Compliance of Juvenile Justice Administration in Cameroon with the Human Rights Based Approach

Abstract : Juvenile delinquency is an age long problem, and the problem still occurs till present date. The world at large and Cameroon in particular has promulgated laws which govern the conducts of its citizens so as to keep order across the country and protect the public from danger which might be inflicted on them by the wrongdoer. However, there are some offenders who due to their vulnerability occupy a special place in the administration of justice and one of them is juvenile offenders. Institutions involved in juvenile justice administration are expected to be child-friendly and upon administration of justice, they are to accord special treatment to juvenile offenders in accordance with the law and to also ensure the protection of juvenile’s rights. This article seeks to demonstrate that despite the existing legislation regulating the administration of juvenile justice in Cameroon, the protection of juvenile’s rights is still questionable due to poor implementation of those laws. The ultimate objectives of juvenile justice administration are rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders into the society. The article seeks to establish that there are operational problems associated in achieving these objectives. Juvenile offenders still experience severe and physical abuses during pre-trial, trial and post-trial proceedings. The article acknowledges the quest of juvenile justice administration to promote and protect the rights of juveniles through the ratification of international treaties which reinforces the existing national laws but maintains that there is poor observance of the law in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon. This paper adopts a qualitative research methodology. Qualitative research methodology involves collecting data and analysing non-numerical data (text, video or audio) to understand concepts, opinions or experiences. It has been used to gather in-depths insight into a problem or generate new ideas for research. The article among other things determines whether from a practitioner perspective, a Cameroonian child resident in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon and in conflict with the law is actually treated in such a way that it promotes the child sense of dignity and worthiness. Proposals are made for an improved mechanism for the protection of the rights of juveniles.