Cameroon: Human Rights Groups Call on the President of Cameroon to Repeal Laws Criminalising Same-Sex Sexual Conduct

WGNRR supports a recent letter to the President of Cameroon by a number of human rights organisations denouncing the increasing use of criminal punishment for people engaging in same-sex consensual relations.  

"In the last six months, at least ten individuals in Yaoundé and Douala have been arrested under Article 347(a) of the Cameroonian Penal Code. This Article criminalises "sexual relations with a person of the same sex"."  The letter goes on to describe the most recent cases where criminal punishment has been used, and urges the Government of Cameroon to do the following: 

"Immediately and unconditionally release, and drop all charges against, all individuals detained under Article 347(a) or detained solely because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity;

End arrests, detention, prosecution and other forms of persecution and discrimination against people suspected or known to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender;

Repeal all legislation criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults and withdraw proposals for new legislation that would increase the penalties for consensual same-sex sexual acts."

WGNRR calls on the Government of Cameroon to take the actions listed above and ecourages them to show leadership in recognising and upholding sexual rights as indivisible, universal human rights.

To see a copy of the letter please click here.