Child Labour
23. The Committee welcomes measures implemented by the State Party to tackle
child labour, including the setting up, in 2014, of a National Committee on the
fight against the worst forms of child labour, the organization of several multisector campaigns and workshops on issues related to child trafficking as well as
the adoption of the National Policy on the Comprehensive Development of the
Young Child. Notwithstanding, the Committee notes with concern the number of
children involved in child labour and the number of children living on the street.
The Committee therefore urges the State Party to continue the implementation of
legislative and other measures adopted to combat child labour by:
Ensuring the application and implementation of the existing laws, texts and
regulations on the prevention of the worst forms of child labour;
Implementing a national plan of action to fight against the worst forms of child
labour;
Establishing rehabilitation centers equipped with professional staff on social
reintegration services to assist child victims;
Administration of Juvenile Justice
24. The Committee welcomes the achievements of the State Party in the
administration of juvenile justice, particularly with the provision of legal
assistance to children in conflict with the law. However the Committee is
concerned about the living conditions, wellbeing and education of children in
detention. The Committee therefore urges the State Party to:
Ensure access to education for children in detention;
Improve the living conditions of detained children by providing more rooms and
playgrounds as well as ensuring environmental hygine.
Protection against Harmful Social and Cultural practices
25. The Committee appreciates the measures taken to fight against harmful
traditional practices including the creation of a platform for collaboration between
the State (MINPROFF) and the Council of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries of
Cameroon (CIDIMUC) to eliminate FGM. The Committee also notes the
broadcasting of programmes on the rights of children in the fight against harmful
traditional and cultural practices amongst other strategies. However, the
Committee recognises the need for more action in the area of child marriage and
child cohabitation and the practice of FGM. The Committee therefore urges the
State Party to:
Adopt a law on FGM and on other forms of serious injury to the privacy of girls ;
Take measures against other subtle forms of child marriage (children
cohabitation).