The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) recognises the right to social security in articles 22, which states that:
“Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality”.
In Cameroon, the current social protection system has two pillars: a scheme for civil servants and the National Social Insurance Fund (Caisse Nationale de Prévoyance Sociale – CNPS) for workers under the 1992 Labour Code.
The CNPS covers 10% of the population and provides most of the benefits prescribed by the International Labour Organisation’s Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102), with the exception of unemployment and sickness benefits. Our firm works in close collaboration with relevant local organisations for the protection of the rights of workers and are more than willing to provide the necessary expertise.