Combatting Domestic Violence under International Law: Assessing the Various Legal Inconsistencies Frustrating the Protection of Women's Rights in Cameroon

Abstract

The notion of violence especially on the rights of women has been plagued with lots of plausible euphoria jeopardising the initial rationale and objective of the human rights placement, that of ensuring that everyone should be treated with respect and fundamental dignity. The situation has become appalling and frustrating as women encounter violations of their various status and rights, making them become subjects of ridicule. Willing to ensure the recognition and protection of women, Cameroon has adopted a series of international, regional and national laws aiming at ensuring a safe and secured environment for the protection of women's rights and status. Regardless of the various measures set by the country, the notion of domestic violence appears to be more of a pandemic than a curable substance as issues of women protection are concerned. This article is of the opinion that the concept of domestic violence in Cameroon is accelerating as most women are still treated as an object of commodity in the eyes of many. There is a continuous violation of women's rights especially in aspects of sexual violence and discriminatory practices meted out on women. This situation has become worrisome, as many question the future of women's rights in Cameroon as issues of sexual violence escalate, thus affecting tremendously the prestigious status to be occupied by women in the society. In answering the above question and hypothesis, there will be the need to evaluate the domestic violence climate in Cameroon by questioning the complexities in the country on issues related to combating domestic violence and examining the way forward. It is convenient beyond all reasonable doubt that, sexual violence continues to be a hard nut to crack notwithstanding all the impressive efforts put in place by the government of Cameroon in ensuring its fight. To this end, it is advisable that more efforts, mechanisms and methods should be invested by the government of Cameroon to establish a favourable climate and environment in the protection and preservation of women's rights and status in the country.