PIC NW and CBCHS/SPD sign MoU to improve on Inclusive Development in the North-West Region  

The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator North-West Region (PIC) and the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS)/Services for Persons with Disabilities signed a Memorandum of Understanding in order to better promote inclusion, social justice and the respect of rights and freedoms of Vulnerable persons in the North-West Region.

The signing took place on July 19, 2024 at the auditorium of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator in the presence of some Development Stakeholders in the North-West Region like the representative of the President of the North-West Regional Assembly, the Regional Executive Council, Regional Delegates of MINDDEVEL, Regional Delegate of Social Affairs amongst other personnel from both institutions who were present to witness the signing.

The Memorandum of Understanding, sets out to promote respect for diversity and inclusiveness of Vulnerable persons, especially persons living with disability in local development and governance in the North-West Region through the following;

• Capacity building of Staff, field agents and stakeholder groups,
• Provision of technical Support,
• Experience and information sharing on inclusive and participatory development,
• Joint Participation in all field activities on the promotion of inclusion and
• Joint monitoring and evaluation.

Both institutions will;

• Organize capacity building workshops on inclusive participation in local development,
• Accompany regional or Council Administration in implementing Community Base Inclusive Development Strategies,
• Accompany councils to design and implement Inclusive management mechanisms for people with disabilities and their associations,
• Monitor and address issues regarding treatment of persons living with disabilities and the respect of their rights and freedoms, and
• Undertake other actions of mutual interest to advance the missions of the parties.

The Director of CBC Health Services says the MoU is a crucial step in this joint mission to enhance healthcare delivery and promote social equity with the local community, and the collaboration of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator is instrumental in its success.

“We have an opportunity to further consolidate our work and seize a God-given opportunity to work with a structure that promotes social justice. There is no better partner we could wish for at this time than the Public Independent Conciliator. As we formalize our collaboration with the Public Independent of the North-West Region, We are taking a significant step forward in our mission to deliver equitable healthcare and socio-economic empowerment services to the broader community”, Director of CBC Health Services, NGUM SAMUEL.

The Public Independent Conciliator, Mr. TAMFU Simon FAI said this milestone marks the beginning of a collaboration that holds immense promises for both institutions. He reiterated the missions of the institutions, amongst which is;

• Protecting and promoting the rights and freedoms of the citizens of this region (including persons with disabilities) in their interactions with regional and council services,
• Preventing and combating all forms of direct and indirect discrimination including discrimination against persons with disabilities.

He mentioned that this aspect of the mandate and aligns with the missions of the Public Independent Conciliator, dedicated to improving the status and well-being of persons with disabilities. This is where this MoU finds its relevance, which is why the institution celebrates it as a significant milestone in our relationship with the CBC Health Services.

“This partnership represents more than just a formal agreement; it signifies a synergy of expertise, resources and innovation. Together, we will create value, drive growth and make positive impact on the lives of persons with disabilities in this region”, Public Independent Conciliator, Mr. TAMFU Simon FAI.

The Memorandum of Understanding is timely because, this action is taking place when a 3-month campaign on Citizen’s Participation in Local Development has been launched by the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator, North-West Region.