Born in 1997, Volunteers for Prison Inmates is a non-profit organization committed to ending human rights violations committed against prison inmates and detainees across Cameroon. We offer advocacy, educational programs, supplies, legal services, and much more to prisoners in need while advocating for legislation to improve the criminal justice system.

International Law makes it incumbent on States including Cameroon to respect the U.N. Charter. The UN Resolution 43/173 of the 09/12/1988 on the Body of Principles on Detention or Imprisonment is constantly being violated, especially Principle n° 1: -

“All persons under any form of detention or imprisonment shall be treated in a humane manner and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person”.

Because of inadequate supervision, the prison conditions are atrocious, falling below international standards. Over-crowding is a big cause for concern. Rehabilitatory services are practically non-existent. Medical or basic health care is absent.

These are the considerations which gave birth to VPI. Reforming the penal system of any civilized state is important in attempts to move towards good governance and the respect for human rights.