Commemoration of the 32nd Edition of the Day of the African Child
Cameroon joined the rest of the Continent to commemorate the 32nd edition of the Day of the African Child
on June 16, 2022 under the theme “Elimination of harmful practices affecting children: progress on policy and practices since 2013”. Minister Pauline Irene NGUENE, on this occasion made an official statement at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
She highlighted the reasons why the African Union chose this theme which is to show the importance of socio-cultural realties in the establishment of the personality of an individual as well as the harmful impacts that some socio-cultural practices can have on the development and wellbeing of the child. She equally traced the history of this day which was initiated after the massacre of children who were advocating for their rights by the Apartheid regime in Soweto, South Africa. Today it is an occasion for African states to discuss about the wellbeing of children who are the future of the continent.
She empathized on the fact that inclusion and social justice are key values dear to the Head of State President Biya reason why social protection of the child is a major priority of social policy in Cameroon evident by ratification of quasi-total of legal instruments and putting in place of appreciable legal, institutional and strategic framework for child protection. Some harmful socio-cultural practices affecting children such as early and forced marriages, child labour, violence was highlighted. She concluded her statement by saying No to harmful practices affecting children while wishing the African