Fact Finding Mission In SW

The three days mission is to ascertain allegations of human rights in the North West and South West Regions in the wake of the Anglophone problem.

A delegation from the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms led by its Vice Chairperson, Prof James Mouangue Kobila is currently in the South West to investigate claims of human rights abuse in the region in the wake of social tension in the two English speaking Regions of Cameroon. He disclosed a similar team led by the chairperson of the commission was simultaneously carrying out the same mission in the North West. He urged the people to speak freely without fear and not to doubt their credibility as a government created institution. He however specified their mission as an arbiter not a judge in human rights issues saying human rights was both vertical and horizontal. Vertical in the sense that the State has to respect the rights of the citizens and the citizens also respect the rights of the State. Horizontal in that citizens have to respect each other`s rights.
The delegation held talks with local human rights organizations, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as visited detention centres at the police and gendarmerie cells, Buea central prison, the University of Buea and hospitals. Issues raised concerned rape during the Buea university crisis, arbitrary arrests, torture and the rupture of internet as a violation of the right to information and education.
All parties preached dialogue a...