access to free legal assistance, appropriate medical care, psychosocial support, safe referral pathways and survivor-centred services that restore dignity and promote healing.
Our Collective Resolve and Commitment
As human rights lawyers and civil society actors, we commit ourselves to sustained and coordinated action against rape and all forms of sexual violence.
- Provide coordinated legal representation, referrals and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence.
- Work with communities, traditional authorities, youth groups, women’s organisations and institutions to prevent sexual abuse.
- Promote awareness campaigns that challenge harmful practices, break the culture of silence and encourage the safe reporting of cases.
- Defend the rights, dignity and safety of every woman, girl and child.
- Advocate for stronger institutions, effective laws and survivor-centred justice mechanisms.
A Call to Government and Community Leaders
We call upon the Government of Cameroon, administrative authorities, security agencies, judicial officials, community leaders, traditional authorities and all relevant stakeholders to rise to this urgent challenge.
Every institution has a responsibility to ensure that reported cases are properly investigated, that justice is served and that survivors are protected from further harm, retaliation, discrimination and social exclusion.
Zero Tolerance for Rape and Sexual Violence
The fight against rape and sexual violence requires collective courage, strong institutions, responsible leadership and an unwavering commitment to justice.
We therefore adopt a zero-tolerance position towards rape and all forms of sexual violence against women, girls and children.
We stand united, determined and resolute in defending the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of women, girls and children in the North West Region and throughout Cameroon.
Done in Bamenda, this ........ day of ........ 2026
Signed:
North West Human Rights Lawyers and Civil Society Organisations