Freedom of Expression under the Cameroonian Constitution and International Law

This book examines the right to freedom of expression under the Cameroonian constitution and international law. It argues that the constitutional changes or reforms which have taken place in Cameroon since it gained independence, have resulted in the entrenchment of fundamental rights, including specific phrases in the preamble relating to freedom of expression. These phrases approximate to the standards provided for under international law on human rights. The book explains the extent to which the general comments and concluding observations of relevant UN Committees, the AU Commission and other related bodies have been influencing the state under consideration to take effective measures to give full effect to freedom of expression. It further argues that despite its constitutional and international guarantee, the right to freedom of expression has not been adequately enjoyed in Cameroon, which is partly due to the lack of well-defined legislation and effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure adequate protection for individual rights holders. In addition, it contends that states must comply with their treaty obligations under international law as a matter of constitutional and human rights doctrine.

Freedom of Expression under the Cameroonian Constitution and International Law will contribute to the academic inquiry into an appropriate legal framework for addressing the right to freedom of expression and other fundamental rights and freedoms and the effectiveness of the various mechanisms put in place by states to deal with human rights violations.

The book will be of interest to international law and human rights scholars, students, judges in local and international jurisdictions as well as the civil society. Finally, it is also meant to inspire further research in the field of civil and political rights.