The abduction and killing of innocent, unarmed civilians violate Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions
December 30, 2018, Bamenda, Mezam State, Northern Ambazonia: The Cameroon Occupation Forces Abducted and killed two Innocent and unarmed Bike Riders. This incident constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which are designed to protect civilians in armed conflict. The abduction and killing of innocent, unarmed civilians violate Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, which prohibits violence against individuals who are not taking part in hostilities, including murder, mutilation, torture, and cruel treatment. By targeting the two bike riders—who were civilians and posed no threat—the Cameroon Occupation Forces breached their obligation to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants during conflict.
Furthermore, the act violates Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the inherent right to life and explicitly forbids arbitrary deprivation of life. The targeted abduction and extrajudicial killing of the bike riders by state forces demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the sanctity of life and international legal protections afforded to civilians. These actions underscore the Occupation Forces’ systemic use of terror tactics against the civilian population in Northern Ambazonia.
The abduction of individuals in this context also constitutes an enforced disappearance, a recognized violation under Article 2 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Enforced disappearances are particularly heinous as they strip victims of all legal protections, often resulting in inhumane treatment and summary execution. Such tactics instill fear and insecurity among the local population, forcing compliance through brutality.
In addition to breaching international law, the deliberate killing of unarmed civilians reflects a systematic campaign of oppression. Under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), such acts are considered war crimes, particularly “willful killing” and “violence to life and person” in a conflict setting. These crimes not only violate the rights of individuals but also severely undermine the principles of humanity and justice. The perpetrators must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent further violations.
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