March 3, 2023, Matoh Meme State, Northern Ambazonia: the Abduction of 40 Unarmed Youths by Cameroon Occupation Forces, subjecting them to mistreatment and holding them in detention. This incident has sparked widespread concern due to its severe human rights implications and its violation of International Law, reflecting the ongoing crisis in Ambazonia.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law
The abduction and detention of 40 Unarmed Youths by Cameroon’s Forces constitute war crimes under International Law (IL). According to the Geneva Conventions, which regulate the conduct of armed forces in wartime, civilians are protected from arbitrary detention and acts of violence. The unlawful targeting of non-combatants, as in this case, breaches the principle of distinction, which mandates that military operations must spare civilians and civilian property. By holding and mistreating civilians, the occupation forces have directly violated these critical humanitarian protections.

Human Rights Violations and Abuse
The unlawful detention and mistreatment of the 40 Unarmed Youths also represent gross violations of fundamental human rights. International treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) ensure individuals’ rights to personal freedom, security, and protection from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Cameroon’s actions in Ambazonia are in direct contradiction to these protections, leaving civilians vulnerable to physical and psychological abuse without legal recourse or justification.

International Standards on Arrests and Treatment
International Law mandates that any arrest or detention must be conducted according to legal procedures, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to abuse or mistreatment. By failing to adhere to these principles, Cameroon’s Occupation Forces have undermined the integrity of legal standards during wartime. Their actions violate the rights of civilians and disregard International Humanitarian norms aimed at protecting vulnerable populations during times of war, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Ambazonia.

THE 40 ABDUCTED YOUTH.