Partnership
Universities Map Out Strategy to Strengthen Child Rights in Cameroon
Dschang,UDs.SIC-02/04/26.The University of Dschang played host to a high-level coordination meeting from March 31st to April 2nd, 2026, as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and academic institutions across Cameroon intensified efforts to strengthen child rights systems in the country. The three-day deliberation brought together coordinators of Child Rights Centers (CRCs) from several universities, creating a platform for reflection, experience sharing, and strategic planning. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration and defining actionable priorities to improve the protection and wellbeing of children nationwide.
Participants underscored that the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured not by discussions held, but by tangible outcomes improved access to essential services, stronger child protection systems, and better living conditions for children.
“This meeting offers an important opportunity to move forward with clarity, ambition, and unity of purpose,” Prof Bridgitte DJUIDJE ( UDs Focal Point) noted , emphasizing the need for coordinated action and measurable results.
The Child Rights Centers, described as strategic academic platforms, play a key role in building national capacity to promote and safeguard children’s rights. Through research, policy engagement, and training, the CRCs contribute to strengthening institutional responses to child protection challenges.
Deliberations during the meeting focused on reviewing ongoing activities, assessing institutional performance through SWOT analysis, and identifying practical ways to improve coordination and efficiency. Participants also mapped regional child rights priorities and explored partnership opportunities to boost impact.
The discussions were structured around key thematic areas, including public policy engagement, knowledge generation, and capacity development. These pillars are expected to guide the future direction of CRC activities. Representatives from institutions such as UCAC, Universities of Yaoundé I and II, Dschang Buea, Bertoua, Ngaoundere and Evangelical university institutes of Cameroon presented their progress, challenges, and priorities, while also contributing to group work sessions aimed at developing aligned institutional work plans.
UNICEF, for its part, facilitated the discussions and provided technical guidance, while supporting the documentation of outcomes. The organization is expected to consolidate reports from participating centers into a comprehensive national framework.
By the close of the meeting, stakeholders expressed optimism that strengthened coordination and a shared vision would enable the CRC network to serve as a powerful driver of change improving the lives of children across Cameroon.
