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The Global Fight Against Torture: Laws, Courage, and Our Collective Responsibility Torture is one of humanity’s most abhorrent crimes — a deliberate assault not only on the body, but on the dignity, identity, and hope of its victims. While it thrives in silence, impunity, and neglect, the world has not remained indifferent. Across decades, nations and communities have come together to codify the inalienable truth: no person, under any circumstance, should be subjected to torture. At PATHS International, our advocacy is deeply rooted in this global legal framework. We honor the brave survivors who refuse to be broken, and we stand firm on the foundation of international, regional, and national laws that criminalize torture in all its forms. What International Law Says About Torture The prohibition of torture is a cornerstone of modern human rights law — an absolute, non-derogable right meaning it cannot be suspended, even in war, public emergency, or any other situation. The United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), adopted in 1984, is the most comprehensive treaty explicitly outlawing torture globally. Article 2 of the Convention states: “No exceptional circumstances whatsoever… may be invoked as a justification of torture.” This binding treaty obligates state parties to criminalize acts of torture, investigate allegations, prosecute offenders, and provide redress and rehabilitation to survivors. Other international instruments that firmly prohibit torture include: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) — Article 5: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — Article 7 enshrines the same absolute prohibition. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998) recognizes torture as both a crime against humanity and a war crime. Regional Human Rights Conventions Combatting Torture Regional systems have amplified this fight, adapting protections to local contexts: The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981) — Article 5 declares:“Every individual shall have the right to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being… No one may be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment.” The European Convention on Human Rights (1950) — Article 3 prohibits torture in absolute terms. The American Convention on Human Rights (1969) and the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture (1985) both reinforce these protections within the Americas. Such frameworks equip civil society groups like PATHS International with legal avenues to demand accountability, support survivors, and push for policy reforms globally. Why It Matters Despite these legal obligations, torture persists in police cells, military barracks, conflict zones, and prisons. Many survivors face isolation, stigma, and injustice long after the physical wounds fade. Laws alone are not enough. We need sustained, courageous activism and survivor-led advocacy to break cycles of impunity. PATHS International works relentlessly to: Provide survivors with trauma-informed care, legal aid, and shelter. Educate law enforcement and judicial systems on human rights-compliant practices. Expose abuses and advocate for national laws aligned with UNCAT and regional treaties. Partner with international mechanisms like the UN Committee Against Torture and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to pursue justice. Take Action Ending torture is not a distant, abstract goal. It is a moral and legal duty for every nation — and a shared responsibility for us all. By upholding the commitments enshrined in international and regional conventions, and by listening to the voices of survivors, we can dismantle systems of cruelty and restore dignity where it was once denied. Join PATHS International in this mission. Speak out. Advocate. Support survivors.Because silence is complicity, and courage changes everything.

Justice for Diane Yangwo: A Call to Action Against Gender-Based Violence Violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide, manifesting in various forms and contexts. Among these forms, gender-based violence (GBV) is particularly concerning, as it targets individuals based on their gender or perceived gender. GBV includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, and it disproportionately affects women and girls. This type of violence is rooted in societal inequalities and power imbalances between genders, often leading to severe consequences for victims.Moreover, GBV is not only a violation of human rights but also a significant public health concern. It can lead to physical injuries, mental health issues, and even death. The impact of GBV extends beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and societies as a whole. It can hinder economic development, perpetuate cycles of violence, and undermine social cohesion. Understanding GBV requires acknowledging its complex causes and manifestations. It is often linked to cultural norms, social expectations, and economic factors that perpetuate gender inequality. Addressing GBV effectively involves challenging these underlying factors and promoting gender equality through education, policy reforms, and community engagement.Diane Yangwo, a teacher at the Ndogpassi Nylon Bilingual High School in Douala, Cameroon, tragically lost her life due to injuries inflicted by her husband, Bekobe Éric. The autopsy revealed that her death was caused by physical violence complicated by internal abdominal hemorrhage. This case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, a form of GBV that can lead to fatal outcomes. In addition, domestic violence is a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting millions of women and