Reference Documents for the Social Democratic Front

It is the duty and responsibility of all organs of government and all authorities and persons exercising either legislative, executive or judicial powers on behalf of the Cameroonian People and as defined by this Constitution or any law thereof to conform, to observe and to respect the provisions of this chapter

ARTICLE 13: GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE

It is the People that create government for their collective goodness. To this end, the Federal Republic of Cameroon shall be a State of law, based on the principles of democracy and shall ensure equal opportunity for all and promote social justice, the guarantor of peace and happiness.
The security and welfare of the people, the protection of their property and the defence of the territorial integrity shall be the primary responsibility of government.
It shall be the duty of government to ensure the active participation of the citizens in their governance.
The composition of the government of the Federation, of the Federated States, of the Local Government or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall take cognisance of our diversity. To command loyalty, government shall foster unity in diversity.
The day on which this Constitution comes into force shall be declared FEDERATION DAY. It shall be a National Public Holiday and, on this day, the President of the Federation shall address the Cameroonian People.

ARTICLE 14: POLITICAL OBJECTIVE

Government shall, in all its policies and actions, strive to promote national unity, solidarity and a sense of belonging in all the peoples of Cameroon without distinction. Government shall ensure that there shall be no discrimination due to circumstances or place of birth, sex, religion, language, status or ethnic ties.
The government shall create an enabling environment for the free-flow of people, goods and services throughout the Federation.
The government shall protect the right of every Cameroonian to settle anywhere in the country and enjoy equal rights in furthering his education, in employment and in engaging in any kind of business. To this end no government in the Federation shall pass a law that infringes this provision.
This Constitution guarantees the rule of law, the protection and defence of individual freedoms and liberties and the independence of the Judiciary.
Within available circumstances, the State shall cooperate and offer political asylum to foreigners who are bona fide victims of political persecution.
In order to build and promote an enduring democratic political culture the State shall foster tolerance, dialogue, open debate, broad participation, objectivity and fairness in all national life.

ARTICLE 15: JUDICIAL OBJECTIVES

The State shall guarantee the equality of all the citizens before the law and ensure that all have free access to the Courts.
The State shall ensure that every citizen is guaranteed a fair trial before the courts.

ARTICLE 16: ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES

Cameroon shall build and operate a free market economy.
The State shall guarantee good infrastructural facilities throughout the country to ensure balanced economic development, diversification and allocation of industrial projects in different parts of the Federation.
The State shall develop its manpower needs and harness the resources of the nation for the building of an efficient, sound and self-reliant economy.
The economy shall be managed for the well being, prosperity and happiness of all the citizens. To this end, the state shall ensure that wealth is not concentrated in a few hands or some regions of the country. Economic policies shall be based on social justice and equal opportunity and from each region according to its endowment and to each according to its needs.
The State shall guarantee a reasonable standard of living to every citizen.
The State shall, in conformity with subsection (1) of this Article make polices which shall protect the right of every citizen to engage in any economic activity of his choice.

ARTICLE 17: ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

The environment is nature's gift to mankind. The State shall take necessary measures to ensure its maintenance, preservation and protection.

ARTICLE 18: CULTURAL OBJECTIVES

Cameroon is proud of its indigenous cultural diversity. To this end the State shall protect and preserve these cultures as a mark of their identity, heritage, and dignity.
Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1) of this Article the state shall ensure the preservation of scheduled monuments and places of historical interest.

ARTICLE 19: SOCIAL OBJECTIVES

The sanctity and dignity of the human person shall be recognized, protected and enhanced.
All citizens, without discrimination, shall have equal rights to a sound education, medical care, employment and equal pay for equal work.
The State shall ensure that persons employed work under safe and humane conditions with adequate opportunities for leisure.
The old, the handicapped and the young shall be protected against exploitation, and any kind of abuse. To this end the State shall grant the disadvantaged such social benefits and amenities as are determined by law having due regard to the resources of the State.
The State shall ensure that adequate recreational facilities are provided throughout the national territory.
The State shall promote sports in all domains as a means of fostering national unity, cohesion, good health and self-discipline.
The State shall guarantee the right of workers to form independent trade unions in order to protect their rights and interests and promote healthy labour relations between the employer and the employees.

ARTICLE 20: EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The State shall encourage literacy and the acquisition of knowledge. To this end adequate educational opportunities shall be provided at all levels.
The State shall promote the acquisition of scientific and technological knowledge.

ARTICLE 21: OBJECTIVES OF THE MASS MEDIA

The State shall ensure that the press, the radio, the television and other agencies of the mass media entertain, educate and inform the public.
The State shall guarantee the freedom of mass media in all its forms.

ARTICLE 22: FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES

The State shall, in its foreign policy, act as a sovereign nation with a mission to protect and defend its national interests and to foster international understanding, equality among nations, world peace and a just economic order.
Cameroon shall strive to end neo-colonialism and imperialism in Africa as well as promote African unity.
To promote cooperation among nations the state shall:
1. ensure respect for international law and treaties;
2. create and maintain just and mutually beneficial organizations with other nations.
3. be actively involved in all aspects of conflict resolution.

ARTICLE 23: NATIONAL ETHIC

The National Ethic of the Federation shall be Self-Discipline, Honour, Social Justice, Tolerance, Patriotism, and Industry.
To this end every citizen shall:
1. abide by the provisions of this Constitution, respect the established national institutions, national symbols and constituted State authorities;
2. strive to enhance the power, prestige and to defend the good name of Cameroon through service and noble conduct wherever and whenever;
3. protect and preserve public property, fight against indiscipline, abuse of office, waste and corruption;
4. contribute positively to community development and mutual co-existence wherever he lives;
5. respect the rights and defend the legitimate interests of other peoples;
6. promote family unity, love and the proper upbringing of the young ones;
7. embrace and defend democracy as an instrument of genuine development; and
8. to assist lawfully established institutions in the maintenance of law and order.

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