An Assessment of the Impact of the Anglophone Cameroon Armed Conflict on the Right of Education

Abstract

The right to quality education is a fundamental human right recognized by various international agreements and national constitutions. The right to education encompasses several key aspects which include: universal access, free and compulsory education, quality education, and non-discrimination. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of the Anglophone Cameroon armed conflict on the right of education, using the northwest and southwest regions of Cameroon which are affected areas as a case study, to analyze the legal frameworks which makes provision for the right of education both at the international, regional and national level, and to give possible recommendations geared at enhancing the right of education amidst this armed conflict in this affected areas. The study uses a qualitative research methodology, employing primary data sources from vital conventions like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966, International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights 1966, and a host of other conventions. Secondary data came from textbooks, journal articles, reports, and newspapers. The study is underpinned or anchored by the triple-pronged theory and human needs theory. The findings in this study reveals that the Anglophone Cameroon armed conflicts has had both negative and positive severe implications on the right of education. Regardless of the unwavering cry for reinstatement and restoration in the two affected regions (northwest and southwest regions) as a corollary of school closure, attacks on students/teachers, forced school boycott, destruction of educational infrastructure and lots more, there are also some positive implications of the conflict as well which include: enhanced focus on peace education, community-led educational initiatives, increased international attention/support, strengthened advocacy for educational rights, education policy reforms, greater community involvement and scholarship and humanitarian supports.