How UNPRPD is Addressing Disability and Poverty in Cameroon
Globally, 16% of the population experiences significant disability, with the risk of these individuals developing depression, asthma and strokes, doubling. Furthermore, alongside increased risk of contracting health conditions, disabled people are also more vulnerable to poverty; discrimination, stigmas and exclusion from employment are all inequities that disabled people face.
Of the 28.6 million people in Cameroon, 5.4% have a disability. In higher prevalence regions like South and Littoral, this figure can increase to 11%. Discriminatory treatment of disabled people in Cameroon increases the likelihood of these individuals experiencing poverty. For example, disabled adults between the ages of 18-49 in North West Cameroon were almost three times more likely to live in the poor quarter in comparison to non-disabled adults. The United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) has partnered with U.N. Cameroon to address the experience of disabled people in the Central African country and decrease the chance of individuals becoming impoverished.
UNPRPD’s Work
UNPRD supports nations in implementing a disability-inclusive CRPD, which focuses on the human rights of people with disabilities. The Partnership funds this support with the vision that every person with a disability can fully participate in society and be completely respected, protected, and fulfilled.
With a budget of $700,000, UNPRPD has implemented a program that aims to strengthen disability inclusion within Cameroonian public institutions by monitoring disability-inclusive legislation of key duty bearers, such as CONRHA and CHRC.
UNPRD has identified a Strategic Framework to promote disability inclusion, with five preconditions that must be in place to ensure that the addressing of the rights of disabled persons in Cameroon:
- “Equality and non-discrimination”
- “Accessibility”
- “Inclusive service delivery”
- “CRPD-compliant budgeting and financial management”
- “Accountability and governance”
These preconditions aim to educate Organizations of Persons with Disabilities so that they can further understand how to improve the experiences of those with disabilities.
Disability and Poverty in Cameroon
UNPRPD’s program could have a significant impact on disability and poverty in Cameroon. Equality and non-discrimination are key to reducing the link between disability and poverty; negative attitudes towards disability increase the likelihood of disabled people experiencing poverty due to lack of understanding, inclusion and respect. According to a 2021 Country Report, a key finding of the program indicated that the development of the non-discriminatory provision of the CRPD to the public, schools and hospitals would combat the stigmatization and exclusion of disabled persons. False perceptions and beliefs about disability are damaging, therefore UNPRD addressing these issues that disabled people face is crucial in destigmatizing disability and reducing poverty.
Another key precondition that targets poverty in the lives of disabled persons is accessibility. Cameroonian laws that ensure disabled people can access public and private buildings are not always enforced. Moreover, budgets to improve accessibility measures are minimal, excluding disabled persons from having the same opportunities as non-disabled Cameroonians, according to a 2021 Country Report. UNPRPD’s program addresses accessibility issues, minimizing the risk of poverty for disabled people by enabling these individuals the same education and employment opportunities.
Final Thoughts
By 2050, the Cameroonian population could increase by 85%, meaning that an estimated 51,279,577 people will live in the Central African nation. A significant population increase would translate to an increase in poverty also, but UNPRPD is working to prevent this.
The Cameroonian Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS) met with the UNPRPD program’s steering committee (UNFPA, OHCHR and UNESCO) in May 2024 to discuss its results. Pauline Irène Nguene, Minister of Social Affairs in Cameroon, commended those involved in the project. Nguene directly addressed one of the program’s preconditions – accessibility – and expressed that people with disabilities “will have access to inclusive services without discrimination in Cameroon.”
In a visit to Cameroon in August 2024, the U.N. High Commissioner also noted that more than 40% of Cameroonians are under 15. Indeed, Volker Türk was optimistic that the new generation would “prompt social change […] on equality, on accountability and more”, promising a brighter tomorrow for all Cameroonians.
The UNPRD helps cultivate a more inclusive society for people struggling with disability and poverty in Cameroon, helping individuals in their everyday lives.
– Megan Hall
Megan is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
