Cameroon is a signatory to a number of international and regional instruments that seek to uphold the rights of children in general and the right to protection in particular. Among others, these include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child that features within the broader Human Rights Framework. The right to protection for all children is referenced in all these instruments. Article 19 of the CRC, for example, obliges States Parties to take measures to protect children from ‘all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse,
neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse’.
Despite the existence of these frameworks, the reality on the ground shows that children suffer relentless assaults on their rights. Children suffer from poverty, homelessness, abuse, neglect, and other social ills and it is on record that perpetrators include those in the home, school, community, and society at large. It would appear that the more vulnerable the children, the greater the likelihood of abuse perpetration against them. The categories mostaffected include girl children, children living and working on the street, children on the move, and children living with disabilities. Special measures may be needed to protect such children.
CADEF is committed to protecting children from violence and working with communities, schools, and government bodies that can play an active role in protecting children from harm.
Our programs include, the creation of community local mechanism such as child protection committees, providing them with training in child rights, positive discipline, and parenting techniques to educate families in their communities, we are helping to ensure children are safe from abuse and other child malpractices.
Every child has the right to feel safe, both at home and at school. we strive to tackle the causes of gender-based violence by working with girls, boys, partners, and communities.
The acts of violence undermine girls’ self-esteem, their opportunity to finish school, their freedom of movement, and ultimately, their ability to thrive.