Children’s Parliament: Members Speak Out Against Violence

Advocating against violence on children especially the girl child was the main message passed across by the 180 children parliamentarians who took part in the 22nd session of the children’s Parliament at the National Assembly this Saturday June 26 2021.

The session is convened at a time when the country worries about the level of violence meted out on children and also the growing social violence portrayed on social media.

Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Speaker of the National Assembly who chaired the session called on all government departments engaged in social activities to strongly engage in the fight against violence on youths.

Social Affairs Minister, Pauline Irene Nguene agreed that it is more important than ever to form a strong coalition to fight violence against children in Cameroon.

Deliberations at the Children’s Parliament

Members of government were very open to answer questions posed by the parliamentary body.

Questions came from both the children parliamentarians of the Centre region who were participating from the Yaoundé Conference Centre and those from the other regions participating on video conference.

Jaques Brian Ayuk from the south west region wondered what meaningful efforts are being made to fight violence against the young girl.

Minister Marie Therese Abena Ondoa of Women’s Empowerment and Family said the ministry is creating awareness among parents and the educational community to educate children at a tender level on the dangers of violence.

She added that they call on all young girls to denounce and speak out against any form of violence against them.

When asked about the falling rate of education of children in the minority groups of the Northern regions such as the mbororo, the ministry of Basic Education said they are carrying out educational programs to raise awareness on the importance of education in these communities.

Asheri Kilo talking for the ministry equally said they are partnering with NGOs to better promote education in such areas.

Children’s Parliament: the Recommendations

At the end of the 22nd session of the Children’s Parliament, the following recommendations were made;

usage of social media and the restrictive We recommond: strategies of youths to the responsible of protection of children against violence institutional mechanisms that take care of

-The strengthening of the legal framework of the protection of children against violence
-The systematic and obligatory birth registration of each child at birth
-The organisation of national, regional and local campaigns for the prevention of the fight against drug abuse amongst the youths
-Psychosocial support and the reinsertion of children suspected to be associated with armed groups and forces.

The Children’s Parliament also took the engagement to promote the rights of the child, in the school milieu as well as in extra curricular activities, and to become artisans of peace in their respective communities.

Bruno Ndonwie Funwie