The Role of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedom in Fighting Against Women's Discrimination in the South West Region

ABSTRACT

The National Commission of Human Rights and Freedom is created for the promotion and protection of human rights in Cameroon. But over the years, Fako Division has witnessed a rising number of human rights violations, especially against women. The objective of this study is to identify the role played by NCHRF in the fight against women’s discrimination and to assess the challenges faced by NCHRF in fighting against women’s discrimination and the strategies implemented by the NCHRF in the fight against women’s discrimination in Cameroon, especially in Fako Division. The successes of the commission were hampered by the ignorance of human rights and the numerous violations of the rights of individuals. The information used in this study is obtained from the primary and secondary sources of data. Fifty questionnaires were administered to people. The findings of the research were the various procedures taken to address a case by the commission like human rights protections and freedom of the press. Some recommendations were made such as the need for resourceful collaboration between the stakeholders and other institutions, provision of human rights units in every institution, the commission should be adequately financed, the commission should be non-partisan, and human rights should be included in the curriculum of all schools and be made one of arms of the government.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.3 Research Questions

The research questions provide a framework and guideline through which substantial knowledge of the research study can be understood.

1.3.1 Specific research questions

We equally have the following specific research questions which include:

1. What are the existing gaps and emerging issues as well as new forms of violence against women and discrimination that exist in Cameroon?

2. What are the levels of implementation of the national commission of human rights and strategies for the fight against women’s discrimination?

3. To what extent has increased awareness in the country as a means to elaborate on a way forward on the situation of violence against women has been successful?

1.4 Research Objectives of the Study

1.4.1 Specific Research Objectives

1. To identify existing gaps and emerging issues as well as new forms of violence and women discrimination that exist in Cameroon.

2. To assess the level of implementation of the national commission of human rights and the fight against women’s discrimination.

3. To examine the awareness in the country as a means to elaborate a way forward on the situation of violence against women