Physically challenged persons decry social, political exclusion

People living with disabilities in Cameroon have decried exclusion by both Government and individuals from actively participating in the social and political affairs of the country.

The worry was made public at a press conference organised by the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms, NCHRF, on the situation of the rights of persons living with disabilities.

The press conference was organised in an attempt at improving the situation of persons living with disabilities in Cameroon, despite the promulgation of Law No 2010/002 of April 13, 2010, relating to the protection and promotion rights of persons with disabilities.

A press document from the NCHRF states that negative social attitudes in the world as a whole and Africa, in particular, excludes persons with disabilities from their equal share in their entitlements as citizens.

“Generally, these persons considered “vulnerable persons”, are often victims of discrimination and marginalisation. They do not always receive education and vocational training adequate to get into the job market or live independently for their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others,” reads part of the document.

It was, therefore, in this respect that the NCHRF and the Platform of Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities, PLISPWD, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 2, 2014, to intensify efforts through a joint action to combat the long history of discrimination, dehumanisation and exclusion of persons with disabilities.

Highlighting their segregation, Executive Director of PLISPWD, Paul Tezanou, said disabled persons suffer during public transportation because transport facilities are not been put in place for them.

“In addition, the environment is usually designed and built without regard to concerns on the accessibility of persons with disability. This contributes to our exclusion from various activities and services from the community,” he lamented. He wondered why the Senate and National Assembly have no disabled persons to defend their own interest.

To him, the perception and the state about the consideration of disabled persons is very important.

“The State needs to promote and protect the rights of disabled children, even if they are neglecting the already grown disabled men,” he said.

Eveline Angonwi, President of Committee of Blind Women in Cameroon corroborated Tezanou, saying they can only feel useful if the Government incorporates them in several sectors. To her, their abandonment by Government and individuals can further cause physiological and other devastating effects on them.

The Secretary General of NCHRF, Eva Etonge, the rights of disabled persons is being taken care of by promoting accessibility to public buildings, capacity building and sensitisation, lobbying and advocacy, economic empowerment and the participation in cultural activities and education.

A report by the Ministry of Justice on the human rights in Cameroon in 2014 also states that persons with disabilities were not left out in public affairs as evident in the appointment of Paul Tezanou, a visually impaired, to represent NGOs on human rights pursuant to decree No 2014/399 of October 8, 2014.