Labour rights will henceforth be saved from harm in various sectors.

Of the 933 petitions filed with the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF) recently, 11 per cent were breaches suffered by workers from the length and breadth of Cameroon.

Dr. Chemuta Banda Divine reported the situation in Limbe (South West Region) recently as he opened a come-together with workers of the National Refinery Company (SONARA) and their authorities meant to foster social cohesion, instill fundamental principles of human rights in the labour sector  and motivate employers to ensure employees’ rights according to international standards.

According to Dr. Banda, human rights abuses in the labour sector border on unpaid salaries, non-registration of workers at CNPS, contributions deducted from salaries at base but not paid to CNPS, non compliance with leave requirements, especially maternity leave, abusive dismissals, and non respect of working hours among others.

The NCHRF Chair said that the situation which is not unique to Cameroon prompted an international workshop in Yaounde 29 September -1 October, 2011, on the theme: “Business and Human Rights: the role of National Human Rights Institutions.” From that regional meeting, Cameroon’s Commission decided to organize public education campaigns on the fundamental principles of human rights in the various labour enterprises.

While in Limbe, the Commission delivered a series of four exposes highlighting the fundamental human rights in the labour sector, how to protect such rights in matters of health, security, lodging, over time, bonuses, and retirement age.

The new General Manager of SONARA, Ibrahim Talba Malla attended the opening and closing of the two-day workshop and promised to uphold labour rights within the company.