Top of page
Disaster

Cameroon: People with Disabilities Caught in Crisis

Young boy with crutches walling with his friend at refuge camp
Photo: hikrcn / Shutterstock

People with disabilities in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon are caught in the violence and struggle to flee to safety when their communities come under attack. They also face difficulties in getting necessary assistance, Human Rights Watch reports.

“People with disabilities are among the most marginalised and at-risk population in any crisis-affected country, and Cameroon is no exception,” said Emina Cerimovic, senior disability rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The woefully underfunded United Nations humanitarian response exacerbates their risks, as many people with disabilities aren’t getting even their basic needs met.”

Over the past three years, Cameroon’s Anglophone regions have been embroiled in a cycle of deadly violence that has claimed an estimated 2000 lives and has displaced nearly half a million people. People with disabilities have faced attack and abuse by belligerents, often because they are unable to flee.

The crisis in the Anglophone regions began in late 2016, when teachers, lawyers, and activists, who had long complained of their regions’ perceived marginalization by the central government, took to the streets to demand more recognition of their political, social, and cultural rights. The ruthless response of the government forces, who killed peaceful protesters, arrested leaders, and banned civil society groups, escalated the crisis.

You might also like

Man drinking water during heat wave Man drinking water during heat wave

Google enhances extreme heat warnings with new health tips feature

Millions across the globe can now access vital health and…

Fire fighting helicopter carry water bucket to extinguish the forest fire Fire fighting helicopter carry water bucket to extinguish the forest fire

Air pollution from wildfires and farming tied to dementia rise

No amount of air pollution is good for the brain,…

flooded neighborhood flooded neighborhood

Flood-affected communities to receive $9.1 million boost

The NGO Flood Recovery Program funding will go to service…

A person wrapping his friends arm in gauze A person wrapping his friends arm in gauze

WHO releases guide to enhance advocacy for emergency care

A new practical guide released by the World Health Organization…