The Cameroon Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), have released a statement, expressing dismay at the alleged sex scandal within the Cameroon Volleyball Federation, and calling for immediate action to unveil the truth.
Multiple reports talk of five girls sexually abused by officials of the volleyball federation, claims which the WHRDs have said are yet to be verified.
The rights group raised worries over the negative perception the rapid dissemination of the news could bring to the careers of young girls. ‘Such perceptions can discourage women from engaging in sports and creative environments’ the group said.
‘The escalating controversy fuelled by conflicting reports and the recent request for evidence and denial by FECAVolley, leaves us WHRDs, uncertain whether to believe the allegations or maintain confidence in the state’s ability to protect women and girls in sports’ it added.
The Women Human Rights Defenders have urged the state to establish a committee to conduct ‘credible investigations’ into the
allegations against FECAVolley and hold perpetrators accountable if the scandal turns out to be true.
The statement also added that if the investigation shows otherwise, ‘those who propagated the news should be held accountable’.
Source: Cameroon News Agency