Cameroon: UN concerned about the implementation of rights of indigenous peoples

Written on 08 December 2011. Posted in Cameroon

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the second and third reports of Cameroon on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/CMR/2-3) at its 41st to 43rd meeting (E/C.12/2011/SR.41 à 43), held on 21 and 22 November 2011.

At its 59th meeting held 2 December 2011, it adopted the following concluding observations: […] << The Committee is concerned that despite the recognition of the cultural rights of indigenous peoples living on its territory in the legislation of the State party, some communities, such as the Baka pygmies and the Mbororo community, have been displaced of their ancestral lands and forced to adapt to other forms of culture existing in the country. (art. 15) >> << The Committee recommend to the State party to adopt efficient measures to protect the right of every indigenous people to their ancestral lands and related natural resources, and to ensure that the national programs for development respect the principle of participation and the protection of the distinctive cultural identity for each of these peoples. In this regard, the Committee recalls its general comment nº 21 (2009) on the right of all to participate to the cultural life.>> Source : http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cescr/cescrs47.htm The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is the body that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by its States parties. All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights are being implemented. The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of “concluding observations”. Source: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cescr/

Tags: Land rights, Global governance