Experts started meeting in Yaounde yesterday, January 24 to brainstorm on recommendations to present to government on ways of fighting against torture.
The government of Cameroon wants to tackle all forms of torture and their ramifications by effectively implementing international and national instruments related to the ill. This explains the three-day seminar that started at the Yaounde Mont Fébé Hotel, yesterday, January 24, 2012 on the theme, “Prevention and suppression of torture”. The seminar that brings together representatives of ministries and other national institutions involved in fighting against torture, will end on January 26 with recommendations to government on practical ways of implementing instruments on torture.
The Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Jean Pierre Fogui chaired the opening ceremony of the seminar on behalf of the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso. It is organised by the Cameroon government in collaboration with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. Jean Pierre Fogui said the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights recommended the seminar to government as a way of deepening the practical measures taken by Cameroon to fight against torture. The measures, he specified are incorporated in the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code. He said physical and psychological torture transcend all human societies, stating that by organising the seminar, government has opted for a society where human dignity is respected.
Speaking on behalf of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Justice Lucy Asuagbor, said the, “ Commission is pleased with the Cameroon government for the initiative which is an indication of the political will to combat torture and all its ramifications.” She disclosed that the Commission came up with the Robben Island Guidelines on fighting against torture in the African continent. Government, Justice Lucy Asuagbor said, is expected to effectively implement the guidelines and also to put in place the National Prevention Mechanism for the Fight Against Torture. The Commission, its representative said, stresses on the ratification of international instruments on the fight against torture and their effective implementation and the criminalisation of torture. She appreciated the efforts of the Cameroon government, stating that success in the fight against torture depends on the synergy by major stake holders.
Seminar participants will discuss topics such as the international judicial framework on the fight against torture, torture within the context of depriving people from freedom, challenges of investigation in matters of torture and protection of victims of torture.
