Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Tracey Crouch (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 June 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 June 2021. It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Friday, 25 June 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Cameroon: Politics and Government

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the situation in Cameroon; and whether he has had discussions with his UN Security Council counterparts on (a) bringing an end to the violence in that country and (b) allowing transparent investigation into serious accusations of human rights abuses.

Answer

The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the crisis in the North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon, including the disturbing reports of human rights abuses and violations by both armed separatists and the security forces. In a visit to Cameroon in March, I met President Biya, Prime Minister Ngute and Foreign Minister Mbella Mbella, where I set out the UK's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution. We work in conjunction with international partners, such as France and the United States, to raise the crisis in multilateral fora. At the UN Security Council briefing on UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) on 7 June, the UK reiterated the UN Secretary General's call for an end to violence and for all actors to refrain from attacks against civilians.

We continue to call on the Government of Cameroon to investigate all reports of human rights violations and abuses. As the UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights set out at the UN Human Rights Council on 26 February, the violence must end and urgent, impartial investigations must hold the perpetrators to account. We urge the Government of Cameroon to engage fully with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all. We continue to call for inclusive dialogue that addresses the root causes of the crisis, and for all parties to remain engaged in Swiss-led efforts to facilitate talks.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16830
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Cameroon Human rights Politics and government Violence UN Security Council
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk