Cameroon
In 2003, with the support of CRS, the Catholic Church in Cameroon launched the Fight Against Corruption in Schools program. Photo by Lane Hartill/CRS
Although Cameroon has made significant improvements in human rights, health systems and governance in recent years, significant challenges remain. Human trafficking is rampant. Severely underfunded health centers are inefficient and lack medicine. Corruption is widespread in the educational system, law enforcement and the harvesting of the eastern rain forest. There is hope, however, and Catholic Relief Services and our local partners are addressing these challenges.
Stats
| Population: | 18,879,301 |
| Size: | 183,568 sq mi; slightly larger than California |
| People Served: | 6,758,575 (2011 est.) |
History
CRS began work in Cameroon in 1961. Our priorities are governance, human rights, community health, and HIV and AIDS.
Partners
The Justice and Peace Commission is a universal structure of the Catholic Church whose origin came at the heels of the Second Vatican Council in 1967. The Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Bamenda was created in December 2002, and 12 members were appointed by the archbishop to constitute the commission. The commission is made up of concerned Catholics who want to work actively to promote peace and social justice. CRS works with the Justice and Peace Commission of Bamenda on its anti-trafficking project.
