Cameroon participated in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva from February 23 to 25, 2026. The Minister of External Relations, Lejeune Mbella Mbella, led the Cameroonian delegation and represented the country in discussions on international human rights issues.
During the session, Lejeune Mbella Mbella held bilateral talks with Ina Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, and with Hadi Bin Ali Mohammed Al-Yami, Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). These meetings provided an opportunity to address issues related to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as various topics of common interest.
The 61st session of the Human Rights Council takes place amidst high tensions for the international human rights system, marked by ongoing conflicts and a financial crisis within the United Nations. The agenda for this session includes discussions on the protection of human rights defenders, freedom of religion, human rights in the fight against terrorism, and the rights to food and housing. Concerns regarding human rights situations in countries such as Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Venezuela, China, Syria, South Sudan, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory/Israel are also under consideration.
The Human Rights Council, composed of 47 member states, is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. It convenes at the United Nations Office in Geneva and has the capacity to discuss all thematic human rights issues requiring special attention. The 61st session of the Human Rights Council is being held from February 23 to March 31, 2026.
Cameroon's participation in this session demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its diplomatic partnerships and contributing to multilateral efforts in favor of human rights.
