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National Constitutional provisions – Cameroon

 

The constitution is the fundamental law of the country, reflecting the underlying and unifying values of society. It spells out the basic rights of each person; it serves as a framework for all other laws and policies, and cannot be easily changed. However, it can be changed and updated through a democratic process, and it is important to keep it alive, by popularising and using it, and by campaigning for its reform or amendment if necessary. Below we have picked out what we see as some of the most relevant articles, but please be encouraged to seek and read your constitution in its entirety.

The state is the central actor in any claim to the right to education: it is the prime duty-bearer and the prime implementer; it is the guarantor; and it is the state´s signature vis-à-vis the international norms and standards which binds it to respect, protect and fulfil the right to education. The state must therefore be judged or challenged on its central text on the right to education, whether this be the constitution, the laws or the policies.

The Constitution of Cameroon 1972 as amended in 1996. 

EDUCATION 

Preamble

the State shall guarantee the child's right to education. Primary education shall be compulsory. The organization and supervision of education at all levels shall be the bounden duty of the State. 

Article 55

The duty of the councils of regional and local authorities shall be to promote the economic, social, health, educational, cultural and sports development of the said authorities.

 EQUALITY

 Preamble

Declare that the human person, without distinction as to race, religion, sex or belief, possesses inalienable and sacred rights.

no person shall be harassed on grounds of his origin, religious, philosophical or political opinions or beliefs, subject to respect for public policy.

GENDER

Preamble

the State shall guarantee all citizens of either sex the rights and freedoms set forth in the Preamble of the Constitution.

 DISABILITIES

 Preamble

the Nation shall protect and promote the family which is the natural foundation of human society. It shall protect women, the young, the elderly and the disabled;

CITIZENSHIP

Preamble

[…] all persons shall have equal rights and obligations. The State shall provide all its citizens with the conditions necessary for their development […].

MINORITIES and INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Preamble

 the State shall ensure the protection of minorities and shall preserve the rights of indigenous populations in accordance with the law;

LANGUAGE

Article 1

(3) The official languages of the Republic of Cameroon shall be English and French, both languages having the same status. The State shall guarantee the promotion of bilingualism throughout the country. It shall endeavour to protect and promote national languages.

RELIGION

Preamble

the State shall be secular. The neutrality and independence of the State in respect of all religions shall be guaranteed; freedom of religion and worship shall be guaranteed.

HUMAN RIGHTS MECHANISMS

Preamble

Affirm our attachment to the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations and The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and all duly ratified international conventions relating thereto.