CENSREHURD condemns abuse against minors, urges stronger legislation.

He cited the recent alleged rape of a three-year-old pupil in a school in the Odza neigbourhood in Yaounde. 

Dr Pefela condemned the acts of rape, defilement, incest, child molestation, sexual harassment, trafficking, and exploitation against minors. He drummed the need for stronger legislation.

He wrote that the country has in recent times recorded unbearable and heartbreaking reality in which young girls and boys, who should be protected, nurtured, and educated in safe environments, are increasingly becoming victims of horrifying sexual crimes in homes, schools, neighborhoods, religious spaces, and even within circles of trust”.

The Executive Director indicated that CENSREHURD considers the growing culture of sexual violence against minors as a grave violation of human rights, child dignity.

He added that: “It represents a serious threat to the psychological wellbeing, education, development, and future of Cameroon’s children”.

Drums tougher legal measures, mechanisms

The body which is renowned amongst other things for its landmark human rights promotion activities, called for timely actions to effectively tackle the issues. 

Dr Pelega wrote that the culture of impunity surrounding perpetrators and sex predators must be stopped. He said government needs to boost the implementation of child protection laws and ensure effective prosecution of perpetrators. 

Stakeholders should step up efforts

The Executive Director also urged schools to setup stronger safeguarding mechanisms, child protection policies, counseling systems, and confidential reporting channels.

He also encouraged “parents and guardians to foster open communication with children, monitor their environments, and promptly report suspected abuse…” 

The organization further advocated the promotion of sext education and child protection campaigns. This, Dr Pelega wrote, will empower children to identify, resist, and report abuse.

The body also “appeals for psychosocial, medical, and legal support services for survivors of rape and sexual assault, especially minors from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities”.

He called on the public to report any form of abuse and stand up against “…any attempt to shield perpetrators because of social status, family ties, financial influence, or institutional power” 

The organisation in the May 28 outing, equally emphasized the roles of religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, media institutions, and community leaders in fighting against the vices.

CENSREHURD indicated that child protection is a collective responsibility. It called for a united front “to confront this crisis with urgency and determination”.

Time to act is now

According to the organisation, Cameroon must act now in tackling the growing abuse of children which has led to the deaths in some cases.

The institution insisted that timely actions will not only restore trust and defend human dignity but play decisive roles in promoting a brighter future for children.

“The future of Cameroon depends on the safety and wellbeing of its children. We must act now to restore trust, protect innocence, defend human dignity, and ensure that every child grows in an environment free from fear, abuse, and violence,” the body said.

CENSREHURD added that it stands in solidarity with all survivors and affected families. It also reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to promoting human rights, child protection, justice, and social development in Cameroon” adding that: “Every child deserves protection. Every survivor deserves justice…”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3804 of Monday June 01, 2026