Cameroon
Grave Violations
- 274 grave violations against 178 children (152 boys, 21 girls, 5 sex unknown).
- 22 children (19 boys, 3 girls) were recruited and used.
- 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls) were detained for alleged association with armed groups.
- Killing (17) and maiming (12) of 29 children (25 boys, 4 girls).
- Sexual violence was perpetrated against 9 girls.
- Attacks on schools (73) and hospitals (7).
- 129 children (113 boys, 11 girls, 5 sex unknown) were abducted.
- 5 incidents of the denial of humanitarian access were verified.
Current situation
Ongoing hostilities in the Far North, North-West, and South-West Regions continue to undermine children’s rights, with boys being particularly at risk of abduction and recruitment by armed groups, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened, coordinated prevention and response efforts. In addition, the armed conflict is highly fragmented, with some 60 separatist factions operating independently and increasingly engaging in criminal violence and enforcing lockdowns of schools, leaving thousands of children out of education.
Developments and Concerns
- Welcome the training for law enforcement officers on the prevention of and response to violations against children in cooperation with the United Nations.
- Encouraging actions from the Government as it takes measures to strengthen accountability mechanisms for grave violations.