Law No. 96-06 of 18 January 1996 to amend the Constitution of 2 June 1972
The National Assembly has deliberated and adopted;
The President of the Republic hereby enacts the law set out below:
CONSTITUTION of the Republic of Cameroon
PREAMBLE
We, the people of Cameroon,
Proud of our linguistic and cultural diversity, an enriching feature of our national identity, but profoundly aware of the imperative need to further consolidate our unity, solemnly declare that we constitute one and the same Nation, bound by the, same destiny, and assert our firm, determination to build the Cameroonian Fatherland on the basis of the ideals of fraternity, justice and progress;
Jealous of our hard-won independence and resolved to preserve same; convinced that the salvation of Africa lies in forging ever-growing bonds of solidarity among African Peoples, affirm our desire to contribute to the advent of a united and free Africa, while maintaining peaceful and brotherly relations with the other nations of the World, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations;
Resolved to harness our natural resources in order to ensure the well-being of every citizen without discrimination, by raising living standards, proclaim our right to development as well as our determination to devote all our efforts to that end and declare our readiness to co-operate with all States desirous of participating in this national endeavour with due respect for our sovereignty and the independence of the Cameroonian State.
We, people of Cameroon,
Declare that the human person, without distinction as to race, religion, sex or belief, possesses inalienable and sacred rights;
Affirm our attachment to the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations and The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and all duly ratified international conventions relating thereto, in particular, to the following principles:
– all persons shall have equal rights and obligations. The State shall provide all its citizens with the conditions necessary for their development;
– the State shall ensure the protection of minorities and shall preserve the rights of indigenous populations in accordance with the law;
– freedom and security shall be guaranteed to each individual, subject to respect for the rights of others and the higher interests of the State;
– every person shall have the right to settle in any place and to move about freely, subject to the statutory provisions concerning public law and order, security and tranquillity;
– the home is inviolate. No search may be conducted except by virtue of the law;
– the privacy of all correspondence is inviolate. No interference may be allowed except by virtue of decisions emanating from the Judicial Power;
– no person may be compelled to do what the law does not prescribe;
– no person may be prosecuted, arrested or detained except in the cases and according to the manner determined by law;
– the law may not have retrospective effect. No person may be judged and punished, except by virtue of a law enacted and published before the offence committed;
– The law shall ensure the right of every person to a fair hearing before the courts;
– every accused person is presumed innocent until found guilty during a hearing conducted in strict compliance with the rights of defence;
– every person has a right to life, to physical and moral integrity and to humane treatment in all circumstances. Under no circumstances shall any person be subjected to torture, to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment;
– no person shall be harassed on grounds of his origin, religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for public policy;
– the State shall be secular. The neutrality and independence of the State in respect of all religions shall be guaranteed;
– freedom of religion and worship shall be guaranteed;
– the freedom of communication, of expression, of the press, of assembly, of association, and of trade unionism, as well as the right to strike shall be guaranteed under the conditions fixed by law;
– the Nation shall protect and promote the family which is the natural foundation of human society. It shall protect women, the young, the elderly and the disabled;
– the State shall guarantee the child’s right to education. Primary education shall be compulsory. The organization and supervision of education at all levels shall be the bounden duty of the State;
– ownership shall mean the right guaranteed to every person by law to use, enjoy and dispose of property. No person shall be deprived thereof, save for public purposes and subject to the payment of compensation under conditions determined by law;
– the right of ownership may not be exercised in violation of the public interest or in such a way as to be prejudicial to the security, freedom, existence or property of other persons;
– every person shall have a right to a healthy environment. The protection of the environment shall be the duty of every citizen. The State shall ensure the protection and improvement of the environment;
– every person shall have the right and the obligation to work;
– every person shall share in the burden of public expenditure according to his financial resources;
– all citizens shall contribute to the defence of the Fatherland:
– the State shall guarantee all citizens of either sex the rights and freedoms set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Part One
The State and Sovereignty
Article one
(1) The United Republic of Cameroon shall, with effect from the date of entry into force of this law, be known as Republic of Cameroon (Law No 84-1 of 4 February 1984).
(2) The Republic of Cameroon shall be a decentralized unitary State.
It shall be one and indivisible, secular, democratic and dedicated to social service.
It shall recognize and protect traditional values that conform to democratic principles, human rights and the law.
It shall ensure the equality of all citizens before the law.
(3) The official languages of the, Republic of Cameroon shall be English and French, both languages having the same status. The State shall guarantee the promotion of bilingualism throughout the country. It shall endeavour to protect and promote national languages.
(4) Its motto shall be ” Peace-Work-Fatherland”.
(5) Its flag shall be three equal vertical stripes of green, red and yellow charged with one gold star in the centre of the red stripe.
(6) Its national anthem shall be “O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers”.
(7) The seal of the Republic of Cameroon shall be a circular medallion in bas-relief, 46 millimetres in diameter, bearing on the obverse and in the centre the head of girl in profile turned to the dexter towards a coffee branch with two leaves and flanked on the sinister by five cocoa pods, with the French words R? publique du Cameroun” inscribed below the upper edge and the national motto “Paix-Travail-Patrie” inscribed above the lower edge; on the reverse and in the centre the coat of arms of the Republic of Cameroon, with the English words ” Republic of Cameroon ” inscribed beneath the upper edge and the national motto ” Peace-Work-Fatherland ” inscribed above the lower edge.
The coat of arms of the Republic of Cameroon shall be an escutcheon surmounted chief by the legend “Republic of Cameroon” and supported by two crossed fasces with the motto ” Peace-Work-Fatherland ” base.
The escutcheon shall be composed of a star on a field vent and triangle gules, charged with the geographical outline of Cameroon azure, and surcharged with the sword and scales of justice sable.
(8) The Capital of the Republic of Cameroon shall be Yaounde.
Article 2
(1) National sovereignty shall be vested in the people of Cameroon who shall exercise same either through the President of the Republic and Members of Parliament or by way of referendum. No section of the people or any individual shall arrogate to itself or to himself the exercise thereof.
(2) The authorities responsible for the management of the State shall derive their powers from the people through election by direct or indirect universal suffrage, unless otherwise provided for in this Constitution.
(3) The vote shall be equal and secret, and every citizen aged twenty years and above shall be entitled to vote
Article 3
Political parties and groups shall help the electorate in the making of voting decisions. They shall be bound to respect the principles of democracy, national sovereignty and unity. They shall be formed and shall exercise their, activities in accordance with the law.
Article 4
State power shall be exercised by:
– The President of the Republic;
– Parliament.
PART II
Executive Power
CHAPTER I
The President of the Republic
Article 5
(1) The President of the Republic shall be the Head Of State.
(2) Elected by the whole Nation, he shall be the symbol of national unity.
He shall define the policy of the nation.
He shall ensure respect for the Constitution.
He shall, through his arbitration, ensure the proper functioning of public authorities.
He shall be the guarantor of the independence of the Nation and of its territorial integrity, of the permanency and continuity of the State and of the respect of international treaties and agreements.
Article 6
(1) The President of the Republic shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast through direct, equal and secret universal suffrage.
(2) The President of the Republic shall be elected for a term of office of 7 (seven) years. He shall be eligible for re-election once.
(3) The election shall be held not less than 20 (twenty) days and not more than 50, (fifty) days before the expiry of the term of the President of the Republic in office.
