ACHPR/37/OS/11/437 22 - The Special Rapporteur noted that the severe problem of over crowding in Cameroonian Prisons is partly due to the slow pace of justice, and the attendant disregard of the right to fair trial, and bail rights. - She noted that most of the inmates are awaiting trial in complete darkness as to the status of their specific cases for years. Since they also could not afford to pay the transportation fee [for instance, at Bafang it is 6000 FCFA to go to Bafousam to appear before the Court of Appeal], they remain frustrated and probably lose their cases. - The authorities had indicated that juvenile trials needed to be witnessed by the Minister of Social Affairs. The inmates, however, indicated that this caused unnecessary delay in the pace of the trial, as the Minister of Social Affairs never attended the same. - The Special Rapporteur notes that there are no comprehensive and enough programmes for the re-education and physical exercises of minors; - Some women are imprisoned with their children who eat the same food as adults, thereby potentially affecting their growth; - Insufficient funds allocated for the maintenance of premises, and prison buildings thereby maintaining the sad state of affairs. - Difficulties for some prisoners who have no resources to pay for their exorbitant bail, which are the majority and hence contributing to overcrowding; - Failure to resolve the cases of those on remand quickly, sometimes taking over many years before being sentenced, Good Practices The Special Rapporteur would like to make reference to some interesting experiences and practices that could be generalised throughout the rest of the country and could serve as an example to other African institutions and countries. Administration of Bafang Central Prison The Special Rapporteur would like to mention the efforts made to improve life under very difficult circumstances by the administrator of the Bafang Principal Prison. The Administrator’s humble approach to the immense challenge he was faced by treating inmates with respect and humility without compromising his authority was indeed exemplary as was seen in his strong cooperative relationship with the inmates. Inmates indicated that he had given strict instruction to his wardens that the latter should not beat or torture inmates. Although the prison in other respects was faced with similar crippling burdens, the Special Rapporteur wishes to bring it up as deserving a special mention merely because the administrator managed to show the

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