A Reaffirmation of Commitments, by guest blogger Mamadou Aliaza Toure

Cameroon has taken a decisive step in protecting its vulnerable children with the official launch of the CPIMS+ for Children system on November 14, 2024, in Yaoundé. This landmark event, organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS) in collaboration with UNICEF, brought together a wide range of stakeholders from the child protection sector, including representatives of the Cameroonian government, civil society organizations, development partners, and field experts.

The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Social Affairs, who emphasized the critical importance of this system in the ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection in Cameroon. She stressed that the implementation of CPIMS+ represents not only a technological advancement but also a major turning point in the management of child protection information. In the presence of several government officials and UNICEF representatives, the Minister reaffirmed Cameroon's commitment to creating a safe and protective environment for all children, especially those in vulnerable situations.

UNICEF representatives, including the Resident Representative, praised the initiative, highlighting the vital role this system plays in improving the collection and monitoring of child protection data. UNICEF reaffirmed its support for Cameroon’s efforts to develop more robust and effective protection mechanisms. They stressed the importance of integrating technology into child protection management systems, which enhances transparency, efficiency, and the speed of interventions.

For the Cameroonian authorities, the launch of CPIMS+ marks a significant turning point in the management of child protection data. This system will centralize and secure sensitive information concerning children, contributing to the strengthening of the responsiveness of protection services.

This launch is a key step in modernizing child protection mechanisms in Cameroon and is part of a broader process of reform and capacity building for child protection actors. CPIMS+ is thus a strategic tool to address the complex challenges related to child vulnerability, while enabling the country to comply with international child rights protection standards.