Human Rights Defenders who have spoken out about torture in Cameroon are facing threats and harassment from the authorities as a result of their work. The Government has reacted to a report on torture in Cameroon published by the Federation Indernationale des ligues des Droits de l’Homme (FIDH) by denouncing Cameroonian human rights defenders in the media. Surveillance of the activities of human rights defenders has been increased and defenders have been threatened.

Front Line has called on the Government of Cameroon to put an end to such threats and harassment. Front Line is particularly concerned about threats made to Mrs Madeleine Afite, of Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture, (ACAT) Mrs Franka Nzounkekang, of the Human Rights Defence Group, (HRDG) Mr Abdoulaye Math of Mouvement pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme et des Libertes (MDDHL) and their colleagues. On 27 November 2003 Mrs Nzounkekang received information regarding a plan to murder her and some members of her organisation. Front Line has received reports that two members of MDDHL also received death threats recently.

Front Line has called on the Government of Cameroon to put an end to the harassment of human rights defenders in line with their international obligations under the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted unanimously by the General Assembly on 9 December 1998. In particular Front Line has called for urgent measures to be taken by the authorities to ensure the protection of Madeleine Afite, Franka Nzounkekang and Abdoulaye Math.