But given the present sorry-state of human rights in the west-central African country, the ratification of the African Youth Charter appears to be cosmetic.
The African Youth Charter is a human rights instrument designed to protect the rights of youths in the continent. It lays down the rights, freedoms and duties of youths, as well as States Parties' obligations. The Charter was adopted in Gambia in July 2006 by the African Union and it is open to ratification by member states of the Union.
A good number of Cameroonian youths are unaware of the existence of this Charter - despite the fact that Article 27 obligates States Parties to popularize the Charter - and many do not enjoy the basic rights and freedoms laid down in the Charter. For instance, the right to freedom of expression and association as laid down in Article 4 and 5 respectively are not guaranteed in Cameroon.
Only 12 days after the Head of State signed the Degree that ratified the African Youth Charter, security forces brutally cracked down on youths peacefully calling for democracy and human rights in Cameroon.
Many Cameroonian youths are yet to enjoy other rights laid down in the Charter, including, but not limited to the following:
- Right to adequate standard of living
- Right to be free from hunger
- Right to be protected from economic exploitation
- Right to enjoy the "best attainable" state of health
- Right to be treated with humanity
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of association
The state should respect its obligations under international law and restore basic rights for youths.
African youths are encouraged to promote and demand the rights and freedoms laid down in the African Youth Charter.