What is it about?

The right to health has gained international recognition. The Pygmies and Mbororo of_x000D_ Cameroon are yet to enjoy this right. The right to health is relatively related to and_x000D_ dependent upon the realization of other human rights as explicated in the International_x000D_ Bill of Rights as they form an integral part of the right to health. Despite strides made_x000D_ by the government of Cameroon in ensuring that healthcare facilities are available and_x000D_ accessible within every five kilometers nationwide, this services are limited to urban_x000D_ cities, making it difficult for indigenous populations to access. The absence of legal_x000D_ framework to safeguard the right to health for the population and indigenous peoples in_x000D_ particular, hinders their access to modern healthcare systems. It concludes that_x000D_ government must demonstrate a political will in ensuring equality in healthcare in the country to help remove indigenous peoples at the margin of social structures.

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Why is it important?

This study is important in human rights scholarship. It enables the world to understand the huge inequality gaps that exist between indigenous and non-indigenous populations in society. It is interesting to know that in a world where there exist several human rights instruments to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, yet indigenous peoples are still marginalized, discriminated upon and relegated to second class citizens.

Perspectives

This article is an inspiring piece that touches on the most neglected population in society. It discusses how their human rights to health are violated in society. It is interesting to know that even though the right to health is a basic human rights guarantee to all, however some category of people are denied the right to enjoy this basic right. The focus is mostly on the mainstream society than on Indigenous populations who are already living at the margin of society. I am hoping this article is thought provoking to scholars interested in this area.

Esther Njieassam
University of Johannesburg

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The Excluded Population: Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Health in Cameroon, African Journal of Legal Studies, January 2023, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/17087384-bja10074.
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