The Northwest Public Independent Conciliator (PIC), Mr. Tamfu Simon has described the partnership between the PIC Office and the CBC Health Services SEEPD Program as a genuine collaboration that has come at a critical time of need for the PIC. Mr. Tamfu Simon Fai made this statement at the opening of a two-day workshop recently organized by the PIC at the PIC Hall in Bamenda. He disclosed that the SEEPD Program brailled the workshop materials and provided two sign language facilitators to ensure that persons with visual and hearing impairments participated meaningfully throughout the workshop.
The objective of the workshop was to evaluate the state of implementation of Law No. 2010/002 and Decree No. 2018/6233 protecting persons with disabilities, as well as to examine baseline survey findings on Council compliance. This included highlighting both good practices and persistent gaps in accessibility, inclusive budgeting, and service delivery. According to Mr. Tamfu, the workshop also aimed at engaging participants in participatory reflection and group analysis, which would lead to the development of a practical roadmap for disability inclusion at the regional and council levels.
Mr. Tamfu further underlined that the PIC has, among its core missions, the responsibility to design and implement measures to prevent and combat any form of direct or indirect discrimination or marginalization against seekers and users of regional or council services, including persons with disabilities. He noted that the workshop was particularly timely, as it was taking place during the week marking the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Coordinator of the Coordinating Unit of the Association of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), Chick Sama expressed appreciation to the PIC Office for its commitment and willingness to focus on addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. While briefing participants on the relevant legal instruments, Chick Sama expressed regret that many persons with disabilities remain unaware of the 2010 law. He emphasized that these legal instruments apply not only to stakeholders but to everyone at all levels of society. He explained that persons with disabilities face four main barriers—environmental, communication, attitudinal, and institutional—which hinder their full participation in various aspects of life. The PIC advocated for more inclusive schools, increased employment opportunities, and accessible infrastructure.
Participants with disabilities at the workshop joined Chick Sama in expressing their frustrations regarding access to services and opportunities, particularly employment, as well as the challenges they encounter in structures such as councils, hospitals, schools, and public buildings in general. They expressed the hope that workshops of this nature would go beyond producing reports and papers, and instead lead to tangible changes in the lives of persons with disabilities.
Prior to the training, the PIC Office, in collaboration with CUAPWD, conducted a survey on council compliance, highlighting both good practices and persistent gaps in accessibility, inclusive budgeting, and service delivery. The survey revealed that while some councils are gradually embracing inclusion within their municipalities, there is still a strong need for significant improvement. Stakeholders from councils, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), and other government delegations present listened to the grievances and challenges faced by persons with disabilities and adopted a number of resolutions. They agreed that for every intervention from their services or councils, a percentage would be allocated specifically for persons with disabilities. They also committed to involving persons with disabilities from the conception through to the implementation of every activity.
The PIC Office now bears the responsibility of following up with stakeholders and services to ensure that commitments are translated into concrete actions by putting in place strategies that promote inclusion. Through these efforts, persons with disabilities are expected to be treated at all levels on an equal footing with their peers without disabilities. Hopes are therefore high that the training will have a significant and lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.
It should be noted that the CBC Health Services has signed a partnership agreement with the PIC Office to collaborate in promoting inclusion in the region. The SEEPD Assistant Program Manager, Mr. Tamon James, and the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Supervisor, Mr. Kenchi Joseph, who attended the workshop, provided support during the deliberations. Mr. Tamon James applauded the PIC Office for its strides in promoting inclusion and pledged the continued readiness of the SEEPD Program to accompany and support efforts aimed at fostering inclusion at different levels.
