Wherein Children's Rights Are Respected, Voices Heard

Cooperation between the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF Cameroon and the umbrella organization of Cameroon’s city councils, subdivisional councils and councils – the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, UCCC – was strengthened in Yaounde on April 29, 2025. This followed the signing of their representatives of a Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing the respect of children’s rights. For their voices to be better heard. 

Cooperation Reinvigorated 
“It is the continuation of an ongoing dynamic initiative. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU between UCCC and UNICEF is testimony of a number of activities we have already undertaken together. For example, the organization in April 2024 in Yaounde of the First National Mayors’ Forum on Universal Birth Registration in Cameroon; the “Child-friendly Council” initiative …,” said Mr. Augustin Tamba, Mayor of Yaounde 7 Subdivisional Council. And President of the United Councils, Cities of Cameroon, UCCC.

Overwhelming Requests
“All this is proof of the great role UNICEF plays in Cameroon in support of the family and to also assist councils in their challenges. Mayors often receive all manner of requests for assistance from people in their council areas. We are therefore very grateful for UNICEF’s assistance and the signing of the MOU to continue our work together,” Mayor Tamba noted.

Commitment, Willingness
Concurring, Mrs. Nadine Perrault, UNICEF Cameroon Country Representative, said the MOU was “the concretization of collaboration already set in motion.” She commended UCCC’s commitment and willingness to support children's rights for their integral development in their communities. This commitment resulted in the two sides partnering to support capacity-building for councils to meet the social needs of children, adolescents, women, youth, and vulnerable groups, Nadine noted.

Children As Priority 
“By signing the commitment, you are joining a global movement to promote children's rights, a movement that UNICEF has proudly championed since its inception. … You are also demonstrating CVUC's commitment to making children a priority in your local policies. “Through this agreement, which will strengthen the "Child-friendly Council" initiative, you are offering Cameroon's children the opportunity to grow up in an environment where their rights are respected and their voices are heard.” Perrault said.

Commendation For UNICEF
Mayor thanked UNICEF for all the initiatives undertaken for the benefit of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, particularly birth registration (“My Name” campaign), the organization of the First National Mayors’ Forum on Universal Birth Registration in Cameroon, as well as “Child-friendly Council" initiative which addresses the respect of children's rights.

Shared Concerns 
“Indeed, the collaboration framework that brings us together is based on our shared desire to contribute significantly to the development of municipalities through the implementation of activities for children, adolescents, and vulnerable populations. This is a vital action for our future and one that should concern us all, as children are the backbone of our country's development. This is why it is particularly impor...