A field research carried out by IYEC human rights violation in the communities of Cameroon in general and the southwest region, in particular, is a serious challenge that many youths, women, and children usually encounter. Most at times, perpetrators of this act are usually ignorant due to the low level of human rights advocacy, sensitization and education. This has really inflicted untold suffering especially to women and children who are often the victims. Worthy of note is the fact that these victims become more vulnerable as they are not always provided with sustainable livelihood initiative that will help to improve their livelihood.
The photos above tell a story of violence against women . This lady in Limbe was locked up in their home by her children’s father, he beat her up for hours until she passed out and only found herself in the hospital the next day. We learned that she was brought to the hospital by her neighbour as the man had already made away. As soon as the matter was reported to our office, IYEC staff immediately intervened by alerting the police, and making an official report with the State Council’s office. Investigations were started at the home pending the arrest of the said man. IYEC then paid the hospital bills, provided nutrition and helped the victim to relocate to the safety of her family in a different region where she will continue her treatment.
It is for this reason that IYEC Cameroon has taken the challenge to continue its crusade on human rights protection by advocating to perpetrators, victims, and stakeholders in the communities on the different types of human right violations such as violence against women, child abuse, child trafficking, violation of labour code, child pornography etc.
Under these different human right challenges, IYEC Cameroon has partnered with the US Embassy, Yaoundé – Cameroon, to report on cases of human rights violation in the southwest region of which these reports are forwarded to the United Nations office through the US Embassy every year.
IYEC and other CSO members of the NES platform carried out a radio program to educate and sensitize the public on land grabbing phenomenon, during which we sensitized the community on the following. -Global level of land grabbing -Situation of land grabbing in Cameroon -Issues that Cameroon land governance must address to protect land rights of communities. -The voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forest in the context of national food security. -The voluntary guideline to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security. -African land policy framework and guideline -Guiding principle on large scale base investment in Africa (November 2014) -The rights of indigenous people