girls. It is characterized by a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. This abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.Furthermore, the case of Diane Yangwo underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence, which is often underreported and inadequately addressed by legal systems. The lack of effective legal protections and societal support can leave victims feeling isolated and vulnerable. The recent verdict in Bekobe Éric’s trial has sparked widespread outrage. Despite his guilty plea, he received a five-year suspended sentence and a fine of 52,000 FCFA, a decision many view as lenient and unjust. This verdict has raised questions about the justice system’s commitment to protecting victims of GBV and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences. Consequently, the lenient sentence in Diane Yangwo’s case is not an isolated incident. It reflects broader systemic issues in how GBV cases are handled by legal systems. Often, perpetrators receive minimal penalties, which can embolden them and deter victims from seeking justice. Moreover, the lenient sentence in Diane Yangwo’s case has several negative implications. It may embolden potential perpetrators by suggesting that violence against women can be committed with minimal legal repercussions. Furthermore, it undermines the trust in the legal system among victims of GBV, potentially discouraging them from seeking justice. The verdict also highlights the need for stronger legal protections and more effective enforcement mechanisms to combat GBV. The case of Diane Yangwo has ignited a wave of protests from women’s rights advocates and civil society groups. Many have expressed their outrage, arguing that the sentence trivializes the severity of the crime and may perpetuate a culture of impunity. Sociologist Aladin Thiam described the verdict as “an absolute scandal” that sends a dangerous message to potential perpetrators. Similarly, women’s rights defenders emphasized that such leniency could embolden individuals to commit similar crimes with minimal consequences. In response to the public outcry, an appeal has been filed by Diane’s family and the public prosecutor, seeking to revisit the judiciary’s decision and challenge its leniency. This move underscores the determination of those seeking justice for Diane and highlights the need for a more robust legal framework to address violence against women. The Diane Yangwo case underscores the urgent need for policy reforms in Cameroon to effectively address femicides and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate legal consequences. The current legal system’s inability to deliver justice in such cases not only fails the victims but also undermines societal trust in the judiciary.Therefore, it is crucial for governments and legal systems to prioritize the protection of women’s rights and lives. This includes implementing stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence against women and ensuring that the justice system is equipped to handle such cases with the seriousness they deserve. The case of Diane Yangwo serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust advocacy against all forms of violence, particularly violence against women. It is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to create a society where women can live without fear of violence. This includes advocating for stricter laws against GBV, enhancing judicial training to handle such cases sensitively, and promoting public awareness about the severity of GBV.Paths International stands in solidarity with the family of Diane Yangwo and the broader community advocating for justice in her case. We believe that it is essential to prioritize the protection of women’s rights and lives. This includes implementing stricter penalties for perpetrators of violence against women and ensuring that the justice system is equipped to handle such cases with the seriousness they deserve. In conclusion, the case of Diane Yangwo is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence. It highlights the need for immediate action to protect women’s rights and lives. By advocating for policy reforms, enhancing judicial training, promoting public awareness, and supporting victims, we can create a safer, more just world for all. Paths International is committed to this cause, and we invite you to join us in demanding justice for Diane Yangwo and advocating for an end to violence against women. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for generations to come.Ultimately, the story of Diane Yangwo serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and hope. It reminds us that even in the

The Plight of Refugees in Nigeria: A Story of Resilience and Hoping Voices The refugee crisis in Nigeria is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict, displacement, and socio-political instability. Among the many camps scattered across the country, those hosting refugees from neighboring Cameroon stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. As of 2020, Nigeria hosted approximately 63,000 Cameroonian refugees, primarily in states like Cross River, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Taraba. These refugees fled their homes due to the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, which began in 2017. The conflict stems from socio-political tensions and violent clashes between separatist groups and government forces, leading to widespread destruction, loss of lives, and displacement. In addition to Cameroonian refugees, Nigeria grapples with internal displacement caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, communal clashes, and conflicts between herders and farmers in the Middle Belt. The Boko Haram insurgency has