The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Yaounde on June 7.
The National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms and Plan Cameroon partnership in promoting and protecting, especially the rights of children, was on June 7, 2013 consolidated in Yaounde through a Memorandum of Understanding. The Chairman of the Rights Commission, Dr Divine Chemuta Banda signed for the institution, while the Country Director of Plan Cameroon, Barro Famari signed for on the humanitarian organisation in the presence of the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Marie-Thérèse Obama Ondoa.
The Memorandum of Understanding targets the promotion of the rights of children and adolescent; fight against all forms of violence, abuse and discrimination against children, women and adolescents; and other vulnerable social groups promoting the rights of indigenous peoples. Tangible and cherished principles for Plan Cameroon as well as the Human Rights Commission will oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding, including compliance with standards and universal principles of human rights, the reaffirmation of best interests of the child and the inclusion and non-discrimination, the promotion of gender equality. A joint committee comprised of members of the two institutions will be put in place to monitor and implement the three years renewable Memorandum of Understanding.
Dr Divine Chemuta Banda lauded the efforts of Plan Cameroon to improve upon the lives of children. He raised persistent challenges such as “street children, child trafficking, ritual killing of children for body parts, education for all, indigenous populations who still face the problems of access to land, compensation for lands and social amenities.” The consolidated partnership, Dr Banda said will, “take our efforts to a higher level where we shall compliment and support each other to increase our impact in the field.”
Plan Cameroon’s Country Director, Barro Famari in response said that through the partnership, they want to protect children all over. He said through the creation of awareness, education and if necessary sanctions, unorthodox actions done to children can be eradicated.
