Cameroon: Pupil Magistrates trained on Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and the Prevention of Terrorism

80 pupil Magistrates from the National School of Administration and Magistracy- ENAM, have been trained on the existing national, regional and international legal instruments, which could be used in fighting Terrorism while respecting human rights and the Rule of Law.

The objective of the three-day training session, which was held from 19 to21 January 2022 at ENAM, was to build the capacity of pupil magistrates in applying international human rights standards and the Rule of Law while handling terrorism related cases in their practice.

More specifically, the workshop provided an overview of the human rights challenges posed by counterterrorism. It enhanced understanding of the legal concepts and principles underlying effective criminal justice responses to counterterrorism at national, regional or international levels. It also focused on some of the reasons for and implications of the lack of a universal definition of terrorism.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, members of the National Experts' Group on Human Rights, the Rule of Law and the Fight against Terrorism , including Barrister  Eteme Eteme, Magistrate Yvonne Leopoldine Mbem, Barrister Essomba Tsoungui and Superintendent NDZI

Amos Tarla urged the pupil Magistrates to always ensure the respect of  human rights as they issue rulings on cases of terrorism.

Mr. NSOA Philippe, the Director of the Magistracy and Registry Section of the host institution also saluted the initiative by United Nations Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa and the huge contributions of the trainers, adding that the training will go a long way to enhance the knowledge of the pupil Magistrates who will soon be posted to various duties of responsibility. “This is only the first, we hope to benefit more from such trainings” added the Director.