Overview of discrimination in Cameroon in 2014: Between perception and experience, predominance of the phenomenon

Abstract

This article analyses discrimination in Cameroon based on data from the Governance, Peace and Security (GPS) module of the Strategy for Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (SHaSA). The data from this module were collected during the fourth Cameroon Household Survey (ECAM4), the main aim of which was to determine the profile of income poverty in Cameroon in 2014. The analysis highlights the forms of discrimination observed in Cameroon in 2014, the characteristics of people who are victims of discrimination and the determining factors of discrimination. Measuring discrimination using subjective and objective approaches shows a very high level both generally and in relation to law enforcement agencies. Discrimination relating to economic status (poverty or wealth) is the most widespread form. Certain forms of discrimination experienced are based on human capital, regional particularities and specific individual characteristics. This article suggests pathways to better target actions to fight against discrimination in all its forms, and thereby “to promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development”, Target 16.b of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).