CHRDA Gets African Union Observer Status on Human and People’s Rights

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA has been granted Observer Status by the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, ACHPR, a major recognition of CHRDA's work in advocating for human rights in Cameroon.

“This is an honour to CHRDA and a push for us to do more in the areas of Human and People’s Rights not only in Cameroon but also in Africa and beyond,” Felix Nkongho, President of CHRDA said in reaction to the award of observer status by ACHPR. 

The recognition was one of the major outcomes of the 79th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights held from May 14 to June 3 in a hybrid format in Banjul, Gambia.

"Kindly note that the resolution on the Criteria for Granting and Maintaining Observer Status to Non-governmental Organizations working on Human and people's Rights in Africa, adopted during the 77 Ordinary Session held in November 2023, stipulates that all NGOs that have Observer Status with the Commission shall present their activity reports to the Commission every two years from the date of grant of Observer Status," Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Ag. Executive Secretary, African Commission on Human and People’s Rights said in a letter to CHRDA. CHRDA’s first activity report to the commission is now set to be made in May 2026.

The rights organization has consistently been a voice against the carnage that is going on in the North West and South West regions with civilians killed, kidnapped and many forced to flee their homes. English-speaking separatists have been fighting government forces for the past years to carve out an independent state called Ambazonia. The clashes for the past seven years have killed tens of thousands and displaced hundreds more. Some figures put those killed at more than 6,000.

Government forces have been criticized by CHRDA for responding to separatist attacks with a heavy hand, often targeting civilians across the North West and South West Regions. Separatist fights have also been condemned for killing, torture, assault, and kidnappings of civilians – the very people they seek to liberate.

CHRDA continues to call for restraint on both camps, a call for a cessation of hostilities and a resolve to engage in meaningful dialogue. The organization notes that civilians who are not actively participating in hostilities as well as their property are not to be attacked and added that these violations are committed in total violation of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.

Officials of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa have continued to call on separatist fighters and their leadership to stop attacks on school infrastructure, teachers, school children and other academic stakeholders while calling on judicial authorities to judiciously exercise their function of administration of justice and the promotion of the rule of law by the regulations in force as well as by the International Commitments that Cameroon is a party to.

About CHRDA

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) is an independent and apolitical non-governmental organization. The Centre is a non-profit making organization created purposely for the promotion, protection and respect for human rights and democracy. To achieve these goals, CHRDA complies with national and international laws governing non-governmental organizations and their activities.

CHRDA’s work ranges from human rights monitoring, documenting and reporting humanitarian aid, and provision of pro bono legal aid to victims of human rights violations, free vocational training to the population, advocacy, sensitization, and a host of other activities