Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging Cameroon to adopt legislation that would allow courts to issue protection orders for people threatened by domestic violence without waiting for criminal proceedings to conclude. In a policy brief published on October 26, 2026, the human rights organization proposed a legal mechanism that would allow courts to order an alleged abuser to stay away from the victim, prohibit contact, or temporarily remove the person from a shared home. The aim is to intervene before violence escalates, particularly to the point of femicide.

According to HRW, Cameroon’s current legal framework does not provide sufficient protection for people exposed to repeated domestic abuse. The organization acknowledges that several provisions of the 2016 Penal Code criminalize acts of gender-based violence, including rape, physical assault, threats, and sexual harassment. However, it argues that these provisions focus primarily on punishment and do not establish a general system of immediate civil protection for people facing an identified risk.

To address this gap, HRW recommends a specific domestic violence law that would give courts of first instance the authority to issue protection orders through simplified, low-cost procedures that do not require a lawyer. Victims would be able to obtain these orders without first filing a criminal complaint. The organization also recommends allowing certain third parties, including police officers, social workers, and family members, to apply on behalf of someone at risk. According to HRW, these measures would allow authorities to intervene when credible threats are reported, before they lead to serious injury or death. The organization emphasizes that domestic violence can also involve psychological, economic, or emotional abuse without necessarily leaving visible injuries. Such abuse may gradually escalate after prolonged periods of mistreatment.

The warning comes amid an increase in femicide cases recorded by Cameroonian authorities. In June 2026, Women’s Empowerment and Family Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa told the National Assembly that 77 cases had been recorded in 2025, compared with 56 in 2023. Authorities had already documented 50 cases between January and April 2026. However, these official figures may not capture every case, particularly because of weaknesses in the reporting system identified by HRW.

To support its recommendation, HRW points to South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, where courts have the authority to issue protection orders for victims of domestic violence. The organization notes, however, that the effectiveness of these measures depends on enforcement, particularly police intervention and penalties for violations. HRW therefore recommends making violations of civil protection orders a criminal offense. It also calls for stronger shelters and support services for victims. These measures would complement criminal prosecutions rather than replace them.

In June 2026, the Women’s Empowerment and Family Minister had already informed lawmakers that work was underway to finalize a specific bill against gender-based violence. HRW’s policy brief offers proposals for the judicial protection mechanisms that such legislation might include.

Source: Sbbc