Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daniel D
Published on 2024-03-20 13:55:53
The Cameroonian government, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Migration, is working to address the urgent issues of human trafficking and migration smuggling in Cameroon. Together, their goal is to raise awareness and implement effective prevention measures.
Efforts to combat this issue involve spreading awareness messages condemning human trafficking at various points along the country’s borders. Recently, a meeting took place at Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations Migration Office to discuss strategies for strengthening efforts to combat illegal activities. As part of these efforts, awareness messages are being distributed at different entry points and strategic locations within the airport.
Minister Pauline Irene Nguene emphasized the importance of this campaign, stating, “This poster unveiling ceremony is more than just a visibility event. We see the campaign opening today as a moment of social mobilization, ideal for collective action.”
These awareness initiatives are crucial for Cameroon, as the country faces various challenges such as the Anglophone Crisis, Boko Haram activities in the Lake Chad basin, and the presence of seleka rebels in the East. Poverty, unemployment, and conflict make children and women particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
The UN Agency for Migration highlights that young individuals, influenced by social and economic disparities and the desire for better opportunities overseas, often fall victim to trafficking. In Cameroon, vulnerable children under the care of guardians are frequently abused and exploited, unable to protect themselves.
The US State Department’s 2022 report on human trafficking in Cameroon points out the link between high unemployment rates, economic uncertainty, and the vulnerability of individuals, especially women, to trafficking schemes.
Despite the challenges, there have been positive outcomes from the government’s efforts. Based on the report, the government has investigated 93 cases and taken legal action against 57 suspects in 48 cases, showing a strong commitment to addressing human trafficking.
At Nsimalen Airport, powerful posters serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of trafficking. They feature a woman bound in chains, accompanied by messages urging vigilance to avoid becoming a victim of trafficking.
To enhance prevention and response efforts, the Ministry has established toll-free numbers (1503 and 1523) for individuals to report trafficking cases. This underscores the importance of collective action in addressing this widespread problem.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
