Yaounde, Cameroon-Community leaders, workers and residents in Nguette, Mbam-et-Kim Division, in the Centre Region have been sensitized on identifying, reporting and preventing forced labour, amid concerns over vulnerabilities affecting workers in the area.
The Aug. 7 awareness activity at the Nguette Public Application School was organized by Free the Slaves (FTS), in partnership with SUCDEN and the Mbam-et-Kim Divisional Delegation of Labour and Social Security.
The meeting brought together local administrative authorities, traditional leaders, members of Community Vigilance Committees, agricultural cooperatives, farmers, workers and other residents.
Participants were informed about the signs and consequences of forced labour, workers’ rights and existing legal frameworks, including Cameroon’s Labour Code. They were also introduced to community-based reporting and remediation mechanisms coordinated by Community Vigilance Committees.
The Mbam-et-Kim Division, particularly its cocoa-producing areas, faces risks linked to informal seasonal recruitment, limited knowledge of workers’ rights and the geographical isolation of some communities.
The Nguette initiative builds on similar activities previously conducted in Nguila, Salakounou, Mbangassina and Ntui under a pilot project.
Organizers say stronger collaboration between communities, authorities, traditional leaders, workers and partners is essential to preventing forced labour and improving access to protection mechanisms.
