GENEVA - Growing restrictions on civic and democratic space in Cameroon in the lead up to the presidential election in October raise fears about whether voters can freely express their will, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today.
He urged the Government to take swift action to ensure an environment conducive to a free, transparent, inclusive and genuine election.
"A safe and enabling human rights environment is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections. It regrettably appears that this is not the case in Cameroon," said Türk.
Several gatherings have been banned amid rising restrictions on the activities of opposition political parties. On one occasion, a live television interview with a political figure was interrupted by security forces. There have also been concerns regarding the exclusion of some political figures from the race, as well as irregularities in voter registration. There are also reports that opposition candidates and their supporters have been intimidated and threatened.
"Equal access to participation in electoral processes for all Cameroonians is absolutely essential. Any measures that could disenfranchise sections of Cameroonian society should be promptly addressed," the High Commissioner said.
On 4 August, Cameroonian security forces arrested at least 53 opposition supporters outside the Constitutional Council in the capital, Yaoundé, during appeal hearings against some of the decisions of the electoral council. The supporters were accused of public disorder, unlawful assembly, rebellion, and incitement to revolt.
"While it is welcome news that all the 53 opposition supporters have since been released, they simply should not have been arrested in the first place. No one should ever be arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly," Türk said.
These developments come following the suspension of three civil society organisations and the banning of two others in December last year. Restrictions were also imposed on the operations and funding of some civil society groups.
"The Government should not suppress the essential work of civil society organisations and the media," the UN Human Rights Chief said.
Türk also urged the Government to take meaningful steps to address rising hate speech, disinformation, and incitement to violence, both online and offline, in line with international human rights law.
