Page 5 INTRODUCTION An issue of prime concern to the Cameroonian Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, is child and youth protection. It is one of Government‟s priority actions, with at least nine ministerial departments assigned specifically to address the issue of protection and promotion of the rights of every child. Against this backdrop, Cameroon has ratified nearly all relevant legal instruments, including the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (5 June 1997). Following ratification, Member States are expected to submit the reports on the measures taken to the African Union‟s Bureau of the Committee of Experts, to give effect to the provisions of the Charter, and on the progress made in the exercise of these rights. This initial report on Cameroon outlines the legislative, administrative judiciary and other measures taken to give effect to the provisions of this legal instrument. The following are the relevant provisions prescribed by the committee of African experts: - General information on Cameroon General implementation measures Definition of the child General principles Civil rights and freedoms Family environment and foster care Basic health and welfare Education, leisure and cultural activities Special protection measures Responsibilities of the child