Visionary Reports

The call serves as a crucial reminder of the need for comprehensive support and recognition for all citizens, especially those living with disabilities.

The Network of Dynamic Organizations for the Well-being of Persons with Disabilities (DYNAMIQUE HANDI) has raised concerns over the continued neglect of individuals with disabilities in national discussions. The organization highlighted that these individuals remain, in essence, “orphans of the nation.” This was during a meeting in Douala on Wednesday November 12 to raise concerns on the head of state speech on November 6 that sideline persons with disabilities.Dynamique Handi described the President’s address as lacking in recognition for the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, a silence that has persisted in multiple official speeches over the years. With this, the network has called for significant reforms and actions to improve the lives of those affected.

In a release signed by the coordinator of the Dynamique Handi Sielahe Innocent after the meeting on Wednesday November 12, despite existing legal protections, including Law No. 2010/002 aimed at promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, they criticised the poor implementation of these laws across various sectors.In education, while the law mandates exemptions from school and university fees for eligible students, accessing these provisions remains riddled with challenges. Administrative hurdles, including complex paperwork and unjustified refusals, continue to impede students’ rights to education. Furthermore, the network pointed out that fee exemptions are often not applied to vocational training programs, violating principles of equality.In the employment sector, the organization reported that public and private recruitment practices continue to overlook qualified individuals with disabilities, many of whom remain excluded from essential national competitions. The special recruitment of 402 disabled graduates in 2010 was celebrated but has not been followed by any similar initiatives, leaving many without job opportunities.As such Dynamique Handi is urging the Cameroonian government to take immediate action, proposing a national special recruitment initiative for qualified persons with disabilities, similar to the 2010 program. They also demand uniform application of educational fee exemptions, simplified administrative processes, and enhanced accessibility to public facilities.“The time has come for the government to honour its commitments to inclusive policies,” stated Siehele Innocent, Coordinator of DYNAMIQUE HANDI. “We seek justice and equal opportunities for all, not mere favors.”They reaffirmed their dedication to partnering with national institutions to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected. They appealed to the President as a guarantor of national unity, urging him to make the upcoming mandate one of true inclusion and dignity for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.

By Gina Esong