UN warns on rights violations in Cameroon, Namibia
The United Nations says it is alarmed by numerous reports of gross human rights violations in Cameroon and Namibia, both State parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The UN Committee against Torture published findings of it latest review on Friday November 22. Cameroon and Namibia are among State parties to the convention that were reviewed during the latest session, from October 28 to November 22. Others include Jordan, Kuwait, Mongolia and Thailand.
On Cameroon, the committee said it is alarmed by reports of intimidation, threats, harassment, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, prosecutions, including by military courts, torture and ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions of human rights defenders, civil society members, journalists, political opponents, and peaceful demonstrators in the country.
It also noted that incommunicado detention in unofficial places, and sexual and gender-based violence, committed by defence and security forces in the context of counter-insurgency operations and by non-State armed groups in the English speaking regions and Far North region of the country.
Cameroon government forces have launched a violent crackdown on armed separatists seeking a separation of minority English language speakers from the majority French-speaking country since 2016.
The separatist want to create an independent English-speaking country which they call “Ambazonia”. It is made up of the two English-speaking semi-autonomous administrative regions of the country.
The country’s military has also been battling cross-border raids by Nigeria’s militant Islamist group Boko Haram in several towns and villages of the Far North region since the insurgency spilled over the border into Cameroon in 2013.
“The Committee requested that Cameroon take necessary steps to guarantee that these individuals are adequately protected from human rights violations that may occur due to their activities, all such violations are thoroughly and impartially investigated, those responsible are tried and convicted, and that victims or their families receive compensation,” it recommended.
Cameroon authorities did not immediately respond to the review publication, but have previously rejected characterisation of operations in the restive region as a violation of civil rights.
The Committee has also expressed concern about reports of prolonged pretrial detention routinely exceeding legal limits in Namibia.
It said it was concerned that the majority of pretrial detainees in the Southern Africa country are held in severely overcrowded and dilapidated police detention cells with inadequate facilities and services.
“The Committee called upon Namibia to uphold the provisions governing pretrial detention, including statutory limits on the duration, and resort to it only when strictly necessary with no other possible measures, for limited periods and according to the law,” it stated.
It also asked Namibia to stop placing pretrial detainees in police detention cells but hold them in appropriate detention facilities.
The Committee noted that there is lack of progress in codifying torture as a specific criminal offence in Namibia’s criminal legislation, as the revised Prevention and Combating of Torture Bill has been awaiting parliamentary approval since 2019.
“The Committee called on Namibia to adopt the bill as soon as possible and to ensure that its provisions define torture as a specific offence in its domestic legislation, incorporating all the elements of Article 1 of the Convention”, it said.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.