Story, Ghatim Patience
In a significant step towards protecting children’s rights, community leaders in Cameroon have pledged to promote positive parenting and end corporal punishment.
The commitment was made during a ceremony organized by UNICEF in Yaoundé on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 to mark the International Day to End Corporal Punishment against Children.
About forty religious leaders, both Christians and Muslims, including civil society actors vowed to use their influence to mobilize their communities against harmful practices and support child protection.
This commitment is a crucial step towards creating a safe and nurturing environment for Cameroonian children, free from violence and corporal punishment.
To solidify their commitment, a charter was signed between UNICEF and the community leaders, outlining their shared goals and responsibilities in promoting child rights and preventing corporal punishment.
The charter serves as a framework for collaboration and collective action to protect children from harm.
UNICEF Resident Representative, Nadine Perrault, applauded the community leaders’ commitment, saying, “community and religious leaders play a central role in this effort by mobilizing their communities to adopt positive behaviors, reject harmful practices, and support child protection”.
UNICEF is also advocating for a complete ban on corporal punishment in Cameroon, following the example of other countries that have already taken this step.
“We hope very soon Cameroon will be among the African countries with a total ban on corporal punishment,” said UNICEF’s Resident Representative, Nadine Perrault.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of awareness programs on children’s rights, training for professionals, and helpline services to report and seek support.
By working together, community leaders, UNICEF, and the government can create a protective environment for children and promote positive discipline methods.
This commitment is a beacon of hope for Cameroonian children, and UNICEF looks forward to continuing its partnership with community leaders to promote child rights and end corporal punishment.