been a major driver of displacement, with over 2.2 million people displaced in the Northeast as of 2022, primarily in Borno State. These crises have uprooted millions, forcing them to seek refuge in camps and host communities. The threat of violence and torture is ever-present, as many have been subjected to brutal treatment by insurgents or security forces. The displacement situation in Nigeria is further complicated by the shutdown of IDP camps, which has left many without adequate shelter or support. Moreover, the causes of displacement in Nigeria are multifaceted and interconnected. The Boko Haram insurgency has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with many IDPs facing challenges in accessing basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education. Communal clashes and herder-farmer conflicts have also contributed to the displacement, often fueled by resource competition and ethnic tensions. The ongoing security challenges in Nigeria underscore the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the root causes of displacement and the immediate needs of those affected. This includes providing safe and sustainable living conditions, ensuring access to essential services, and fostering an environment that supports the recovery and resilience of displaced populations.Similarly, life in refugee camps, such as the Adagom camp in Nigeria, is marked by numerous challenges. These camps are often overcrowded, leading to inadequate access to essential amenities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Refugees, particularly women and children, are highly susceptible to malnutrition, infectious diseases, and exploitation. The lack of economic opportunities exacerbates their situation, leaving many reliant on humanitarian aid for survival. In the context of Adagom camp, refugees face similar hardships. The camp was established in mid-2018 to accommodate Cameroonian refugees fleeing violence in their homeland. Despite efforts by organizations like UNHCR and MSF to provide aid, refugees still struggle with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Children in these camps face significant barriers to education, with limited access to schools and educational resources. The psychological impact of displacement is profound, as refugees deal with the trauma of losing their homes and loved ones.Furthermore, the Adagom camp, like many others, highlights the broader issues faced by refugees worldwide, including overcrowding, poor living conditions, and limited access to essential services. Efforts to improve these conditions are ongoing, but the challenges remain substantial. Additionally, for many refugees, the journey to the camp is marked by unimaginable trauma, including torture. The experience of violence and torture often leaves deep psychological scars, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The fear of further violence and the struggle to find healing in a foreign land exacerbate their plight. Torture survivors frequently exhibit physical symptoms such as chronic pain, particularly headaches and back pain, which are often dismissed as psychosomatic complaints but are directly linked to their traumatic experiences. Consequently, the trauma of torture can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. In the context of refugee camps, where resources are limited and privacy is scarce, addressing these issues is particularly challenging. Organizations working in these environments must prioritize psychological support and counseling to help survivors of torture rebuild their lives. The fear of torture can deter refugees from seeking help or reporting abuses, further complicating their situation. It is crucial for humanitarian organizations to establish trust and ensure confidentiality to encourage refugees to come forward and receive the support they need.Meanwhile, the lack of economic opportunities further exacerbates their plight, leaving many dependent on humanitarian aid for survival. The psychological toll of displacement is profound, as refugees grapple with the trauma of losing their homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. For those who have experienced torture, the trauma is compounded by the fear of further violence and the struggle to find healing in a foreign land. The prevalence of PTSD among refugees can range from 30% to 80%, significantly higher than in the general population. In response to these challenges, Paths International’s intervention at the Adagom Camp camps was crucial. In 2020, we visited the Adagom refugee camp and provided essential items like food supplies , mattresses, toiletries and buckets which alleviated immediate suffering and offered a symbol of solidarity and compassion. The distribution of food items helped combat hunger and malnutrition, while the provision of mattresses, toiletries, and buckets improved living conditions, offering refugees a semblance of comfort and dignity. This intervention highlights the importance of collective action in addressing humanitarian crises and inspires other organizations to join PAThS international for greater achievements.Despite the overwhelming challenges, refugees embody resilience and hope. Their ability to adapt to new environments, rebuild their lives, and maintain a sense of community is a testament to the human spirit. The resilience of refugees is often rooted in their hope for a better future. Many hold onto the dream of returning home one day, rebuilding their communities, and living in peace. This hope drives them to seek education, learn new skills, and engage in community activities that promote healing and unity.Moreover, community and social support play a crucial role in helping refugees cope with their experiences. In the