Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) is humbled to have received the Award for Human Rights Defenders in Cameroon conferred by the High Commission of Canada. The Award Ceremony was held on the 7th December 2023, at the High Commissioner to Cameroon’s Residence in Yaoundé. This annual award is conferred to two persons/group of persons every year to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10,1948. This year, LOYOC was honored to be one of the Awardees. Working to advance a safe, secure, and prosperous community has not been an easy task but our team has been committed to providing a youth-led response to our day-to-day challenges in Cameroon.

Photo Caption: The LOYOC team at the Award Ceremony with H.E Lorraine Anderson High Commission of Canada to Cameroon

By recognizing LOYOC for this award, the important role that Youth Organisations play in the defense of human rights within Cameroon is highlighted. LOYOC’s work since 2002 to empower young men and women in peace building and countering violent extremism and Gender -based violence strengthens the agency  for youths to promote and uphold human rights in their communities. 

According to the High Commissioner H.E. Lorraine Anderson, by working to ensure that the voices of young people, women, people living with disability and local communities can be heard in the face of violence and conflict LOYOC is a stellar example ow organizations can build solidarity and promote collective leadership for the defense of human rights, the promotion of equality, and the protection of dignity. 

This prestigious recognition further highlights our unwavering commitment to championing human rights and development in Cameroon. We extend our deepest gratitude to the High Commission of Canada to Cameroon for acknowledging our efforts and inspiring us to continue our work towards a more just and inclusive society. We wish to thank all our partners, donors, mentors & team for their support. We remain Committed to fostering peace.