(4) Where the office of President of the Republic becomes vacant as a result of death, resignation or permanent incapacity duly ascertained by the Constitutional Council, the polls for the election of the new President of the Republic must be held not less than 20 (twenty) days and not, more than 40 (forty) days after the office becomes vacant.
(a) The President of the Senate shall as of fight. act as interim President of the Republic until the new President of the Republic is elected. Where the President of the Senate is unable to exercise these powers, the shall be exercised by his Vice, following the order of precedence.
(b) The interim President of the Republic – the President of the senate or his Vice – may neither amend the Constitution nor the composition of the Government. He may not organize a referendum or run for the office of President of the Republic.
(5) Candidates for the office of President of the Republic must be Cameroonian by birth, enjoy their civic and political rights and must have attained the age of 35 (thirty-five) by the date of the election.
(6) the conditions for electing the President of the Republic shall be laid down by law.
Article 7
(1) The president-elect shall assume office once he has been sworn in.
(2) He shall take the oath of office before the Cameroonian people, in the presence of the members of Parliament, the Constitutional Council and the Supreme Court meeting in solemn session. He shall be sworn in by the President of the National Assembly.
(3) The wording of the oath and the procedure for implementing the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall be laid down by law.
(4) The office of President of the Republic shall be incompatible with any other elective public office or professional activity.
Article 8
(1) The President of the Republic shall represent the State in all acts of public life.
(2) He shall be Head of the Armed Forces.
(3) He shall ensure the internal and external security of the Republic.
(4) He shall accredit ambassadors and envoys extraordinary to foreign powers. The ambassadors and envoys extraordinary of foreign powers shall be accredited to him.
(5) The President of the Republic shall enact laws as provided for in Article 31 below.
(6) The President of the Republic shall refer matters to the Constitutional Council under the conditions laid down by the Constitution.
(7) He shall exercise the right of clemency after consultation with the Higher Judicial Council.
(8) He shall exercise statutory authority.
(9) He shall set up and organize the administrative services of the State.
(10) He shall appoint to civil and military posts of the State.
(11) He shall confer the decorations and honorary distinctions of the Republic.
(12) The President of the Republic may, if necessary and after consultation with the Government, the Bureaux of the National Assembly and the Senate, dissolve the National Assembly. The election of a new Assembly shall take place in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 (4)
Article 9
(1) ‘The President of the Republic may, where circumstances so warrant, declare by decree a state of emergency which shall confer upon him such special powers as may be provided for by law.
(2) In the event of a serious threat to the nation’s territorial integrity or to its existence, its independence or institutions, the President of the Republic may declare a state of siege by decree and take any measures as he may deem necessary. He shall inform the Nation of his decision by message.
Article 10
(1) The President of the Republic shall appoint the Prime Minister and, on the proposal of the latter, the other members of Government.
He shall define their duties.
He shall terminate their appointment.
He shall preside over the Council of Ministers.
(2) The President of the Republic may delegate some of his powers to the Prime Minister, other members of Government and any other senior administrative officials of the State, within the framework of their respective duties.
(3) Where the President of the Republic is temporarily unable to, perform his duties, he shall delegate the Prime Minister and, should the latter also be unavailable, any other member of Government to discharge his duties within the framework of an express delegation of some of his powers.
CHAPTER II
The Government
Article 11
The Government shall implement the policy of the nation as defined by the President of the Republic.
It shall be responsible to the National Assembly under the conditions and procedures provided for in Article 34 below.
Article 12
(1) The Prime Minister shall be the Head of Government and shall direct its action.
(2) He shall be responsible for the enforcement of the laws.
(3) He shall exercise statutory authority and appoint to civil posts, subject to the prerogatives of the President of the Republic in such areas.
(4) He shall direct all the government services required for the accomplishment of his duties.
(5) He may delegate some of his powers to members of Government and to senior State officials.
Article 13
The office of member of Government and any office ranking as such shall be incompatible with that of member of Parliament, Chairman of the Executive or Assembly of a local or regional authority, leader of a national professional association, or with any other employment or professional activity.
PART III
Legislative Power
Article 14
(1) Legislative power shall be exercised by the Parliament which shall comprise 2 (two) Houses:
(a) The National Assembly;
(b) The Senate.
(2) Parliament shall legislate and control Government action.
(3) Both Houses of Parliament shall meet on the same dates:
(a) in ordinary session during the months of June, November and March each year, when convened by the Bureaux of the National Assembly and the Senate after consultation with the President of the Republic;
(b) in extraordinary session, at the request of the President of the Republic or of one-third of the members of both Houses.
However, the two Houses shall be convened simultaneously only if the business of the day concerns both of them.
(4) The two Houses of Parliament shall meet in congress at the request of the President of the Republic in order to:
– be addressed by or receive a message from the President of the Republic;
– receive the oath of members of the Constitutional Council;
– take a decision on a draft or proposed constitutional amendment.
When Parliament meets in congress, the Bureau of the National Assembly shall preside over the proceedings.
(5) No person, shall be member of both the National Assembly and the Senate.
(6) The conditions for the election of members of the National Assembly and of the Senate, as well as the immunities, ineligibilities, incompatibilities, allowances and privileges of the members of Parliament shall be determined by law.
CHAPTER I
The National Assembly
Article 15
(1) The National Assembly shall comprise 180 (one hundred and eighty) members elected by direct and secret universal suffrage for a five-year term of office.
The number of members of the National Assembly may be modified by law.
(2) Each member of the National Assembly shall represent the entire Nation.
(3) Any imposed mandate shall be null and void.
(4) In case of serious crisis, the President of the Republic may, after consultation with the President of the Constitutional Council and Bureaux of the National Assembly to decide, by a law, to extend or abridge its term of office. In this case, the election of a new Assembly shall take place not less than 40 (forty) days and not more than 60 (sixty) days following the expiry of the extension or abridgement period.
Article 16
(1) At the beginning of each legislative year, the National Assembly shall meet as of right in ordinary session under the conditions laid down by law.
(2) Each year, the National Assembly shall hold 3 (three) ordinary sessions, each lasting not more than 30 (thirty) days.
(a) At the opening of its first ordinary session, the National Assembly shall elect its President and Bureau members.
(b) The National Assembly shall, during one of its sessions, adopt the State budget. Where such budget is not adopted before the end of the current financial year, the President of the Republic shall be empowered to extend the previous budget by one-twelfth until a new one is passed.
(3) The National Assembly shall meet in extraordinary session for not more than 15 (fifteen) days on a specific agenda and at the request of the President of the Republic or of one-third of its members.
The extraordinary session shall wind up as soon as the agenda for which it was convened is exhausted.
Article 17
(1) Sittings of the National Assembly shall be public. Exceptionally, the National Assembly may hold sittings in camera at the request of the President of the Republic or of an absolute majority of its members.
(2) The National Assembly shall, in a law, draw up its standing orders.
Article 18
(1) The agenda of the National Assembly shall be drawn up by the Chairmen’s conference.
(2) The Chairmen’s conference shall be composed of Presidents of Parliamentary Groups, Chairmen of Committees and members of the Bureau of the National Assembly. A member of Government shall participate in the conference meeting.
(3) Only bills falling within its area of jurisdiction by virtue of Article 26 below may be included in the agenda of the National Assembly.
