The ICRC regional delegation in Yaoundé

19-04-2013 Overview

The ICRC regional delegation for Central Africa, based since 1992 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, promotes the implementation of international humanitarian law in Angola, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo and Sao Tome and Principe. ICRC staff also protect and help people displaced by violence, restore family links, visit detainees and foster the development of National Societies in the region.

Promoting international humanitarian law

The ICRC maintains an ongoing dialogue with the political authorities with a view to promoting international humanitarian law (IHL) and its implementation. As part of promoting IHL, the ICRC runs training sessions every year for the armed, security and police forces in the countries in the region. It also promotes the fundamental principles of IHL among influential civil society representatives. The regional delegation in Yaoundé and the office in Brazzaville have documentation centres where students can consult IHL resources.

Visiting people deprived of their liberty

The ICRC visits places of detention in Angola (Cabinda province), Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo with the purpose of improving the lot of people deprived of their liberty. The organization strives to build a constructive working relationship with the competent authorities in order to foster compliance with national regulations and international standards on conditions of detention.

Restoring family links

One of the ICRC's priorities is to reunite families scattered in the wake of conflict or disaster. It does so by tracing missing persons and helping people get back in touch with their loved ones. Since the beginning of 2012, ICRC staff have continued working with National Societies in the region on processing tracing requests and delivering Red Cross messages. Thanks to their efforts, two children have been reunited with their families.

Monitoring the plight of undocumented migrants

In Angola, the ICRC works closely with the authorities to ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of undocumented migrants throughout the deportation process. ICRC staff identify children who become separated from their parents during the deportation process and, where possible, reunite them with their parents.

Providing relief

In 2012 the ICRC regional delegation, working with the Congolese Red Cross, provided assistance when ammunition stockpiles exploded in Brazzaville. 

Cooperating with the National Societies

The ICRC works with National Societies in the region to build their operational capacity. The focus is on preparing for and responding to emergencies, restoring family links, and promoting international humanitarian law and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

 

The ICRC has 55 staff members in the countries covered by the regional delegation.

 

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