The Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the North-West Region organized a two-day seminar from December 4–5, 2025, aimed at strengthening the understanding of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on national legal instruments that protect their rights and promote their active participation in local governance.
The seminar featured a key presentation by the CEO of the Community Creative Center for Women and Girls with Disabilities (CCCWGD), who provided an in-depth overview of Cameroon’s 2010 Disability Law, the 2018 Implementing Decree, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The session helped participants better understand the legal frameworks that safeguard disability rights at both national and international levels.
Established in 2019, the PIC serves as an independent watchdog against discrimination, ensuring that local councils operate with fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for vulnerable and marginalized groups. In line with this mandate, the workshop reviewed the implementation of Cameroon’s disability laws, highlighting ongoing challenges such as uneven enforcement, limited accessibility, and gaps in local-level compliance.
The event brought together leaders of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from various subdivisions, alongside representatives from key government ministries, including MINSANTE, MINDDEVEL, MINEDUB, MINAS, and MINFOF. These stakeholders shared insights on current initiatives and outlined practical measures being taken to improve disability inclusion across sectors.
Key outcomes of the seminar included:
- The development of an assessment report on council-level implementation of disability laws
- Recommendations and a draft roadmap for strengthening disability-inclusive governance
- Improved collaboration between local councils and OPDs
- A renewed commitment to addressing policy gaps and strengthening implementation mechanisms
Overall, the initiative reaffirmed the PIC’s commitment to promoting inclusive, equitable, and rights-based governance across the North-West Region, while empowering PWDs with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively for their rights.
