Promotion and Protection of Human Rights : In a significant move towards enhanced cooperation, Prof James Mouangue Kobila granted an audience with His Excellency Abdou Abarry, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa.

Prof James Mouangue Kobila, the Chairperson of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) hosted His Excellency Abdou Abarry, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Central Africa, at the CHRC Head Office in Yaoundé, between on 29 May 2024.

Also in the meeting with His Excellency Abdou Abarry were Mr Coulibaly Siaka, the Interim Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cameroon, and another collaborator. Commissioner Denis Nkwebo, Mr Mamouda Ferikouop, the Head of the Protection and Promotion Division, and several senior staff of the Commission were equally in attendance.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation ties between the United Nations System and the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (CHRC) to understand how the Commission functions, its evolution, and engagement with civil society and UN agencies.

The parties also took stock of the CHRC’s work in crisis Regions, the disarmament and de-radicalisation of terrorists and the release of  “non-violent political prisoners.” Prof James Mouangue Kobila and his host further addressed the prevention and mitigation of hate speech, especially in the run-up to major elections, and the Commission’s interactions with government authorities.

Wrapping up the fruitful dialogue, His Excellency Abdou Abarry expressed satisfaction with the responses to his concerns, stating that : « Cameroon is an exemplary country in terms of the evolution of Central Africa, and also in terms of governance, peace and stability ».

He reiterated the availability of the entire United Nations System to continue providing tools and expertise to the CHRC. The UN Resident Coordinator in Cameroon subsequently proposed potential avenues for further cooperation