On December 13, 2023, AFJN, in partnership with the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Bafoussam and the Mayor of Foumbot Commune, launched the Strategic Monitoring Committee (SMC) in Western Cameroon. This innovative initiative, which is part of AFJN Just Governance program, marks a significant milestone in AFJN’s ongoing efforts to address the birth certificate crisis affecting thousands of Cameroonian children.
Led by Madame Massa, AFJN’s national coordinator in Cameroon, the SMC brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including hospitals and vital records departments. The committee ensures that every child born in Foumbot City, Rural Foumbot, and Foumbot Mangoum receives a birth certificate within 90 days of birth. This initiative has far-reaching implications, including reducing prison populations, combating corruption in civil status services and granting citizens access to official services
For these children, a birth certificate is not just a formality, but a fundamental right and a cornerstone of Cameroonian citizenship. The SMCs will provide early warning systems and facilitate access to birth certificates, ultimately promoting the well-being and protection of Cameroon’s most vulnerable citizens.
Empowering Communities through Strategic Monitoring Committees
The Strategic Monitoring Committees (SMCs) are dedicated to transforming the vital record and judiciary systems, making them more sustainable, accountable, and inclusive. To achieve this, the SMCs have six key objectives:
1. Raise Awareness: Educate the community about the importance of birth certificates, the consequences of not having one, and the significance of citizenship rights.
2. Timely Birth Certificates: Ensure every child receives a birth certificate within two weeks of birth, securing their identity and rights.
3. Identify Undocumented Members: Assist individuals without birth certificates in obtaining documentation.
4. Focus on Women and Young Girls: Prioritize efforts on women, especially young girls, lacking identification cards and birth certificates, recognizing motherhood as proof of parenthood.
5. Combat False Birth Certificates: Expose officials issuing fraudulent birth certificates and emphasize legal consequences.
6. Link Between Government and Citizens: Act as a liaison between the local government and citizens, ensuring access to services, prescribed requirements, and seeking government intervention when necessary.
By achieving these objectives, the SMCs will empower communities, address the root causes of the issue, and create a more inclusive and accountable system.