(a) All private members’ bills and amendments which, if passed, would result in the reduction of public funds or in an increase of public charges without a corresponding reduction in other expenditure or the grant of equivalent new supply of funds, shall be inadmissible.
(b) Any doubt or dispute on the admissibility of a bill shall be referred by the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly or by one-third of the members of the National Assembly to the Constitutional Council for a ruling.
(4) The agenda shall give priority, and in the order decided by the Government, to the consideration of the government bills and private members’ bills accepted by it. The other private members’ bills admitted by the Chairmen’s Conference shall be considered subsequently.
Where a private members’ bill has not been considered during two successive ordinary sessions, it shall automatically be considered at the very next ordinary session.
(5) Any item on the agenda shall, at the request of the Government, be treated as a matter of urgency.
Article 19
(1) Laws shall be passed by a simple majority of the members of the National Assembly.
(2) Bills submitted to the National Assembly for reconsideration by the Senate shall either be passed or, rejected in accordance with Article 30 below.
(3) The President of the Republic may, before enacting any law, ask for a second reading. In such case, bills shall be passed by an absolute majority of the members of the National Assembly.
CHAPTER II
The Senate
Article 20
(1) The Senate shall represent the regional and local authorities.
(2) Each region shall be represented in the Senate by 10 (ten) Senators of whom 7 (seven) shall be elected by indirect universal suffrage on a regional basis and 3 (three) appointed by the President of the Republic.
(3) Candidates for the post of Senator and personalities appointed to the post of Senator by the President of the Republic must have attained the age of 40 (forty) by the date of the election or appointment.
(4) Senators shall serve a term of 5 (five) years.
Article 21
(1) At the beginning of each legislative year, the Senate shall meet as of right in ordinary session under the conditions laid down by law.
(2) Each year, the Senate shall hold 3 (three) ordinary sessions, each lasting not more than 30 (thirty) days. At the opening of its first ordinary session, the Senate shall elect its President and Bureau members.
(3) The Senate shall meet in extraordinary session for not more than 15 (fifteen) days on a specific agenda and at the request of the President of the Republic or of one-third of its members.
The extraordinary session shall wind up as soon as the agenda for which it was convened is exhausted.
Article 22
(1) Sittings of the Senate shall be public. Exceptionally, the Senate may hold sittings in camera at the request of the President of the Republic or of an absolute majority of its members.
(2) The Senate shall, in a law, draw up its standing orders.
Article 23
(1) The agenda of the Senate shall be drawn up by the Chairmen’s conference.
(2) The Chairmen’s conference shall be composed of Presidents of Parliamentary Groups, Chairmen of Committees and members of the Bureau of the Senate. A member of Government shall participate in the conference meeting.
(3) Only bills falling with in its area of jurisdiction by virtue of Article 26 below may be included in the agenda of the Senate.
(a) All private members’ bills and amendments which, if passed, would result in the reduction of public funds or in an increase of public charges without a corresponding reduction in other expenditure or the grant of equivalent new supply of funds, shall be inadmissible.
(b) Any doubt or dispute on the admissibility of a bill shall be referred by the President of the Republic, the President of the Senate or one-third of the Senators to the Constitutional Council for a ruling.
(4) The agenda shall give priority, and in the order decided by the Government, to the consideration of the government bills and private members’ bills accepted by it. The other private members’ bills admitted by the Chairmen’s Conference shall be considered subsequently.
Where a private members’ bill has not been considered during two successive ordinary sessions, it shall automatically be considered at the very next ordinary session.
(5) Any item on the agenda shall, at the request of the Government, be treated as a matter of urgency.
Article 24
(1) Laws shall be passed by a simple majority of the Senators.
(2) The Senate may amend or reject all or part of a bill submitted to it for consideration, in accordance with Article 30 below.
(3) The President of the Republic may, before enacting a law, ask for a second reading
In such case, bills shall be passed by an absolute majority of the Senators.
PART IV
Relations Between the Executive and Legislative Powers
Article 25
Bills may be tabled either by the President of the Republic or by members of parliament.
Article 26
(1) Bills shall be passed by Parliament.
(2) The following shall be reserved to the Legislative Power:
(a) The fundamental rights, guarantees and obligations of the citizen:
1- safeguarding individual freedom and security;
2- the rules governing public freedoms;
3- labour legislation, trade union legislation, rules governing social security and insurance;
4- the duties and obligations of the citizen in respect of national defence requirement&.
(b) The status of persons and property ownership system:
1- nationality, status of persons, matrimonial system, succession and gifts;
2- rules governing civil and commercial obligations;
3- movable and immovable property ownership system.
(c) The political, administrative and judicial organization:
1- rules governing election of the President of the Republic and elections into the National Assembly, the Senate, Regional and Local Bodies and referendum operations;
2- rules governing associations and political parties;
3- the organization, functioning, powers and resources of regional and local authorities;
4-. general rules governing the organization of national defence;
5- judicial organization and the creation of various types of courts;
6- the definition of felonies and misdemeanours and the institution of penalties of all kinds, criminal procedure, civil procedure, measures of execution, amnesty.
(d) The following financial and patrimonial matters:
1- rules governing the issue of currency;
2- the budget;
3- the creation of duties and the determination of their basis of assessment, rates and methods of collection;
4- land tenure, State lands and mining;
5- natural resources.
(e) Programming the objectives of economic and social action.
(f) The system of education.
Article 27
Matters not reserved to the legislative power shall come under the jurisdiction of the authority empowered to issue rules and regulations.
Article 28
(1) However, with regard to the subjects listed in Article 26 (2) above, Parliament may empower the President of the Republic to legislate by way of ordinance for a limited period and for given purposes.
(2) Such ordinances shall enter into force on the date of their publication. They shall be tabled before the bureaux of the National Assembly and the Senate for purposes of ratification within the time-limit laid down by the enabling law. They shall be of a statutory nature as long as they have not been ratified.
(3) They shall remain in force as long as Parliament has not refused to ratify them.
Article 29
(1) Government bills and private members’ bills shall be tabled at the same toe before the bureaux of the National Assembly and the Senate. They shall be studied by the appropriate committees prior to their being debated in plenary session.
(2) The bill debated in plenary session shall be that tabled by the President of the Republic. The private members bill debated in plenary session shall be the next tabled by its author or authors.
(3) Such bills may be amended in the course of the debate.
Article 30
(1) A bill passed by the National Assembly shall be immediately forwarded to the President of the Senate by the President of the National Assembly.
(2) The President of the Senate shall, upon receiving the bill forwarded by the President of National Assembly, submit it to the Senate for consideration.
(3) Within 10 (ton) days, with effect from the date of receipt of the bill or 5(five) days for a bill declared urgent by the Government, the Senate may:
(a) Pass the bill.
In which case, the President of the Senate shall return the adopted bill to the President of the National Assembly who shall forward same within 48 (forty-eight) hours to the President of the Republic for enactment.
(b) Amend the bill.
Such amendment must be approved by a simple majority of the Senators.
In which case, the amended bill shall be returned to the National Assembly by the President of the Senate for reconsideration.
The amendment proposed by the Senate shall be passed or rejected by a simple majority of the members of the National Assembly.
The final bill adopted shall be forwarded by the President of the National Assembly to the President of the Republic for enactment.
