Cameroon Faces Child Protection Emergency as Sexual Abuse Cases Spark National Outrage
In Cameroon, child protection groups are calling for action after a series of child sexual abuse cases sparked protests across the country and raised concerns about children’s safety.
The recent cases of children as young as three have revealed major failings in safeguarding systems. In one widely reported case, a three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually abused while attending school in Yaoundé, leading to public demonstrations and demands for accountability. The case highlighted the duty of schools to provide a safe environment and act quickly on allegations made against children.
Other reported cases include teachers accused of sexually abusing pupils, and sexual assault by people known to the affected children. The incidents have highlighted concerns that children are at risk from individuals in positions of trust and that strong safeguarding policies are needed.
The murder of 11-year-old Divine Mbarga Atangana, who died after being beaten and bruised, has sparked calls for more justice and child protection. The #JusticeForDivine campaign has helped bring attention to the need for change to stop such tragedies from happening again.
Child rights groups say that poverty, fear of retribution, social stigma and lack of legal assistance are among the reasons why many incidents of child sexual abuse go unreported. These obstacles frequently make it difficult for children and families affected by these barriers to access justice and protection.
As a response, the Bar Association of Cameroon has set up a team of lawyers to assist affected persons of sexual violence for free, and child protection groups are demanding that school staff be subject to background checks, tougher laws against child sexual abuse, child-friendly reporting systems, and better support for children who are victims of sexual violence.
Child protection professionals emphasize the need for a multi-sectoral response from governments, schools, families, communities, and law enforcement to prevent child abuse. They believe that all children deserve to be raised in a safe environment free from abuse, where abuse is reported and acted upon promptly.
