YOUTH RIGHTS : The CDHC and MINJEC strengthen their strategic partnership
(LVDE) – In a context where youth occupy a central place in public policies, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education are stepping up their collaboration. Through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, the two institutions aim to translate their commitments into concrete actions for the benefit of young people.
La voix des entreprises 
The protection and promotion of youth rights in Cameroon have reached a new milestone. On March 19, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education formalized their shared commitment by signing a memorandum of understanding at the ministry.
For James Mouangue Kobila, President of the Commission, this agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening mechanisms for the protection of young people. It aims to translate international standards into concrete initiatives, supported by improved coordination between the two institutions. This approach aligns with the government’s determination to make youth a strategic priority, in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. In Cameroon, people aged 15 to 45 represent about 37% of the population, highlighting the urgency for targeted and effective actions.
Even before the signing of this partnership, both institutions were already working together on several fronts. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, thanks to its close engagement with young people, plays a key role in promoting civic education, national integration, and empowerment. For its part, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, as an independent national institution, works to promote and protect human rights while ensuring the prevention of torture, particularly in places of detention.
The institution regularly handles complaints involving young people and conducts field visits to ensure respect for their dignity. It has also established a youth focal point and intensified awareness campaigns in schools and universities. These initiatives aim to prevent violence, drug abuse, discrimination, and hate speech. To date, 696 human rights clubs have been created in educational institutions across the country.
Furthermore, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission actively participates in major national and international events dedicated to youth and human rights. It notably took part in the international conference on eco-citizenship in 2024 and in the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, where the contribution of young people to peacebuilding was highlighted.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, headed by Mounouna Foutsou, has also involved the Commission in several major initiatives, including the celebration of International Day of Peace, the National Youth Forum, and the Youth Village Fair.
With this memorandum of understanding, both institutions now intend to pool their resources and harmonize their actions. The objective is clear: to better address the challenges faced by Cameroonian youth and strengthen their role in development and peacebuilding.
Esther Grace
À propos de l'auteur
Raphael Mforlem 
