They have been told to carry out sensitisation campaigns within their constituencies on human rights activities
The President of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, CHRC, has called on members of the National Assembly to encourage their constituents build a culture of respect for human rights.
Prof James Mouangue Kobila made the call Tuesday as he addressed lawmakers during a special working session organised by the Constitutional Laws Committee.
In a lengthy presentation, Prof Kobila painted an exhaustive picture of the situation of human rights in the country as well as the collaboration that exists between various stakeholders in the rights protection chain.
“We are pleading on the fact that Members of Parliament and Parliament itself work to encourage the development of a culture of respect for human rights. This should include actively sensitising your constituents on the activities of the Human Rights Commission regarding the promotion of human rights, and the development of a system to follow up the implementation of certain recommendations…,” the CHRC boss told the legislators.
“We call on lawmakers to get involved in awareness campaigns on the promotion and respect of human rights across the country. We also call for the putting in place of a platform to discuss issues concerning the CHCR within the National Assembly,” he added.
On another note, Prof Kobila called for increased collaboration between the legislative body and the rights institution. “Finally, we are asking for the fact that the relation between the National Assembly and the Cameroon Human Rights Commission be consolidated in the future, including through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding,” he said.
In order for the people’s representatives to be sufficiently informed of the activities of the rights watchdog, Prof Kobila suggested that an annual report of the CHRC be presented to members of the National Assembly in plenary every year.
One other key speaker at the session was the President of the Constitutional Laws Committee, Hon Hersesse Zondol, who highlighted the importance of human rights, and pledged the support of the National Assembly to the CHRC.
“As you know, human rights touch every aspect of society and it’s often said that there can be no meaningful development without respect for human rights,” he mentioned.
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