Global Conscience Releases newsletter
Today, June 16, 2008 Global Conscience Initiative (GCI), releases the first issue of its “Behind Bars” newsletter. “Behind Bars” works in conjunction with numerous human rights projects at GCI toward the overall achievement of human justice, mainly in Cameroon. The newsletter specifically focuses on prisoners' rights - whether they are upheld in the Kumba prison or violated by Cameroonian officials.
The four interns working on the project, , Dave, Hannah, Karen and Stephanie, will periodically take surveys of prisoners' conditions and interview related authorities to effectively understand the reality of Kumba Prison's conditions. The pertinent information obtained will be published in the newsletter to ensure dissemination of all necessary information concerning prison conditions. Additionally, the interns hope to provide “Behind Bars'” readers with prisoners' voices, with their first-hand accounts. It is the interns' vision to publish any information, poem, or story from Kumba's prisoners to provide these prisoners an outlet to tell their story.
Not only is “Behind Bars” a means to inform Kumba citizens of their rights and the violations being committed against them, but it hopes to extend its communication network and reach a widespread national network, including the international community. It must be viewed as an outlet to expose human and civil rights' abuses that will presumably open a door to other activists and international attention, and should work as a means to obtain justice for these prisoners
Interns Relaunch Human Rights Hour Radio Program
O n May 27 th Kumba's Ocean City Radio, in conjunction with local human rights NGO Global Conscience Initiative (GCI), relaunched its Human Rights Hour. Airing live every Tuesday at 11:00 AM this one-hour program seeks to increase awareness of human rights issues throughout Ocean City Radio's broadcast area.
Access to Justice interns and Ocean
City Radio Station Manager in the studio
The inaugural program was a roundtable discussion on alternative means of resolving disputes, moderated by station manager Mr. Shengang Richard and featuring American Casey Swegman and Canadians Laura Griffins and Alexa Swift, all GCI interns.
The program's second week witnessed a lively debate on prison reform and remand issues with GCI's other interns, Americans Karen Kielczewski, David Kienzler, Hannah Sporer and Swiss intern Stephanie Matter.
GCI's international interns will speak each week on the Human Rights Hour, discussing their projects and human rights issues that are affecting Kumba and Cameroon in the hopes of initiating a dialogue with Ocean City listeners who are encouraged to participate through calls and letters.
Prisoners Handbook Ready
Gl obal Conscience Initiative is proud to announce the launch of the first edition of their Prisoners' Rights Handbook in the weeks ahead. The purpose of the Handbook is to serve as an informational guide informing prisoners of their human and civil rights while incarcerated.
David Kienzler, Hannah Sporer, Karen Kielczewski and
Stephanie Matter pose with the Prisons Handbook
The guidebook is designed to spread awareness of these fundamental rights to prisoners' family, friends, and the Cameroonian public so that as a society, we can ensure that these rights are understood, promoted, and protected.
Global Conscience's first international intern, Niamh Browne conceived the idea of the handbook after she carried out a survey of the Kumba prisons and reported that prisoners and prison workers all lacked basic knowledge of the human rights of prisoners.
The Handbook has now been created by four international Global Conscience Initiative Interns: Hannah Sporer, David Kienzler, Stephanie Matter, and Karen Kielczewski. This team of interns commenced work in Kumba for the summer to investigate prison conditions, prisoners' rights, judiciary investigations, and bail conditions.
Hannah is a 21 year old human rights activist at Connecticut College where she studies Anthropology and French. She is from Massachusetts, USA.
David is a 26 year old studying law at New York University law School. He currently lives in New York City.
Stephanie is a 24 year old from Switzerland where she graduated from Lausanne University with a degree in Political Science.
Karen is a 25 year old law student at Seton Hall University in New Jersey and is from New York, USA.
The interns have researched international and Cameroonian laws and worked with local Barristers to compile the Handbook information.
Global Conscience Initiative hopes this Handbook can be implemented as a national resource tool and distributed throughout all of Cameroon.
In the spotlight: Barrister Ajebe Akame Gilbert
On Wednesday afternoon, Barrister Ajebe Akame Gilbert and Hannah Sporer spoke just outside Global Conscience Initiative's Office. Barrister Gilbert currently works for the Mbi-Nchenge law firm in Kumba, Cameroon. He has officially been practicing law for about one month. He also does pro bono work for Global Conscience Initiative:
Q : What drew you to a career in law?
A : I never intended to be a lawyer, but I did want to study law. When I was younger, my father was involved with some legal issues, which initially drew me to law. After my studies at University, I took up working at the Mbi-Nchenge law firm and began studying to be a lawyer as a first step into law. My passion lies in Human Rights Law. I am very excited to be working for Mr. Samba Churchill in the human rights field. I have always felt a strong drive to defend people, which is what actually brought me to GCI. In fact, I used to read Samba's works online.
Q : As a recently-inducted lawyer, what do you believe to be the major disadvantages of the Cameroonian legal system?
A : I believe there is too much bureaucracy. Also, cases are treated slowly and thus almost casually. There is a lack of adequate personnel and human resources. There are not enough court rooms and every subdivision needs a court, but this is not happening. The source of the problem is poor administration, and this needs to change.
Q : Do you see any advantages with the existing legal system?
A : What I can say as a beginner is that the system is transforming. There has been a move to harmonize the French and English criminal law and other laws (such as business law), which is important for national unity in the legal system. I believe that in days to come, the justice system will be up to standard.
Q : What are your impressions of the Kumba prison?
A : The living conditions are not the best. The prisoners are living in very unhygienic conditions. The smell inside the prison is terrible. I have also seen a lot of overcrowding, many prisoners become incredibly ill, and I have heard there is practice of torture.
Q : Have you witnessed any tortures?
A : Not personally, but many of my clients complain they are tortured. Many say they are whipped as a torture method.
Q: It is clear that there are issues with Cameroon's legal system and prisons. Can you personally do anything to improve the system?
A : Of course. I believe as an advocate that I have an opportunity to impose new dispositions in the new Criminal Code. For example, legally, there should be compensation for arbitrary legal or illegal detention, but this often does not happen in practice. To make a claim for said compensation would be innovative. I believe as an advocate there is a lot I can do to help, especially in terms of the Cameroonian justice system, inside and outside court, especially with GCI. I would like to educate the public, possibly through workshops focused on sensitive societal issues here. This will hopefully provide avenues to the public so it may help improve the justice system as well. I am just a beginner, but with that and a zeal for humanity, I can do a lot of good in the future.
Currently, Barrister Gilbert has petitioned for bail on behalf of an indigent prisoner who needs medical attention from a specialist. He is being denied this treatment which is in direct violation of international law. This matter will be discussed in further detail in the upcoming issues of “ Behind Bars.”
Visitors since 23/01/08 |
Behind Bars Newsletter No. 001 |
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