Country Overview
Cameroon
At a glance
Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?
Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?
Legal Gender Recognition Possible?
LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?
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In Cameroon, same-sex relations are criminalized with punishments of up to five years in prison, and police actively enforce the law. Generally, violence against LGBTIQ people has increased in recent years. Law enforcement officials and security forces have verbally assaulted, tortured and subjected people detained for same-sex relations or gender nonconformity to forced anal examinations. People accused of being LGBTIQ have also been the victims of extortion and mob violence. Civil society organizations that provide support to LGBTIQ people have been subjected to eviction, vandalism, theft and attacks. Religious leaders against LGBTIQ people influence public opinion.
Global Impact
Sub-Saharan Africa
Outright supports LGBTIQ organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa and works with mainstream human rights organizations to respect human rights and influence positive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that cause discrimination against LGBTIQ people.
United Nations
Our work at the United Nations centers around advocating for the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ people.
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Our work in the Americas continues to build on the fundamental and positive transformation of human rights protections in recent years. We partner with groups in the Caribbean that focus on ending gender-based violence and eradicating discrimination against trans people.
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