Highlights of 2025 at UNCHRD-CA

2025 was a defining year for the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD-CA). From strengthening Business and Human Rights governance to hosting inclusive Human Rights Day celebrations, proactive regional monitoring, and earning an international award for innovation in maternal health, UNCHRD-CA reinforced its position as a key driver of human rights in Central Africa. Here’s a look back at a year of impactful actions and commitments, paving the way for a year 2026 focused on justice and inclusion.

1. Strengthening Business and Human Rights Governance

In 2025, the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD-CA) took a decisive step toward integrating the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in business operations. Starting in April, the scoping workshop in Mbankomo identified priority sectors: forestry, mining, agro-industries, and major infrastructure projects. These efforts culminated in November with a final workshop that laid the foundation for an ambitious National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. This initiative reflects Cameroon’s determination to become a regional model for respecting human rights in economic activities.

2. An Inclusive and Engaging Human Rights Day

On 10 December, UNCHRD-CA celebrated Human Rights Day under the theme “Human Rights, Our Essentials Every Day.” In Batchenga, in the Centre region, discussions brought together local authorities, civil society, government representatives, and experts from UNCHRD-CA. Anatole Souga, Mayor of Batchenga, highlighted land and environmental challenges linked to development projects, while Nouhoum Sangaré, the Director of the UNCHRD-CA, stressed the need for concrete actions to protect vulnerable populations—women, youth, fishermen, and farmers.

Photo 1: Nouhoum Sangaré in Batchenga on December 10, 2025 ©unchrd-ca

 

In Yaounde, an open house event allowed students and researchers to explore the realities of internally displaced persons through documentaries and constructive debates. In the East region, an awareness campaign on human rights mobilized the cities of Bertoua and Abong-Mbang. Hundreds of people from host communities and internally displaced persons affected by the NOSO (North-West and South-West) crisis watched documentaries on the challenges of living together. These screenings were followed by interactive discussions on the “everyday essentials” of both communities, fostering mutual understanding and social cohesion.

3. Proactive Regional Monitoring

Throughout the year, UNCHRD-CA published periodic monitoring reports on the human rights situation in countries of the Central African subregion. These reports raised alarms about restrictions on freedoms, humanitarian crises, and political violence, reinforcing the UNCHRD-CA’s role as a key actor in prevention and early warning in Cameroon and other countries of the sub-region.

4. An Award for Innovation and Practice Sharing in Maternal Health

In 2025, UNCHRD-CA stood out by winning the “Best Sharing of a Practice” award at the Intranet and Knowledge Hub Awards 2025 organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This international recognition celebrates the implementation of an innovative project on maternal health, designed to integrate human rights into health services. Through this project, thousands of women in rural areas gained better access to prenatal and postnatal care. The initiative relied on two key pillars: training medical staff on patients’ rights and raising community awareness to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment. The results are significant: reduced maternal health risks, improved quality of care, and strengthened equality in access.

5. Outlook for 2026

These actions reflect a clear momentum: strengthening economic governance, promoting human dignity, and anticipating crises. In 2026, UNCHRD-CA is committed to consolidating the implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, intensifying community engagement, and developing innovative monitoring tools. More than a review, 2025 marks a turning point toward a fairer and more inclusive Central Africa.