(c) Reject all or part of the bill.
Such rejection must be approved by an absolute majority of the senators.
In which case, the rejected bill with reasons therefor shall be returned to the National Assembly by the President of the Senate for reconsideration.
1- The National Assembly shall, after deliberations, pass the bill by absolute majority of its members.
The final bill adopted by the National Assembly shall be forwarded to the President of the Republic for enactment.
2- Where an absolute majority cannot be reached, the President of the Republic may convene a meeting of a joint commission comprising equal representation of both houses to propose a common formulation of the provisions rejected by the Senate.
The text prepared by the joint commission shall be submitted to both Houses by the President of the Republic for approval.
No amendment shall be admissible, except with the approval of the President of the Republic.
Where the joint commission falls to agree on a common text, or where such text is not adopted by both Houses, the President of the Republic may:
– either request the National Assembly to take a final decision thereon; or
– declare the government bill or private members’ bill null and void.
Article 31
(1) The President of the Republic shall enact laws passed by Parliament within 15 (fifteen) days of their being forwarded to him unless he requests a second reading or refers the matter to the Constitutional Council.
(2) Upon the expiry of this deadline, and after establishing the failure of the President of the Republic to act, the President of the National Assembly may himself enact the law.
(3) Laws shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic in English and French.
Article 32
The President of Republic may, at his request, address the National Assembly, the Senate or the two Houses meeting in congress. He may also send messages to them; but no such address or message may be debated in his presence.
Article 33
The Prime Minister and the other members of Government shall have access to Parliament and may participate in its deliberations.
Article 34
(1) At the session during which the finance bill is considered, the Prime Minister shall present to the National Assembly the Government’s economic, financial, social and cultural programme.
(2) The Prime Minister may, after the deliberations of the Council of Ministers, commit the responsibility of the Government before the National Assembly on a programme or, as the case may be, on a general policy statement. Voting shall take place not less than 48 (forty-eight) hours after the vote of no confidence has been requested.
A vote of no confidence shall be passed by an absolute majority of the members of the National Assembly.
Only votes against a vote of confidence shall be counted.
(3) The National Assembly may question the responsibility of the Government through a motion of censure. Such motion may be admissible only when it is signed by at last one-third of the members of the National Assembly. Voting shall take place not less than 48 (forty-eight) hours after the motion has been tabled. A motion of censure shall be passed by a two third majority of the members of the National Assembly. Only votes in favour of a motion of censure shall be counted.
Where a motion of censure is rejected, its signatories may not propose a new motion before a period of one year except as provided for in paragraph (4) below.
(4) The Prime Minister may, after the deliberations of the Council of Ministers, commit the responsibility of the Government before the National Assembly on the adoption of a bill. In such case, the bill may be considered adopted, except where a motion of censure tabled within the next 24 (twentyfour) hours is passed under the conditions provided for in the preceding paragraph.
(5) Where the National Assembly adopts a motion of censure or passes a vote of no confidence, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Government to the President of the Republic.
(6) The President of the Republic may re-appoint the Prime Minister and ask him to form a new Government.
Article 35
(1) The Parliament shall control Government action through oral or written questions and by setting up committees of inquiry with specific terms of reference.
(2) The Government shall, subject to the imperatives of national defence, the security of the State or the secrecy of criminal investigation, furnish any explanations and information to Parliament.
(3) During each ordinary session, a special sitting shall be set aside each week for question time.
Article 36
(1) The President of the Republic may, after consulting with the President of the Constitutional Council, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate, submit to a referendum any reform bill which, although normally reserved to the Legislative Power, could have profound repercussions on the future of the Nation and national. institutions.
This shall apply in particular to:
(a) bills, to organize public authorities or to amend the Constitution;
(b) bills to ratify international agreements or treaties having particularly important consequences;
(c) certain reform bills relating to the law on persons and property.
(2) Such bills shall be adopted by a majority of votes cast.
(3) The referendum procedure shall be laid down by law.
PART V
Judicial Power
Article 37
(1) Justice shall be administered In the territory of the Republic in the name of the people of Cameroon.
(2) Judicial power shall be exercised by the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal and Tribunals. The Judicial Power shall be independent of the executive and legislative powers. Magistrates of the bench shall, in the discharge of their duties, be governed only by the law and their conscience:
(3) The President of the Republic shall guarantee the independence of judicial power. He shall appoint members of the bench and for the legal department.
He shall be assisted in this task by the Higher Judicial Council which shall give him its opinion on all nominations for the bench and on disciplinary action against judicial and legal officers. The organization and functioning of the Higher Judicial Council shall be defined by law.
Article 38
(1) The Supreme Court shall be the highest court of the State in legal and administrative matters as Well as in the appraisal of accounts.
(2) It shall comprise:
– a judicial bench;
– an administrative bench;
– an audit bench.
Article 39
The judicial bench shall give final rulings on:
– appeals accepted by law against final rulings given by the various courts and tribunals of the judicial system;
-.judgement’s passed, by the lower courts of the judicial system that have become final in cases where the application of the law is challenged,
– all matters expressly devolving upon it by law.
Article 40
The administrative bench shall examine all the administrative disputes Involving the State and other public authorities.
It shall:
– examine appeals on regional and council election disputes;
– give final rulings on appeals against final judgements passed by lower courts in cases of administrative disputes;
– examine, any other disputes expressly devolving upon it by law.
Article 41
The audit bench shall be competent to control and rule on public accounts, as well as on those of public and semi-public enterprises.
It shall:
– give final rulings on final judgements passed lower audit courts;
– examine any other matters expressly devolving upon it by law.
Article 42
(1) The organization, functioning, composition and duties of the Supreme Court and the benches it comprises, the conditions for referring matters to them as well as the procedure applicable before them shall be laid down by law.
(2) The organization, functioning, composition and duties of the Courts of Appeal and judicial, administrative and lower audit benches as well as the conditions for referring matters to them and the procedure applicable before them shall be laid down by law.
PART VI
Treaties and International Agreements
Article 43
The President of the Republic shall negotiate and ratify treaties and international agreements. Treaties and international agreements failing within the area of competence of the Legislative Power as defined in Article 26 above shall be submitted to Parliament for authorization to ratify.
Article 44
Where the Constitutional Council finds a provision of a treaty or of an international agreement unconstitutional, authorization to ratify and the ratification of the said treaty or agreement shall be deferred until the Constitution is amended.
Article 45
Duly approved or ratified treaties and international agreements shall, following their publication, override national laws, provided the other party implements the said treaty or agreement.
Part VII
The Constitutional Council
Article 46
The Constitutional Council shall have jurisdiction in matters pertaining to the Constitution. It shall rule on the constitutionality of laws. It shall be the organ regulating the functioning of the institutions.
Article 47
(1) The Constitutional Council shall give a final ruling on:
– the constitutionality of laws, treaties and international agreements;
– the constitutionality of the standing orders of the National Assembly and the Senate ‘prior to their implementation;
– conflict of powers between State institutions; between the State and the Regions, and between the Regions.
(2) Matters may be referred to the Constitutional Council by the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, one-third of the members of the National Assembly or one-third of the Senators.
Presidents of regional executives may refer matters to the Constitutional Council whenever the interests of their Regions are at stake.
