International Conference on the role of Academia in Promoting and Protecting Child Rights
On November 19, 2025, His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, delivered a speech at an international conference held at the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC) in partnership with UNICEF, which centered on the theme "Children's Rights in African Academia: Towards a New Partnership for Research, Training, and Advocacy."
The Apostolic Nuncio emphasized the sacredness of children as gifts and the responsibilities of the Catholic Church. He highlighted the vital role of Catholic universities in the advocacy and protection of children's rights.
A Child is a sacred gift and the face of God
The conference sought to redefine the position of children within society by improving their access to essential rights. The Apostolic Nuncio reminded attendees that Christ himself raised children to the level of spiritual role models: "Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18:3), and in Psalm 127, that states, "Children are a gift from the Lord." The Nuncio emphasized that every child embodies a mystery of hope, serving as a living testament to God's presence among us. "These words remind us that there is something divine in children: purity of heart, trust, innocence," thus, "protecting a child signifies acknowledging the trace of God within human vulnerability. It affirms that all human dignity commences with caring for the most vulnerable." Contemplating the sad reality, even today, numerous children face threats from violence, poverty, exploitation, or abuse, the Nuncio cautioned: "indifference can sometimes equate to complicity. However, Christ did not summon us to turn a blind eye, but rather to oversee and care for others. This encapsulates the true essence of the term 'pastoral': to accompany, protect, and heal”.
The Catholic Church and her mission and responsibility
The Nuncio highlighted the commitment of the universal Church, emphasizing that under the leadership of the Popes, particularly Pope Francis, the Church has confronted the injustices stemming from abuses.
It has chosen to transform shame into pastoral conversion through significant reforms, which include establishing commissions for the protection of minors in episcopal conferences, training individuals in abuse prevention and victim support, and creating transparent reporting and investigative procedures. Additionally, there is a focus on a pastoral care ministry, ensuring victims play an active role in their healing process. The Nuncio stressed: “These commitments are not mere administrative measures. They reflect an act of faith in mercy and a decision for truth, because the Church cannot preach charity if it does not protect the least among us. And it cannot defend human dignity if it does not begin with that of the child entrusted to Her love”.
The Catholic University: Conscience and Light in the City
The Apostolic Nuncio highlighted the significant role of the Catholic University of Central Africa in fostering enlightenment by facilitating a dialogue between faith and reason. "It emphasizes integral formation that nurtures the mind, conscience, and heart, with the goal of developing generations who can reconceptualize child protection as an ethical, spiritual, and community obligation, rather than merely a social policy."
The Catholic University of Central Africa is pivotal. "It serves as a venue where faith engages with reason, and where contemplation fuels action," he stated. He reminded the University that "Through its commitment to integral formation, it cultivates the mind, conscience, and heart. It is within institutions like this that generations can be nurtured to think differently about child protection, viewing it not just as a social policy, but as an ethical, spiritual, and community necessity."
His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt advised that UCAC focus on: Training educators, legal experts, psychologists, and clergy to be aware of children's vulnerabilities; Encouraging joint research aimed at preventing violence; And cultivating a culture of respect and accountability that goes beyond religious or legal confines to resonate with the essence of humanity. Praising the partnership between UNICEF-Cameroon and the Catholic University of Central Africa, He affirmed: "This partnership represents a significant collaboration between faith and reason, compassion and expertise. It demonstrates that the Church does not operate in isolation, but alongside all individuals of goodwill who share a common vision."
A call for collective conversion
His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt concluded his address with a call to all — institutions, parents, educators, believers, and citizens — to ensure that this conference serves not merely as a venue for discussions but as a catalyst for action and transformation. He emphasized that "Protecting children is not merely one task among many: it is a sacred duty, a collective responsibility, an expression of love that fosters a civilization of life. Pope Francis has frequently reminded us that "a people that does not protect its children has no future." Urging for commitment, he stated: "therefore, let us dedicate ourselves with courage, humility, and faith to making every school, every parish, and every home a safe place, a nurturing environment of growth, trust, and light”.
Liliane Mugombozi