STATEMENT BY THE CAMEROON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO MARK THE 52ND WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The Commission welcomes the theme of the 52nd edition of World Environment Day (WED), Ending Plastic Pollution Globally, the objective of which is to raise global awareness and encourage the adoption of concrete solutions such as using biodegradable plastics, recycling, and applying sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to the most commonly used plastic packaging, such as kraft paper, reinforced paper, corn starch, cotton, mesh or jute bags, natural fibres, cardboard boxes and trays, bioplastics, and beeswax- or plant-based fabric wraps, etc.

The commission notes that through Resolution 5/14, entitled Ending Plastic Pollution: Towards an International Legally Binding Instrument, adopted on 2 March 2022 by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), a negotiation process was launched to develop a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment; this treaty would cover the entire life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal. 

The Commission commends the Government and its partners for their efforts to combat plastic pollution, particularly through the seizure by the Cameroon Customs of 25,000 non-biodegradable plastic packaging in Ekok, in the Nyong-and-Mfoumou Division, Centre Region, in July 2024; this seizure was carried out as part of the operation Halt to illegal trade (Halcomi III), which is aimed at combating the import and circulation of these products that do not comply with the regulations in force; this seizure is part of the Government’s continuous efforts to enforce Joint Order No. 004/MINEPDED/ MINCOMMERCE of 24 October 2012, signed by the Ministers of the Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED) and Trade (MINCOMMERCE), which prohibits the production, import, possession and sale of non-biodegradable, low-density packaging with a thickness of 60 microns or less, as well as the granules used in their manufacture.

The Commission commends the efforts made by civil society and development partners to actively combat plastic pollution, notably through the organisation, by the Women in Climate Change Organisation, of a plastic waste collection campaign held from 1 to 31 August 2024 in Douala, Garoua, Ngaoundéré and Nkongsamba.

The Commission notes that, according to a survey carried out by Afrobarometer in March 2022, 72 per cent of citizens consider pollution to be a serious problem in their communities, with 76 per cent identifying plastic bags as the main source of pollution; a concern that reflects a growing awareness of the situation, although concrete actions to curb it remain insufficient at both the local and national levels.

The Commission is still concerned about the antisocial behaviour of some members of the public who continue to dispose of, or dump household refuse and plastic waste in unauthorised locations, including gutters and gullies, which creates unsanitary conditions, blocks water drainage systems and increases the risk of flooding.

The Commission is still concerned about corruption, which constitutes a major obstacle to the effective implementation of regulations banning the use of non-biodegradable plastics in Cameroon, with the following consequences: i) weak enforcement of the laws by the institutions responsible for upholding environmental regulations; ii) a loss of credibility and effectiveness of authorities in charge of environmental management; iii) the economic and trade deficits caused by unfair competition that fosters counterfeiting and environmental degradation, and iv) impediments to awareness-raising and education efforts against corruption.

The Commission notes that out of the 220 recommendations accepted by the State during the adoption of the Report on Cameroon after undergoing the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on 26 March 2024, three relate to the right to a healthy environment; these recommendations have been reproduced in today’s CHRC statement and have been distributed by the CHRC to the relevant state bodies, each as far as it is concerned.

The Commission recommends that the Government strengthen the legislative and regulatory framework by: i) progressively banning non-biodegradable plastics; ii) rigorously enforcing the “polluter pays” principle, introducing a tax on non-recyclable plastics to encourage a reduction in their use, and iii) imposing strict eco-design standards on producers.

The Commission recommends that the Government establish a simple and sustainable waste-sorting system; this system should enable users (households, businesses, and public institutions) to separate waste at the source into three main categories: plastic, glass, and other types of waste (organic matter, paper, metals, etc.); the aim is to facilitate recycling and reduce environmental impact; this initiative should involve installing clearly marked and accessible sorting points equipped with labelled bins, raising user awareness about responsible waste management, and strengthening the waste collection system.

Download the statement here

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