HRW Says Cameroon Failed to Reduce Gender-Based Violence

Human Rights Watch said Wednesday that Cameroon has failed to meet its commitment to substantially reduce violence against women and girls ^[1].

The findings highlight a systemic failure to protect vulnerable populations despite official promises to curb gender-based violence. This gap between policy and practice leaves many women and girls without legal or physical protections in the face of ongoing abuse ^[1].

According to the report released June 24, 2026, violence against women and girls remains widespread across the country [1, 2]. The organization said that the Cameroonian government has repeatedly promised action but has not implemented sufficient measures to ensure safety [1, 2].

This failure represents a breach of a 10-year-old commitment to reduce gender-based violence ^[1]. While the government has made public pledges to address these issues, HRW said the actual implementation of protective measures has been inadequate ^[2].

The report suggests that the lack of enforcement and a failure to provide comprehensive support services contribute to the persistence of these crimes ^[1]. By failing to prioritize the safety of women and girls, the state continues to allow a culture of impunity to persist, which further discourages victims from seeking justice [1, 2].

HRW said the government should move beyond rhetoric and establish concrete mechanisms to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable ^[1]. The organization said that the current state of affairs contradicts the government's own stated goals for human rights and gender equality ^[2].