In Labour Day message: Rights commission boss drums best practices in employment chain.

The Day was observed on the theme: “Social dialogue and decent work: factors of peace, national cohesion and economic development of the company”. 

Prof Koliba argued that embracing best practices will place Cameroon on the right path to sustaining the availability of decent jobs. This, he noted, will serve as a tool to improve national cohesion, peace and economic development.

He said institutions such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the National Social Insurance Fund, CNPS, trade unions and judicial bodies must work in synergy.

Prof Kobila said “promoting constructive social dialogue and guaranteeing decent work, are essential factors for social peace, national cohesion, and the sustainable development of enterprises…”.

Such steps, he insisted, are crucial owing to the disturbing realities workers face across the country. The right to decent work and to fair remuneration, Prof Kobila noted, remains uneven in the country despite the constitutional guarantees.

“…many workers particularly those in the informal economy and those employed in areas affected by insecurity and social protection remains sub-optimal and access to professional remedies are administratively complex while the widespread recourse to precarious forms of employment exacerbates a worrying level of in-work poverty…,” Prof Kobila stated.

Fruit of far-reaching failure

Prof Kobila acknowledged what he described as the multiple efforts that have been made by the government to better the situation of workers.

He cited the non-compliance by certain employers, particularly in the private sector to certain laws in place. Prof Kobila cited he March 2023 prime ministerial decree to fix the Guaranteed Inter-professional Minimum Wage at 60,000 FCFA.

He argued that the non-respect of the guideline not only undermines fair labour practices, but also adversely affects a range of other rights, including the right to adequate standard of living and social security.

Prof Kobila added that the situation leaves workers with persistent challenges that deny them of the chance to full enjoyment of their rights as workers in the country.

The rights commission boss decried “the predominance of employment in the informal sector characterized by low incomes, abuses of authority and power, intimidation, discrimination against workers, lack of access to social security due to the non-registration of employees with the National Social Insurance Fund as well as non-payment of social contributions”. 

Hails State’s efforts 

The Commission boss lauded the government for the efforts to improve the situation of workers nationwide.

Prof Kobila said the Commission is pleased with the government for efforts to mitigate the impact of cuts US funding cuts in certain health programmes that support community health workers.

Revisits commission strides

Speaking during an event organised by the commission to mark the Labor Day, he saluted the institution’s staff for efforts made to keep the institution functional.

He praised the staff for their contributions in ensuring the successful commemoration of the 2026 Labor Day. Recall that the Day was marked at the Commission by a football match played against the National Civil Status Bureau, a sport walk and an educational talk.

Prof Kobila promised that: “True to its mandate, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission will continue to work towards a fair, equitable and respectful working environment that upholds human dignity”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026