Nouhoum Sangaré, Regional Representative of the UNCHRD-CA
(LVDE) – The workshop, which brought together various stakeholders to discuss the integration of human rights into business practices and the development of a national action plan to uphold Cameroon’s international commitments, was held on October 8 and 9, 2025, in Mbalmayo.
On October 8 and 9, 2025, Mbalmayo hosted a landmark event for the promotion of human rights in Cameroon. Organized by the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD-CA), in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon, the workshop gathered representatives from ministries, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. The main objective was to present the results of a human rights baseline assessment conducted in the country, discuss their implications, and define the next steps for their implementation.
This initiative, launched in July 2025, aims to assess the integration of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) into the practices of Cameroon’s private sector. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the legal and operational framework ensuring that businesses respect human rights. The Mbalmayo workshop therefore represents a crucial step in developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The opening session was marked by the presence of senior officials from key ministries—such as Justice, Forestry and Wildlife—as well as representatives from the private sector, civil society, local communities, and traditional authorities. This meeting forms part of a strategic partnership between the UNCHRD-CA and the Government of Cameroon aimed at ensuring a coherent and inclusive implementation of international human rights commitments.
Discussions during the workshop focused on the challenges related to integrating the UN Guiding Principles into private sector practices. Participants identified key sectors such as agro-industry, forestry, major infrastructure projects, and mining, which pose significant human rights challenges. The UNCHRD-CA representative emphasized that these sectors often present obstacles to the full realization of fundamental rights.
In his opening address, Nouhoum Sangaré, Regional Representative of the UNCHRD-CA, expressed his support for the government’s initiative to develop a national human rights action plan. He stated: “This plan must be integrated into economic activities to ensure the respect and protection of human rights while providing for remedies in cases of negative impact.” Sangaré also stressed the importance of conducting a baseline study across several priority sectors to build a solid foundation for the action plan.
The workshop, designed as a consultative process, provided valuable insights into the current state of human rights in Cameroon. The results of this assessment will serve as a foundation for formulating concrete recommendations to improve corporate practices and align existing frameworks with the requirements of the UN Guiding Principles.
Nadine Wilson, Officer at the United Nations Centre for Human Rights in Central Africa, described the workshop as the culmination of a process that began in April. She highlighted that the event made it possible to identify progress, opportunities, and challenges in implementing the legal framework. Four key areas were selected for in-depth review, and relevant recommendations will be formulated at the end of the two-day discussions.
This initiative aims to make Cameroon a model of good human rights practices within the subregion. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to work collaboratively toward developing an action plan that guarantees respect for human rights across all economic activities. The success of this process could not only strengthen Cameroon’s position in fulfilling its international commitments but also improve living conditions for local populations and promote sustainable and inclusive development.
Raphael Mforlem
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