(3) Laws as well as treaties and international agreements may, prior to their enactment, be referred to the Constitutional Council by the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, the President of the Senate, one-third of. the members of the National Assembly, one-third of the Senators, or the Presidents of regional executives pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) above.
Enactment deadlines shall cease to lapse once an instrument has been referred to the Constitutional Council.
(4) The Constitutional Council shall advice in matters falling under its jurisdiction.
Article 48
(1) The Constitutional Council shall ensure the regularity of presidential elections, parliamentary elections and referendum operations. It shall proclaim the results thereof.
(2) Any challenges in respect of the regularity of one of the elections provided for in the preceding paragraph may be brought before the Constitutional Council by any candidate, political party that participated in the election in the constituency concerned or any person acting as Government agent at the election.
(3) Any challenges in respect of the regularity of a referendum may be referred to the Constitutional Council by the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly the President of the Senate, one-third of the members of the National Assembly or one-third of the Senators.
Article 49
In any case, the Constitutional Council shall give ruling within a period of 15 (fifteen) days once a matter has been referred to it.
However, at the request of the President of the Republic, such time-limit may be reduced to 8 (eight) days.
Article 50
(1) Rulings of the Constitutional Council shall not be subject to appeal. They shall be binding on all public, administrative, military and judicial authorities, as well as, on all natural persons- and corporate bodies.
(2) A provision that has been declared unconstitutional may not be enacted or implemented.
Article 51
(1) The Constitutional Council shall comprise 11 (eleven) members designated for a non-renewable term of office of 9 (nine) years.
These members shall be chosen from among personalities of established professional renown.
They must be of high moral integrity and proven competence.
(2) Members of the Constitutional Council shall be appointed by the President of the Republic. They shall be designated as follows:
– three, including the President of the Council, by the President of the Republic;
– three by the President of the National Assembly after consultation with the Bureau;
– three by the President of the Senate after consultation with the Bureau;
– two by the Higher Judicial Council.
Besides the eleven members provided for above, former Presidents of the Republic shall be ex-officio members of the Constitutional Council for life.
In case of a tie, the President of the Constitutional Council shall have the casting vote.
(3) In the event of the death or resignation of a member or any other cause of incapacity or inability duly established by the competent bodies provided for by law, a replacement shall be designated by the competent authority or body concerned and appointed. to complete the term of office. (4) Members of the Constitutional Council shall take the oath of office as laid down by law before Parliament meeting in congress.
(5) The duties of member of the Constitutional Council shall be incompatible with those of member of Government, of member of Parliament or of the Supreme Court. Other incompatibilities and matters relating to the status of members, namely obligations, immunities and privileges shall be laid down by law.
Article 52
A law shall lay down the organization and functioning of the Constitutional Council, the conditions for referring matters to it as well as the procedure applicable before it.
PART VIII
The Court of Impeachment
Article 53
(1) The Court of Impeachment shall have jurisdiction, in respect of acts committed in the exercise of their functions, to try the President of the Republic for high treason and the Prime Minister, members of Government and persons ranking as such and senior government officials to whom powers have been delegated in pursuance of Articles 10 and 12 above, for conspiracy against the security of the State.
(2) The organization, composition and the conditions under which matters shall be referred to it as well as the procedure applicable before the Court of Impeachment shall be laid down by law.
PART IX
The Economic and Social Council
Article 54
There shall be an Economic and Social Council whose composition, duties and organization shall be laid down by law.
PART X
Regional and Local Authorities
Article 55
(1) Regional and local authorities of the Republic shall comprise Regions and Councils.
Any other such authority shall be created by law.
(2) Regional and local authorities shall be public law corporate bodies. They shall have administrative and financial autonomy in the management of regional and local interests. They shall be freely administered by councils elected under conditions laid down by law.
The duty of the councils of regional and local authorities shall be to promote the economic, social, health, educational, cultural and sports development of the said authorities.
(3) The State shall exercise supervisory powers over regional and local authorities, under conditions laid down by law.
(4) The State shall ensure the harmonious development of all the regional and local authorities on the basis of national solidarity, regional potentials and inter-regional balance.
(5) The organization, functioning and financial regulations of regional and local authorities shall be defined by law.
(6) The rules and regulations governing councils shall be defined by law.
Article 56
(1) The State shall transfer to Regions, under conditions laid down by law, jurisdiction in areas necessary for their economic, social, health, educational, cultural and sports development.
(2) The law shall define:
– the sharing of powers between the State and Regions in the areas of competence so transferred.
(3) The resources of the Regions.
(4) The land and property of each region.
Article 57
(1) The organs of the Region shall be the Regional Council and the President of the Regional Council. The Regional Council and the President of the Regional Council shall function within the framework of powers transferred to the Region by the State.
(2) The Regional Council shall be the deliberative organ of the Region. Regional Councillors whose term of office shall be 5 (five) years shall comprise:
– divisional delegates elected by indirect universal suffrage;
– representatives of traditional rulers elected by their peers.
The Regional Council shall reflect the various sociological components of the Region.
The system of election, number, proportion by category, rules governing ineligibility, incompatibilities and emoluments of Regional Councillors shall be laid down by law.
(3) The Regional Council shall be headed by an indigene of the Region elected from among its members for the life of the Council.
The President of the Regional Council shall be the executive organ of the Region. In this capacity, he shall be the interlocutor of the State representative. He shall be assisted by a Regional Bureau elected at the same time as himself from among the members of the Council. The Regional Bureau shall reflect the sociological components of the Region.
(4) Members of Parliament of the Region shall sit in the Regional Council in an advisory capacity.
Article 58
(1) A delegate, appointed by the President of the Republic shall represent the State in the Region. In this capacity, he shall be responsible for national interests, administrative control, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, as well as maintaining law and order. He shall, under the authority of the Government, supervise and co-ordinate civil State services in the Region.
(2) He shall exercise the supervisory authority of the State over the Region.
Article 59
(1) The Regional Council may be suspended by the President of the Republic where such organ:
– carries out activities contrary to the constitution;
– undermines the security of the State or public law and order;
– endangers the State’s territorial integrity.
The other cases of suspension shall be laid down by law.
(2) The Regional Council may be dissolved by the President of the Republic, after consultation with the Constitutional Council in all the cases provided for under paragraph (1) above.
The other cases of dissolution shall be laid down by law.
(3) The automatic replacement of the said organ by the State in the cases provided for under paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall be decided by the President of the Republic.
(4) The conditions of implementation of this article shall be determined by law.
Article 60
(1) The President and the Bureau of the Regional Council may be suspended by the President of the Republic where such organs:
– carry out activities contrary to the Constitution;
– undermine the security of the State or public law and order;
– endanger the State’s territorial integrity.
The other cases of suspension shall be laid down by law.
(2) The President and the Bureau of the Regional Council may be dismissed by the President of the Republic, after consultation with the Constitutional Council in all the cases provided for under paragraph (1) above.
The other cases of dismissal shall be laid down by law.
(3) The automatic replacement of the said organ by the State in the cases provided for under paragraphs (1) and (2) above shall be decided by the President of the Republic.
(4) The conditions of implementation of this article shall be determined by law.
Article 61
(1) The following provinces shall become Regions:
– Adamaoua;
– Centre;
– East;
– Far North;
– Littoral;
– North.
– North-West;
– West;
– South;
– South-West.
