Victims of torture and search for legal redress in Cameroon

Abstract

Cameroon has ratified several international and regional normative frameworks prohibiting torture, inhuman and other cruel treatment or punishment. At the national level, the country's Constitution, the penal and criminal procedure codes all criminalise torture. However, there is continuous use of torture in the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, struggle against political instability and ordinary citizens, both incarcerated and in everyday confrontations between state security forces and citizens. In several cases, these incidents are not often reported due to inadequate knowledge and fear of state reprisal. Where they are reported, the institutions investigating these crimes are ineffective. Where these cases are prosecuted, the judgements handed down are not in line with the international standard toward the right to the appropriate remedy.