The Imperative for a National Law on the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons in Cameroon

This paper discusses the critical imperative for Cameroon to adopt a national law dedicated to the protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Cameroon is grappling with a severe internal displacement crisis, fueled by both natural disasters and ongoing conflicts such as the Boko Haram insurgency and the Anglophone crisis, leading to widespread vulnerabilities among affected populations. While Cameroon has ratified the Kampala Convention and is guided by international standards, such as the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, a significant disparity remains between these regional and international legal provisions and their practical implementation within the country due to the absence of a specific national legal framework. This research highlights the challenges arising from this gap, including weak coordination, information deficits, and resource limitations. It advocates that a dedicated national law is crucial not only for domesticating international obligations but also for providing comprehensive legal coverage, safeguarding the rights of IDPs, enhancing institutional collaboration, and promoting durable solutions. Drawing insights from comparative models in Uganda and Kenya, this paper highlights the pressing need for Cameroon to enact such legislation, affirming its commitment to ensuring dignity, protection, and justice for all internally displaced persons.