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region or community in which the household lives; the characteristics of the household
head, namely his level of education, religion, socio-economic group and where he plies
his trade, all determine whether children will be put to work or not.
Difficulties
All these efforts notwithstanding, the problem is far from being solved, because of
the tenacity of the perpetrators and the community‟s reluctance to report known cases.
The withdrawal of donors such as ILO has not helped matters. For instance, 3,000
children rescued from exploitation are still awaiting support for their reintegration.
Likewise, extension of similar projects to the seven other regions may also prove difficult.
Furthermore, the notion of child labour, as defined by international conventions,
does not always fit in with the specific socio-cultural circumstances of Cameroon, which
considers the work of children as a socializing activity to prepare them for adulthood.
Prospects
A draft procedure manual for the care of child slavery and exploitation victims is
being prepared. A draft national action plan to combat slavery and sexual exploitation of
children has been drafted and finalized, with the participation of representatives of relevant
administrations, organizations of the United Nations system, religious bodies and civil
society organizations.
2. Drug Abuse (Article 28)
It is no secret that children in Cameroon are exposed to drugs and alcohol. This
concerns children who have dropped out of school, children who spend their time in bars
and, above all, children who live on the streets. This situation is due to their vulnerable
living conditions, debauchery and uncontrolled behaviour and a slavish imitation of role
models shown in the mass media.
National strategies to combat drug trafficking
Combating illicit dealings in narcotics is set forth in a specific regulatory framework
defined by the authorities. The basic relevant text is Act 97/019 of 7 August 1997
narcotics and psychotropic substances control.
In addition to this legal instrument, the administrative authorities had already
assessed the danger. They set up a national drugs control plan, which led to the
establishment of a national drug control committee (CNLD) per decree 92/456/PM of 24
November 1992 by the Prime Minister.