The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) provides a powerful roadmap for equality, Β starting with the protection of our youngest citizens. Under Article 7, states must ensure that children with disabilities enjoy all human rights on an equal basis with others, always prioritizing the best interest of the child. Complementing this, Article 8 mandates active awareness-raising to combat stereotypes and promote the capabilities of persons with disabilities, ensuring society sees the person before the disability.
Economic Independence and Labor Rights
Economic independence is a fundamental pillar of dignity, and Article 27 explicitly protects the right to work in an environment that is open, inclusive, and accessible. This includes prohibiting discrimination in hiring and ensuring reasonable accommodation is provided so everyone can perform their duties effectively.
Cultivating Inclusion in Agriculture
Beyond the office and the factory, Article 28 highlights the right to an adequate standard of living, which includes equal access to agricultural opportunities. True inclusion means ensuring farmers with disabilities have equal access to land ownership, credit, and climate-resilient farming technologies. By removing the barriers that exist, we make sure that everyone participates equally.
In Cameroon, these international standards are reinforced by specific national protections. Law NΒ° 2010/002 of 13 April 2010 and Decree NΒ° 2018/6233/PM of July 2018 serve as the primary legal tools for the protection and promotion of persons with disabilities. While these laws exist on paper, their implementation is overdue. The time for tangible change is now.
We urge the WTO to include disability inclusion as a pivotal discussion point during the 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
Motto: Nothing Without us
