© CBM
The Phase 4-Leave no one behind! project kick-off workshop took place on 28th February 2025 at the UNFPA conference room in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The workshop marked the official start of the fourth phase of the project, which aims to enable the uptake of the IASC Guidelines on Disability-Inclusion for lasting impact through side-scaling & localization.
The workshop brought together 24 participants, including representatives from OPDs, UN Agencies (cluster coordinators), INGOs (program managers), government officials (MINAS), and journalists from three media houses to cover the event.
The primary objective of the workshop was to develop a shared understanding and sense of ownership of the LNOB4 project among all stakeholders. This included government officials, country directors, program managers, cluster leads, OPD platforms, and selected persons with disabilities in Cameroon. The workshop aimed to ensure that everyone had a clear overview of the project’s objective, results areas, and expected outcomes.
In an opening word, the CBM Country director, emphasized the need for inclusive humanitarian response, stating:
“CBM is championing the mainstreaming of the IASC Guidelines for the inclusion of Persons with disabilities for lasting impact into the humanitarian response in Cameroon through side scaling and localization so that nobody is left behind when a crisis strikes be it man-made or natural”.
The workshop featured a range of interactive sessions, including presentations on the achievements of Phase 3-Leave No One Behind!, an overview of Phase 4, and panel discussions with stakeholders and OPD leaders on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing humanitarian assistance and services. Participants shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices in disability-inclusive humanitarian response.
The event concluded with the development of a collective action plan, outlining specific commitments and steps to ensure that humanitarian response efforts reach the most vulnerable populations. Armelle Nognning, board chair of the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the ongoing challenge of data collection for persons with disabilities and praised the Leave No One Behind project as a timely response to their needs. She emphasized that humanitarian interventions must be made disability-inclusive, referencing the UNCRPD and IASC Guidelines.
Conclusively, “We are committed to leaving no one behind,” said Madame EWA FRU Immaculate, a representative from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
“Today’s workshop marks the beginning of a journey towards inclusive humanitarian response. We look forward to working together to ensure that all persons with disabilities in Cameroon receive the support and services they need.”
Key discussions and outcomes included:
- An overview of the Phase 4-Leave no one behind!-project, its objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes.
- OPD representatives shared their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for promoting disability inclusion and accessibility in humanitarian response.
- Identification of partnership opportunities between OPDs, humanitarian agencies, and government institutions.
- The development of an action plan with specific steps and responsibilities for promoting disability inclusion and accessibility.
Recommendations from the workshop include:
- Establishing a steering committee with representatives from OPDs, humanitarian agencies, and government institutions to oversee project implementation and provide strategic guidance.
- Conducting capacity-building training for OPDs and humanitarian agencies on disability inclusion and accessibility in humanitarian response.
- Develop Inclusive humanitarian response plans: That consider the needs and perspectives of Persons with Disabilities