To enhance conditions of persons with disabilities: UNESCO hands 3,000 copies of Disability Rights Convention to government.

It was Social Affairs Minister, Irene Pauline Nguene, who received the copies on behalf government. The copies were presented May Monday May 27 during a ceremony in Yaounde. 

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, the Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO's Regional and Multisectoral Office for Central Africa, Paul Coustère, and the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene, emphasised their dedication to advancing disability rights and inclusion in Cameroon. 

The 3,000 copies of the CRPD will serve as essential resources for government officials, civil society organisations, educators, and individuals throughout Cameroon.

It will empower them to advocate the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene, assuring the public of her unwavering support of the ongoing course, saluted the role of all stakeholders involved in the fight for the rights of people living with disabilities.

“I assure you that we shall intensify the fight, which we have already begun on a larger scale for the rights of persons living with disabilities. We shall continue to do more to ensure that these people are treated fairly like everyone,” she stated.

The CRPD, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, is a landmark international treaty that underscores the full participation, equality, and accessibility of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social inclusion. 

Cameroon ratified the CRPD on December 28, 2021, and it came into force on October 28, 2023, one month after signing in September earlier that year.

Speaking to the press, the Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO's Regional and Multisectoral Office for Central Africa, Paul Coustère, said: “This is a powerful tool that will boosts the living conditions and rights of people living with disabilities. However, this document has to be disseminated, and after a lot of background work with partner organisations and services of the Ministry of Social Affairs, we have to now teach the public how to use this tool”.

In 2025, Cameroon will present its report to show the effective implementation of the signed convention for the rights of persons with disabilities

Nogning Armelle is the Regional Board Chair of the coordinating unit of associations of persons living with disabilities in the North West Region.

“We believe this is a breakthrough for persons with disabilities. This convention will push forward some of our fundamental rights like health, access, equality. More so, with the minister joining her voice, in this fight, we are positive that there are better days ahead,” added the official.