(2) The President of the Republic may, as and when necessary: a) change the names and modify the geographical boundaries of the Regions listed in paragraph (1) above; b) create other Regions. In this case, he shall give them names and fix their geographical boundaries.
Article 62
(1) The aforementioned rules and regulations shall apply to all regions.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Part, the law may take into consideration the specificities of certain Regions with regard to their organization and functioning.
PART XI
Amendment of the Constitution
Article 63
(1) Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed either by the President of the Republic or by Parliament.
(2) Any proposed amendment made by a member of Parliament shall be signed by at least one-third of the members of either House.
(3) Parliament shall meet in congress when called upon to examine a draft or proposed amendment. The amendment shall be adopted by an absolute majority of the members of Parliament. The President of the Republic may request a second reading; in which case the amendment shall be adopted by a two-third Majority of the members of Parliament.
(4) The President of the Republic may decide to submit any bill to amend the Constitution to -a referendum; in which case the amendment shall be adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast.
Article 64
No procedure for the amendment of the Constitution affecting the republican form, unity and territorial integrity of the State and the democratic principles which govern the Republic shall be accepted.
PART XII
Special Provisions
Article 65
The preamble shall be part and parcel of this Constitution.
Article 66
The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, Members of Government and persons ranking as such, the President and Members of the Bureau of the National Assembly, the President and Members of the bureau of the Senate, Members of Parliament, Senators, all holders of an elective office, Secretaries-General of Ministries and persons ranking as such, Directors of the Central Administration, General Managers of public and semi-public enterprises, Judicial and Legal Officers, administrative personnel in -charge of the tax. base, collection and handling of public funds, all managers of public votes and property, shall declare their assets and property at the beginning and at the end of their tenure of office. The other categories of persons to whom the provisions of this article shall apply and the conditions of implementation thereof shall be determined by law.
PART XIII
Transitional and Final Provisions
Article 67
(1) The new institutions of the Republic provided for under this Constitution shall be set up progressively.
(2) While the institutions are being set up and until such time that they are set up, the existing institutions of the Republic shall remain in place and shall continue to function:
(a) The incumbent President of the Republic shall remain in office until the end of his current term, subject to the implementation of the provisions of Article 6 (4) of this Constitution;
(b) The Members of Parliament of the National Assembly shall remain in office until the end of their current term, subject to the implementation of the provisions of Article 8 (12) above.
(3) The National Assembly shall exercise full legislative power and enjoy all Parliamentary prerogatives until the Senate is set up.
(4) The Supreme Court shall perform the duties of the Constitutional Council until the latter is set up.
(5) The territorial organization of the State shall remain unchanged until the Regions are set up.
Article 68
The legislation applicable in the Federal State of Cameroon and in the Federated States on the date of entry into force of this Constitution shall remain in force insofar as it is not repugnant to this Constitution, and as long as it is not amended by subsequent laws and regulations.
Article 69
This law shall be registered and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cameroon in English and French and implemented as the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon.
Yaounde, 18 January 1996.
Paul BIYA
President of the Republic
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore,
The General Assembly
proclaims
This Universal Declaration of Human Rights
As a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to propose respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law
Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freed m to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage. and shall, be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstance beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights
Preamble
The African states members of the organization of African unity parties to the present convention entitled “African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights”;
Recalling decision 115 (XVI) of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government at its Sixteenth Ordinary Session held in Monrovia, Liberia, from 17 to 20 July 1979 on the preparation of “a preliminary draft on an African Charter on Human and Peoples’
Rights providing inter alia for the establishment of bodies to promote and protect human and people’s rights “;
Reaffirming the pledge they solemnly made in Article 2 of the said Charter to eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa, to co-ordinate and intensify their co-operation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa and to promote international co-operation, having due regard to the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Taking into consideration the virtues of their historian tradition and the values of African civilization which should inspire and characterize their reflection on the concept of human and peoples’ rights;
Recognizing on the one hand, that fundamental human rights stem from the attributes of human beings, which justifies their international. protection and on the other hand, that the reality and respect of peoples’ rights should necessarily guarantee human rights;
considering that the enjoyment of rights and freedom also implies the performance of duties on the part of everyone;
convinced that it is henceforth essential to pay particular attention to the right to development and that civil and political rights cannot be dissociate from economic, social and cultural rights in their conception as well as universality and that the satisfaction of economic, social and cultural rights is a guarantee for the enjoyment of civil and political rights;
Conscious of their duty to achieve the total liberation of Africa, the peoples’ of which are still struggling for their dignity and genuine independence, and undertaking to eliminate colonialism, neo-colonialism, apartheid, Zionism, and to dismantle aggressive foreign military bases and all forms of discrimination, particularly those based on race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion or political opinion;
Reaffirming their adherence to the principles of human and peoples’ rights and freedoms contained in the declarations, conventions and other instruments adopted by the Organization of African Unity, the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the United Nations;
Firmly convinced of their duty to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights and freedoms taking into account the importance traditionally attached to these rights and freedoms in Africa;
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
PART ONE
RIGHTS AND DUTIES
CHAPTER 1.
Human and Peoples’ Rights
Article 1
The Member States of the Organization of African Unity parties to the present Charter shall recognize the rights, duties and freedoms enshrined in this Charter and shall undertake to adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to them.
Article 2
Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth or other status.
Article 3
1- Every individual shall be equal before the law.
2- Every individual shall be entitled to equal protection of the law.
Article 4
Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right.
Article 5
Every individual shall have the right to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being and to the recognition of his legal status. All forms of exploitation and degradation of man particularly slavery, slave trade, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited.
Article 6
Every individual shall have the right to liberty to the security of this person. No one may be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and conditions previously laid down by law. In particular, no one may be arbitrarily arrested or detained.
Article 7
1- Every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard. This comprises:
(a) the right to an appeal to competent national organs against acts violating his fundamental rights as recognized and guaranteed by conventions, laws, regulations and customs in force;
(b) the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty by a competent court or tribunal;
(c) the right to defence, including the right to be defended by counsel of his choice;
(d) the right to be tried within a reasonable time by an impartial court or tribunal.
2- No one may be condemned for an act or omission which did not constitute a legally punishable offence at the time it was committed. No penalty may be inflicted for an offence for which no provision was made at the time it was committed. Punishment is personal and can be imposed only on the offender.
Article 8
Freedom of conscience, the profession and free practice of religion shall be guaranteed. No one may, subject to law and order, be submitted to measures restricting the exercise of these freedoms.
Article 9
1- Every individual shall have the right to receive information.
2- Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.
Article 10
1- Every individual shall have the right to free association provided that he abides by the law.
2- Subject to the obligation of solidarity provided for in Article 29 no one may be compelled to join an association.
Article 11
Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others. The exercise of this right shall be subject only to necessary restrictions provided for by law in particular those enacted in the interest of national security, the safety, health, ethics and rights and freedoms of others.
Article 12
1- Every individual shall have the right to freedom of movement and residence within the border of a State provided he abides by the law.
2- Every individual shall have the right to leave any country including his own, and to return to his country. This right may only be subject to restrictions, provided for by law for the protection of national security, law and public order, public health or morality.
3- Every individual shall have the right, when persecuted, to seek and obtain asylum in other countries in accordance with the laws of those countries and international conventions.
