The issue of refugees has taken center stage in Cameroon's local planning, with a three-day workshop held in Douala to raise awareness among decentralized territorial authorities. The workshop, co-organized by Minddevel and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), aims to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of integrating refugees into local development planning. According to UNHCR, Cameroon hosts over 433,000 refugees, with the majority located in the East and Far North regions.
The workshop's coordinator, Lydie Essissima, emphasized the need for decentralized authorities to be aware of their role in protecting refugees' rights. She noted that refugees face several challenges, including social integration, and that it is essential to take their needs into account in local planning. Essissima spoke on behalf of the Minister of Decentralization and Local Development, Georges Elanga Obam, who was unable to attend.
The UNHCR representative highlighted the importance of involving refugees in local development planning, citing their rights and needs. She stressed that decentralized authorities must be aware of their responsibilities towards refugees and integrate their needs into local policies. The workshop aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools to ensure refugees' rights are protected.
Cameroon hosts refugees in various regions, including urban areas like Douala and Yaoundé. According to UNHCR data, the majority of refugees are located in the East and Far North regions. The country's refugee population has significant implications for local development planning, with refugees requiring access to basic services like healthcare, education, and housing.
The Minddevel-HCR project aims to promote the protection of refugees at the local level. The project coordinator emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure refugees' rights are protected. The workshop brought together decentralized authorities, UNHCR representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to refugee integration.
The workshop's outcome is expected to contribute to improved local planning and refugee protection in Cameroon. By raising awareness among decentralized authorities, the workshop aims to promote a more inclusive approach to local development planning. This approach will ensure that refugees' needs are taken into account, enabling them to access basic services and enjoy their rights.
The Cameroonian government has taken steps to address the refugee issue, including the creation of a national refugee protection policy. The policy aims to provide a framework for refugee protection and integration. The workshop is a significant step towards implementing this policy at the local level, ensuring that refugees receive the necessary support and protection.
Key points
- Cameroon hosts over 433,000 refugees, mostly in East and Far North regions
- The workshop aims to sensitize decentralized authorities on integrating refugees into local development planning
- The Minddevel-HCR project promotes refugee protection at the local level
