Working both for promoting and standing up for ESC rights in Cameroon, these two organizations strengthened their cooperation on May 5th.
« This significant meeting was about establishing contacts between these two organizations fighting for the same rights especially the promotion and defence of ESC Rights (ESCR ».tatement made by Sheriff Maarit Kohonen, local representative of the UN Center for Human Rights and democracy in Central Africa (CNUDHD), last May 5th in Yaoundé. This statement was pronounced during the meeting presenting the Cameroonian ESC Rights Platform to the CNUDHD. Achille Ndaimai, permanent secretary of the Cameroonian ESC Rights Platform, Jules Dumas Nguebou from Assoal NGO and Sheriff Maarit Kohonen were part of the assembly.
After the presentation of the two organizations, discussions started on various key points critical for the good management of the activities. These discussions are necessary to a better coordination of the fieldwork and more efficiency for achieving the final objectives set by both sides. After the introduction and presentation of the next steps, a real synergy came up between the current activities from both entities. As a consequence, Sheriff Maarit decided to give the Cameroonian ESC Rights Platform the opportunity to get in touch with worldwide networks for a better recognition and understanding of ESC rights through trainings, best practices share, debates.
Strengthen the abilities
Regarding the platform members support, a specific brochure on the Human Rights stakes and especially on ESC Rights will be sent to the permanent secretary. During the session, a CD ROM on Human rights was offered by the local CNUDHD representative. Its content is now available on the Cameroonian ESC Rights Platform website. During this session, some recommendations have been made as: building new contacts between ESC Rights platform and other organizations belonging to the UN system (UNIFEM, FNUAP and BIT), the transfer of documents created by the ESCR platform to the CNUDHD and get involved in the debate of the ESC rights on a global scale.
Gender equality
Sume Eyoh from WIRA attended the meeting of May 5th and claimed that the originality of the Cameroonian ESC Rights Platform lies in the awareness of gender equality in ESC Rights actions. The question of the Protocol’s ratification to the African Human and People Rights Charter about Women rights is still discussed in Cameroon. It was adopted in 2003 in Maputo / Mozambique and implemented in 2005. The Protocol has finally been signed by a great majority of African countries which commit themselves « to eradicate any kind of discrimination towards women and to protect Women Rights». Still, Cameroon did not speak out for this legal tool.
« This major protocol, except the UN Covenant about undermining any character of discrimination towards women (CEDAW Covenant) signed by most of African states, grants a legal reference frame to protect women rights. That is the reason why, it is important to set up awareness campaigns and actions for a better recognition of Women Rights in Cameroon», concludes Sume Eyoh.
Eric O. LEMBEMBE and Achille NDAIMAI
Translated by Hanane Marouf