4- A non-national legally admitted in a territory of a State party to the present Charter, may only be expelled from it by virtue of a decision taken in accordance with the law.
5- The mass expulsion of non-nationals shall be prohibited. Mass expulsion shall be that which is aimed at national, racial, ethnic or religious groups.
Article 13
1- Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.
2- Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country;
3- Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services in strict equality of all persons before the law.
Article 14
The right to property shall be guaranteed. It may only be encroached upon in the interest of public need or in the general interest of the community and in accordance with the provisions of appropriate laws.
Article 15
Every individual shall have the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and shall receive equal pay for equal work.
Article 16
1- Every individual shall have the right to enjoy the best attainable state of physical and mental health.
2- State parties to the present Charter shall take the necessary measures to protect the health of their people and to ensure that they receive medical attention when they are sick.
Article 17
1- Every individual shall have the right to education.
2- Every individual may freely take part in the cultural life of his community.
3- The promotion and protection of morals and traditional values recognized by the community shall be the duty of the State.
Article 18
1- The family shall be the natural unit and basis of society. It shall be protected by the State which shall take care of its physical and moral health.
2- The State shall have the duty to assist the family which is the custodian of morals and traditional values recognized by the community.
3- The State shall ensure the elimination of every discrimination against women and also ensure the protection of the right of the women and the child as stipulated in international declaration and conventions.
4- The aged and the disabled shall also have the right to special measures of protection in keeping with their physical and moral needs.
Article 19
All peoples shall be equal; they shall enjoy the same respect and shall have the same rights. Nothing shall justify the domination of a people by another.
Article 20
1- All peoples shall have right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen.
2- Colonized or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognized by the international community.
3- All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the States parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.
Article 21
1- All peoples shall freely dispose of their wealth and natural resources. This right shall be exercised in the exclusive interest of the people. In no case shall a people be deprived of it.
2- in case of spoliation the dispossessed people shall have the right to the lawful recovery of its property as well as to an adequate compensation.
3- The free disposal of wealth and natural resources shall be exercised without prejudice to the obligation of promoting international economic co-operation based on mutual respect, equitable exchange and the principles of international law.
4- States parties to the present Charter shall individually and collectively exercise the right to free disposal of their wealth and natural resources with a view strengthening African unity and solidarity.
5- States parties to the present Charter shall undertake to eliminate all forms of foreign economic exploitation particularly that practised by international monopolies so as to enable their peoples to fully benefit from the advantages derived from their national resources.
Article 22
1- All peoples shall have the right to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom and identity and in the equal enjoyment of the common heritage of mankind.
2- States shall have the duty, individually or collectively, to ensure the exercise of the right to development.
Article 23
1- All peoples shall have the right to national and international peace and security. The principles of solidarity and friendly relations implicitly affirmed by the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirmed by that of the Organization of African Unity shall govern relations between States.
2- For the purpose of the straightening peace, solidarity and friendly relations, State parties to the present Charter shall ensure that
(a) any individual enjoying the right of asylum under Article 12 of the present Charter shall not engage in subversive activities against his country of origin or any other State party to the present Charter;
(b) their territories shall not be used as bases for subversive or terrorist activities against the people of any other State party to the present Charter.
Article 24
All people shall have the right to a general satisfactory environment favourable to their development.
Article 25
States parties to the present Charter shall have the duty to promote and ensure through teaching, education and publication, the respect of the rights and freedoms contained in the present Charter and to see to it that these freedoms and right as well as corresponding obligations and duties are understood.
Article 26
States parties to the present Charter shall have the duty to guarantee the independence of the Courts and shall allow the establishment and improvement of appropriate national institutions entrusted with the promotion and protection of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the present Charter.
Chapter II
Duties
Article 27
1- Every individual shall have duties towards his family and society, the State and other legally recognized communities and the international community.
2- The rights and freedoms of each individual shall be exercised with due regard to the rights of others, collective security, morality and common interest.
Article 28
Every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safeguarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance.
Article 29
The individual shall also have the duty:
1- to preserve the harmonious development of the family and to work for the cohesion and respect of the family; to respect his parents at all times, to maintain them in case of need : –
2- to serve his national community by placing his physical and intellectual abilities at its service;
3- not to compromise the security of the State whose national or resident he is;
4- to preserve and strengthen the national solidarity, particularly when the latter is threatened;
5- to preserve and strengthen the national independence and the territorial integrity of his country and to contribute to its defence in accordance with the law;
6- to work to the best of his abilities and competence, and to pay taxes imposed by law in the interest of the society;
7- to preserve and strengthen positive African cultural values in his relation with other members of the society, in the spirit of tolerance, dialogue and consultation and, in general, the contribute to the promotion of the moral well-being of society;
8- to contribute to the best of his abilities, at all times and at all levels, to the promotion “and ‘achievement of African unity.
PART II
MEASURES OF SAFEGUARD
CHAPTER 1
Establishment and organization of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights
Article 30
An African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, hereinafter called “Commission”, shall be established within the Organization of African Unity to promote human and peoples’ rights and ensure their protection in Africa.
Article 31
1- The Commission shall consist of eleven members chosen from amongst African personalities of the high morality, integrity, impartiality and competence in matters of human and peoples’ rights; particular consideration in being given to persons having legal experience.
2- The members of the Commission shall serve their personal capacity.
Article 32
The Commission shall not include more than one national of the same State.
Article 33
The members of the Commission shall be elected by secret ballot by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, from a list of persons nominated by the States parties to the present Charter.
Article 34
Each State party to the present Charter may not nominate more than two candidates. The candidate must have the nationality of one of the States parties of the present Charter. When two candidates are nominate by a State, one of them, may not be a national of that State.
Article 35
1- the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity shall make an alphabetical list of the persons thus nominated and communicate it to the Heads of State and Government at least one month before the elections.
Article 36
The members of the Commission shall be elected for a six year period and shall be eligible for reelection. However, the term of office of four of the members elected at the first election shall terminate after two years and the term of office of three others, at the end of four years.
Article 37
Immediately after the first election, the Chairman of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity shall draw lots to decide the name of those members referred to in Article 36.
Article 38
After the election, the member of the Commission shall make a solemn declaration to discharge their duties impartially and faithfully.
Article 39
1- In case of death or resignation of the member of the Commission, the Chairman of the Commission shall immediately inform the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, who shall declare the seat vacant from the date of death or from the date on which the resignation takes effect.
2- If, in the unanimous opinion of other members of the commission, a member has stopped discharging his duties for any reason other than a temporary absence, the Chairman of the Commission shall inform the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, who shall then declare the seat vacant.
3- In each of the cases anticipated above, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government shall replace the member whose seat became vacant for the remaining, period of his term unless the period is less than six months.
Article 40
Every member of the Commission shall be in office until the date his successor assumes office.
Article 41
The Secretary-General, of the Organization of African Unity shall appoint the Secretary of the Commission. He shall also provide the staff and services necessary for the effective discharge of the duties of the Commission. The Organization of African Unity shall bear the cost of the staff and services.
Article 42
1- The Commission shall elect its Chairman and Vice-Chairman for a two-year period. They shall be eligible for re-election.
2- The Commission shall lay down its rules of procedure.
3- Seven members shall form the quorum.
4- In case of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a casting vote.
5- The Secretary-General may attend the meetings of the Commission. He shall neither participate in deliberations nor shall be entitled to vote. The Chairman of the Commission may, however, invite him to speak.
