YAOUNDE, Sept. 4– The Cameroonian government has vowed to eradicate child abuse and urged the public to join the fight after a video surfaced online showing a 7-year-old being tortured.
The video, released by police on Wednesday, showed the girl bound with chains and a padlock, left completely immobilized for hours until security forces intervened.
Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa expressed “deep dismay” over what she described as “utmost cruelty.”
“Such acts greatly undermine the dignity and fundamental rights of children in general and young girls in particular,” she said in a statement Wednesday night.
Communities and parents should be vigilant and expose abusers to “ensure that no child is ever again subjected to such barbaric acts,” the minister said, pledging “unwavering commitment” of the government to protecting children.
“Child protection is a top priority for the Cameroonian government,” Abena Ondoa said. According to the minister, the child is now safe and receiving “holistic care,” while her abusive caregiver has been arrested. (Xinhua)
