Minister calls for reinforced measures to combat violence against children.

This, she said, will be through strengthened coordination, expanded services and improved response mechanisms linked to the national child protection helpline, 116. 

She was speaking while opening a methodological guidance workshop dedicated to developing a comprehensive framework for services surrounding the helpline on Friday, November 21.

The event took place at the National Centre for Trainer Training and Programme Development. It was part of activities marking the 2025 International Children’s Rights Day, celebrated this year under the theme: “My Day, My Rights”.

Key actors in the child protection, including government agencies, security forces, human rights institutions, and development partners attended the event which aimed at reviewing, proposing and validating methodologies for rapid and holistic child support. 

Prof Abena Ondoa told participants that the toll-free number, 116, is more than just a helpline, but “an instrument of justice and a means of action for the protection of children”. 

She said each call made to the service carries within it a child’s hope for safety, relief, and justice. 

“Behind every call to 116 lies a dream, a hope: that of a better tomorrow, that of an urgent and effective solution to the violence the child is a victim of,” the minister said.

Calls for all-inclusive, rapid support

The minister stressed that the call centre alone cannot prevent all violations of children’s rights but must be complemented by a coordinated chain of services spanning security, legal assistance, psychological support, healthcare and social protection.

“This mechanism must be supported by appropriate services. The objective of the project we are launching today is to discuss the modalities for implementing services around 116, taking into account the specific needs of children and families,” she emphasised.

Prof Abena Ondoa expressed confidence in the expertise of the stakeholders present in achieving the objectives set for the work. She also tasked participants to share experiences and federate forces to design proper coordination tools, define roles and set minimum service standards to ensure every reported case is handled with professionalism and urgency.

Minister says helpline national response to global crisis

While touching on the country’s efforts within a broader international context, she reminded participants that November 20 marks the anniversary of the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, one of the most universally ratified human rights instruments in the world. 

She regretted that despite global commitments, violence against children remains widespread and alarming. 

The minister further cited shocking global statistics indicating 160 million children are engaged in child labour, many in hazardous conditions; 244 million school-age children remain out of school; millions lack access to basic healthcare and vaccines.

She also revealed that nearly 50 million children are refugees or internally displaced due to conflict and climate change, added to unregulated technological exposure which places them at growing risk of cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and harmful online content.

“These figures remind us that children are in danger,” the minister lamented, adding that Cameroon is not exempt from the crisis.

“I remain convinced that by combining our efforts, we can significantly improve the daily lives of children in our country,” she affirmed.

Cites local realities, need for urgent concerns

Prof Abena Ondoa condemned the increasing cases of abuse, exploitation and violence against children within the country. 

She cited recent cases of violence on children in the country among them: the murder of 11-year-old Karl Olivier in the Minkan neighbourhood in Yaounde and the killing of a three-year-old girl in Manjo, Littoral Region. 

These, she said, illustrate the “inhuman and degrading treatment” children continue to endure.

Commends partners for continuous support

The minister also extended gratitude to technical and financial partners including UNICEF and Plan International Cameroon for their continuous support in strengthening the country’s child protection systems and helping government meet international standards and improve national response mechanisms.

Workshop to strengthen standard operating procedures

The Director for the Promotion and Protection of the Family and the Rights of the Child, Moto Francesca Youngm, said the workshop will help to clearly define Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs.

She said it will also guide how agencies receive, process, and respond to reports to ensure consistency among actors such as police units, gendarmerie brigades, health centres, and social welfare services.

“There should be minimum standards so that stakeholders render appropriate and child-sensitive services. Children are not mature; they need specialised care,” she insisted. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3635 of Monday November 24, 2025