The Cameroonian government has joined forces with the United Nations Office on Migration to address the pressing issues of human trafficking and migration smuggling in Cameroon. Together, they aim to raise awareness and implement effective prevention measures.
Efforts to tackle this issue involve spreading awareness messages that condemn human trafficking at various points along the country’s borders. Recently, at Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport, a meeting took place between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations Migration Office. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strategies for strengthening efforts to combat illegal activity. As part of these efforts, messages promoting awareness are being spread at different entry points and strategic locations within the airport.
Minister Pauline Irene Nguene emphasized the significance of this campaign.
“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,” she said.
These awareness initiatives are happening at a crucial time for Cameroon, as the country is dealing with various challenges such as the Anglophone Crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions, Boko Haram activities in the Lake Chad basin, and the presence of seleka rebels in the East. In addition to the prevalent poverty and unemployment, these factors make children and women especially susceptible to trafficking.
The UN Agency for Migration emphasises that young individuals, influenced by social and economic inequalities, the desire for improved opportunities overseas, as well as conflicts or natural calamities, frequently fall prey to trafficking. In Cameroon, a distressing reality persists where vulnerable children under the care of guardians often face abuse and exploitation, unable to protect themselves.
“Furthermore, in Cameroon, many children under the care of guardians are abused and exploited due to their weakness, vulnerability, and inability to defend themselves,” the agency stated.
The US State Department’s 2022 report on human trafficking in Cameroon highlights the correlation between high unemployment rates and economic uncertainty with the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women, to trafficking schemes.
“The government investigated 93 cases compared with 205 cases in 2020. The government reported prosecuting 57 suspects in 48 cases, compared with prosecuting four suspects in an unknown number of cases in 2020,” the report stated.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some positive outcomes from the government’s efforts. Based on the report, the government has conducted investigations into 93 cases and has taken legal action against 57 suspects in 48 cases, demonstrating a strong dedication to addressing the issue of human trafficking.
At Nsimalen Airport, powerful posters serve as a stark reminder of the perils of trafficking. They feature a woman bound in chains, accompanied by messages that emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of trafficking.
“What if you were a victim of smuggling and human trafficking? You can be the next victim of trafficking,” one of the posters read.
In order to enhance prevention and response efforts, the Ministry has set up toll-free numbers (1503 and 1523) for individuals to report cases of trafficking. This highlights the significance of collective action in addressing this widespread problem.
