The Protection of the Rights of Persons with Impairment in the NW and SWR of Cameroon: An Evaluation of the Legal Frameworks

Abstract

In Cameroon, the level of discrimination accorded to people with impairments by those without impairments is alarming, which has called for concern. However, the protection of the socioeconomic and political rights of people with impairments is critically examined in this thesis. These rights are protected by several international, regional, and local Legal frameworks. In addition, the numerous difficulties faced by this vulnerable population have worsened due to the ineffectiveness of the laws, which further reduces the level of protection that is granted to people with impairments in Cameroon and the North West and South Regions (NW and SWR) in particular. Moreover, this dissertation aims to evaluate the current legal protections for persons with impairment in Cameroon while examining how violation of their rights creates barriers that challenge their daily activities and make them appear vulnerable. In addition, the findings of this research reveal the negative attitude, that society has toward “Persons living with Disability” is because of the term ‘Disability’, judging from the definition drawn by the Social Model of Disability to mean “Inability”, which is why the public feels reluctant to safeguard the respect of their dignity. For this reason, the research proposes a more inclusive terminology (Impairment). A term that was commonly used by the Medical, Social, and scholars of Disability. This is why the research analyzed concrete distinctions between Impairment and Disability, treating them as separate concepts. This inclusive strategy will help transform people’s attitudes towards Persons who are living with temporal or permanent impairment and strengthen cordial relationships between impaired and non-impaired individuals. This will be a positive force to reduce discrimination, and stigmatization and enhance the integration of persons with impairments in various societal sectors. Thus, the thesis did employ both primary and secondary sources of information, with the use of textbooks, journal articles, case law, and legislation to provide a concrete analysis of the research.