Article 43
In discharging their duties, members of the Commission shall enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities provided for in the general Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Organization of African Unity.
Article 44
Provision shall be made for the emoluments and: allowances of the members of the Commission in the regular Budget of the Organization of African Unity.
CHAPTER II
MANDATE OF THE COMMISSION
Article 45
The functions of the Commission shall be:
1- to promote Human and Peoples’ Rights and in particular;
(a) to collect documents, undertake studies and research on African problems in the field of human and peoples’ rights, organize seminars, symposia and conferences, disseminate information, encourage national and local institutions concerned with human and peoples’ rights and, should the case arise, give its views or make recommendations to Governments;
(b) to formulate and lay down, principles, and rules aimed at solving legal problems relating to human and peoples’ rights and fundamental freedoms upon which African Government may base their legislations;
(c) co-operate with other African and international institutions concerned with the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights.
2- Ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights under conditions laid down by the present Charter.
3- Interpret all the provisions of the present Charter at the request of a State party, an institution of the Organization of African Unity or an African Organization recognized by the Organization of African Unity.
4- Perform any other tasks which may be entrusted to it by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
CHAPTER III
PROCEDURE OF THE COMMISSION
Article 46
The Commission may resort to any appropriate method of investigation; it may hear from the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity or any other person capable of enlightening it.
COMMUNICATION FROM STATES
Article 47
If a State party to the present Charter has good reasons to believe that an another State party to this Charter has violated the provisions of the Charter, it may draw by written communication, the attention of that State to the matter. This communication shall also be addressed to the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity and to the Chairman of the Commission. Within three months of the receipt of the communication the State to which the communication is addressed shall give the enquiring State, written explanation or statement elucidating the matter. This should include as much as possible relevant information relating to the laws and rules of procedure applied and applicable and the redress already given or course of action available.
Article 48
If within three months from the date on which the original communication is received by the State to which it is addressed, the issue is not settled to the satisfaction of the two States involved through bilateral negotiation or by any other peaceful procedure, either State shall have the right to submit the matter to the Commission through the Chairman and shall notify the other State involved.
Article 49
Notwithstanding the provisions. of Article 47, if a State party to the present Charter considers that another State party has violated the provisions of the Charter, it may refer the matter directly to the Commission by addressing a communication to the Chairman, to the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity and the State concerned.
Article 50
The Commission can only deal with a matter submitted to it after making sure that all local remedies, If they exist, have been exhausted, unless it is obvious to the Commission that the procedure of achieving these remedies would be unduly prolonged.
Article 51
1- The Commission may ask the States concerned to provide it with all relevant information.
2- When the Commission is considering the matter, States concerned may be represented before it and submit, written or, oral representations.
Article 52
After having obtained from the State concerned and from other source all the information it deems necessary and after having tried all appropriate means to reach an amicable solution based on the respect of humane and peoples’ rights, the Commission shall prepare, within a reasonable period of time from the notification referred to in Article 48, a report stating the facts and its findings. This report shall be sent to the States concerned and communicated to the Assembly of Heads of States and Government.
Article 53
While transmitting its report, the Commission may make to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government such recommendations as it deems useful.
Article 54
The Commission shall submit to each ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government a report on its activities.
OTHER COMMUNICATIONS
Article 55
1- Before each session, the Secretary of the Commission shall make a list of the communications other than those of States parties to the present Charter and transmit them to the members of the Commission, who shall indicate which communications should be considered by the Commission.
2- A communication shall be considered by the Commission if a simple majority of its members so decide.
Article 56
Communications relating to human and peoples’ rights referred to in Article 55 received by the Commission, shall be considered if they:
1- indicate their authors even if the latter request anonymity;
2- are compatible with the Charter of the Organization of African Unity or with the present Charter,
3- are not written in disparaging or insulting language directed against the State concerned and its institutions or to the Organization of African Unity;
4- are not based exclusively, on news disseminated through the mass media;
5- are sent after exhausting local remedies, if any, unless it is obvious that this procedure is unduly prolonged;
6- are submitted within a reasonable period from the time local remedies &re exhausted or from the date the Commission is seized of the matter, and
7- do not deal with cases which have been settled by these States involved in accordance with the principles of the charter of the United Nations, or the Charter of the Organization of African Unity or the provisions of the present Charter.
Article 57
Prior to any substantive consideration, all communications shall be brought to the knowledge of the State concerned by the Chairman of the Commission. Article 58
1- When it appears after deliberations of the Commission that one or more communications apparently relate to special cases which reveal the existence of a series of serious or massive violations of human and peoples’ rights, the Commission shall draw the attention of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government who may request an in-depth study.
Article 59
1- All measures taken within the provisions of the present Charter shall remain confidential until such a time as the Assembly of Heads of State and Government shall otherwise decide.
2- However, the report shall be published by the Chairman of the Commission upon the decision of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
3- The report on the activities of the Commission shall be published by its Chairman after it has been considered by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
CHAPTER IV
APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES
Article 60
The Commission shall draw inspiration from International law on human and peoples rights, particularly from the provisions of various African instruments on human and peoples’ rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, other instruments adopted by the United Nations and by African countries in the field of, human and peoples’ rights as well as from the provisions of various instruments adopted within the Specialised Agencies of the United Nations of which the parties to the present Charter are members.
Article 61
The Commission shall also take into consideration, as subsidiary measures to determine the principles of law, other general or special international conventions, laying down rules expressly recognized by member States of the Organization of African Unity, African practices consistent with international norms on human and peoples’ rights, customs generally accepted as law, general principles of law recognized by African States as well as legal precedents and doctrine.
Article 62
Each State party shall undertake to submit every two years, from the date the present Charter comes into force, a report on the legislative or other measures taken with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognized and guaranteed by the present Charter.
Article 63
1- The present: Charter shall be open to signature, ratification or adherence of the Member States of the Organization of African Unity.
2- The instruments of ratification or adherence to the present charter shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity.
3- The present Charter shall come into force three months after the reception by the Secretary-General of the instruments of ratification or adherence of a simple majority of the Member States of the Organization of African Unity.
PART III
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 64
1- After the coming into force of the present Charter, members of the Commission shall be elected In accordance with the relevant Article of the present Charter.
2- The Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity shall convene the first meeting of Commission at the headquarters of the Organization within three months of the constitution of the Commission. Thereafter, the Commission shall be convened by its Chairman whenever necessary but at least once a year.
Article 65
For each of the States that will ratify or adhere to the present Charter after its coming into force, the Charter shall take effect three months after the date of the deposit by that state of its instrument of ratification or adherence.
Article 66
Special protocols or agreements may, if necessary, supplement the provisions of the present Charter.
Article 67
The Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity shall inform Member States of the Organization of the deposit of each instrument of ratification or adherence.
Article 68
The present Charter may be amended if a State party makes a written request to that effect to the Cameroon Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government may only consider the draft amendment after all the States parties have been duly informed of it and the Commission has given its opinion on it at the request of the sponsoring State. The amendment shall be approved by a simple majority of the States parties. It shall come into force for each State which has accepted it in accordance with its constitutional procedure three months after the Secretary-General has received notice of the acceptance.
Adopted by the eighteenth Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, June 1981 – Nairobi, Kenya.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
