In a position statement issued in Bamenda, the coalition condemned what it called the growing incidence of rape and sexual abuse targeting women, girls, children and persons living with disabilities, describing the trend as a serious threat to human rights and public justice.
"We express our deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the disturbing and unacceptable increase in cases of rape, sexual violence, and abuse perpetrated against women, young girls, and children across our communities," the statement reads.
The organisations stressed that rape is not only a criminal offence but also a profound violation of human dignity.
"Rape is a grave crime, a brutal violation of human dignity, bodily integrity, and fundamental human rights. It is an attack not only on individual victims but also on the moral foundation of society, the rule of law, and the principles of justice and humanity," they stated.
The coalition reminded the public that rape is punishable under Article 296 of Cameroon's Penal Code and called on judicial authorities t
o apply the law without fear or favour.
"We reaffirm that rape is a serious criminal offence punishable under Article 296 of the Cameroon Penal Code, and we call for the strict application of the law against all perpetrators, regardless of their social status, position, influence, or affiliation."
According to the statement, failure to hold offenders accountable only encourages further abuse and weakens confidence in the justice system.
The organisations also argued that sexual violence violates protections guaranteed under the Constitution of Cameroon as well as several international and regional human rights treaties to which the country is a party, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Calling the rise in reported rape cases a national emergency, the coalition said silence and weak enforcement could no longer be accepted.
"The increasing reports of rape demand immediate national attention and urgent action. Silence, negligence, delays in investigation, and weak enforcement mechanisms must no longer shield perpetrators from accountability."
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The statement outlined several recommendations, including prompt investigations, transparent and victim sensitive prosecution, maximum penalties for convicted offenders, particularly in cases involving children and vulnerable persons, an end to interference in criminal proceedings, strengthened law enforcement and judicial institutions, legal reforms to eliminate loopholes, and expanded access to legal, medical and psychosocial support for survivors.
Beyond its demands to government, the coalition pledged to provide coordinated legal representation for survivors, intensify public awareness campaigns, work closely with traditional authorities and community groups to prevent sexual abuse, and promote access to justice for women, children and persons with disabilities.
The organisations urged the Government of Cameroon, security services, judicial officials, administrative authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to act decisively against sexual violence.
"A society that fails to protect its women and children fails its future," the statement declared. "The fight against rape and sexual violence requires collective courage, strong institutions, and unwavering commitment to justice."
The coalition concluded by adopting what it described as a "zero tolerance policy toward rape and all forms of sexual violence against women and children," while reaffirming its commitment to defending "the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of women, girls, children and persons with disabilities in the North West Region and Cameroon as a whole."
The position statement was signed in Bamenda on June 25 2026 by North West Human Rights Lawyers and Civil Society Organisations.
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