Minister crusades more protection for children in moral danger.

This was during the first session of the National Commission for the Protection of Children at Moral Risk, Delinquent, or Abandoned. 

The session which had in attendance several stakeholders was under the theme: “Strategies for the care of children at moral risk in Cameroon: the role of stakeholders”.

Minister Irène Nguene thanked national and international partners for supporting multifaceted actions to ensure children’s rights are respected. She stated that child protection constitutes one of the priorities of the social policy of the Head of State, Paul Biya.

Multiple challenges facing Cameroon, she said, has exposed more children to danger. “Child vulnerability is an unacceptable situation and a constant concern for public authorities,” she stated, adding that the situation deprives kids of enjoying their fundamental rights.

Vulnerabilities, remains one of the “main causes of psychological scars and other traumas that plague” kids throughout life.

Commission’s role

Highlighting the role of the commission, the Minister said the plagues faced by children justifies, beyond any doubt, the establishment of several exchange bodies to tackle the situation. Irene Nguene noted that issues related to childhood remain preoccupying.

She said “the main mission is to engage in reflections related to children in situations of moral danger, delinquency, or abandonment,” adding that irrespective. 

Citing data from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, the member of government said approximately one in four children lives in countries affected by socio-humanitarian crises.

The situation, the minister noted, inevitably constitute the starting point of plagues that produce situations of violation of the rights of children. Some of the consequences going by her include; lack of access to medical care, potable water, sanitation, nutrition and quality education.

The minister declared that: “Due to this natural vulnerability, the survival of the child becomes a daily and constant challenge. The social norms governing the behaviour of children are affected, making them even more vulnerable to certain abuses and exploitation”.

Without a protective environment, she said children can develop abnormal antisocial behaviours, leading them towards deviations and depravations of all kinds.

Minister Irene Nguene disclosed that government is working to put in place a framework that ensures children fully enjoy their rights.

Call to stake holders

She appealed to stakeholders to put children at the heart of reflections.  Wednesday’s discussions, she said, was the start of “…a demanding process…which should lead to the identification of strategies for the care of children in moral danger”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3742 of Thursday March 26, 2026