Eighteen senior officials of the Cameroon Human Rights Commission – CHRC took their oaths on November 12, 2026, before the Yaounde High Court.

This formal requirement, mandated by law, officially binds them to execute their duties with impartiality, strict adherence to legal frameworks, and professional secrecy.

During the solemn hearing, the public prosecutor’s representative highlighted the core missions of the CHRC. These responsibilities include promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms, investigating human rights violations, educating the public, and proactively preventing torture within various detention facilities across the country.

The prosecutor emphasized the commission’s investigative powers, noting that it can act on its own initiative or upon receiving complaints. Furthermore, proceedings before the institution are completely free of charge, and personnel are legally required to guarantee the strict confidentiality and protection of all informants.

Addressing the newly sworn-in cadres, the court president urged them to maintain high standards of ethics, integrity, and absolute independence. She stressed the importance of resisting external pressures, thoroughly documenting violations, and diversifying information sources by engaging with victims, civil society organizations, and local authorities.

A key recommendation given to the officials was to conduct unannounced inspections in places of deprivation of liberty, such as police stations and prisons. These proactive visits are vital for monitoring detention conditions, preventing abuse, and ensuring that rights are actively safeguarded before formal complaints are even filed.

The oath-taking ceremony serves as a foundational ethical milestone for the CHRC cadres. It reinforces the principle that effective human rights defense relies as much on rigorous legal expertise as it does on unwavering personal responsibility, discretion, and professional dedication.