TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 44

CONFIDENTIAL

CAMEROON

Report by HM Embassy, Yaoundé

General Observations

The Cameroonian constitution embodies almost all human rights set out in the United States Declaration of Human Rights and, within limits, the Cameroonian Government does its best to guarantee these. Where standards fall short, it is generally because the Government feels that there is no alternative in the political circumstances, and rights are generally restored as soon as possible afterwards. In both theory and practice, Cameroon probably rates well among African countries.

Right No.

(i)

Rating suggested

According to well-placed Cameroon Govern- ment sources, there are only about 20 long- term political prisoners, all of whom are considered serious security risks. Arrests without trial on political grounds for short periods are, however, not uncommon.

by Post

5

(ii)

We doubt whether torture is used as an official measure. Beating up of suspects by police on arrest is not uncommon.

1

(iii)

Slavery is illegal and non-existent in the strict sense of the term. In North Cameroon some non-Muslims work for Muslim Fulani chiefs in conditions which have some parallel, but this subordi- nation is voluntary and in economic terms no better alternative presents itself.

(iv)

(v)

The official press and radio are controlled, but within limits some freedom of criticism is allowed as long as the Head of State and senior Government figures are not attacked. The unofficial press in ex-British Cameroon is outspoken and often embarrasses the Government. Despite a strong informant network, Cameroonians can generally be reasonably free in what they say to each other in private.

6

The courts are very little used as instruments for political control, and there have been no political trials since 1961. The Government would probably only bring political cases before the courts if it considered there was a good chance of conviction under Cameroonian law, without undue pressure having to be applied. O

CONFIDENTIAL

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