Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cameroon: Human Rights

Tuesday 30 November 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alex Norris asked about the human rights situation in Cameroon, highlighting displacement and education issues.
  • The UK government stated it will work with partners to address the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon.
  • Chris Law inquired about a trade deal with Cameroon, questioning its alignment with human rights standards.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
Foreign Affairs
Context

The situation in Anglophone regions of Cameroon has deteriorated due to government actions, leading to widespread displacement and educational disruptions.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the human rights situation in Cameroon? The Biya Government's hard-handed approach to calls for reform from those living in the Anglophone region has led to violence, 765,000 persons being displaced from their homes, and 800,000 children out of school. We have a long-standing connection to Cameroon and I am glad to hear from the Minister about efforts so far, but will she make a full-throated commitment today to a peaceful resolution to the crisis?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We will continue to work with partners, such as the US and France, to raise the north-west and south-west crisis in multilateral forums. We urge all parties to remain engaged with the Swiss-led process to promote a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not commit to specific diplomatic efforts or timelines for peace in Cameroon

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Q2 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
Housing Foreign Affairs Children & Families
Context

Cameroon's government actions have led to significant humanitarian crises, affecting millions of people.

Question

The Biya Government's hard-handed approach to calls for reform from those living in the Anglophone region has led to violence, 765,000 persons being displaced from their homes, and 800,000 children out of school. We have a long-standing connection to Cameroon and I am glad to hear from the Minister about efforts so far, but will she make a full-throated commitment today to a peaceful resolution to the crisis?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We are urging all actors, including the Cameroonian Government, to remain engaged in efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Our planned humanitarian aid to Cameroon this year will be £5 million.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not specify diplomatic efforts or timelines for peace in Cameroon

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Q3 Chris Law SNP Dundee Central
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

A trade deal was signed between the UK and Cameroon despite human rights concerns. The deal is criticised for lacking clauses related to genocide, mass killings of civilians, and modern slavery.

Question

Does the Minister recognise that the shoddy trade deal signed with Cameroon—a trade deal even Donald Trump would not sign because of human rights concerns—was not only a missed opportunity to insert clauses relating to genocide, mass killings of civilians and modern slavery, but, as her past record demonstrates, suggests that the Foreign Secretary does not give a jot for human rights or standing up against tyrants?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The UK and Cameroon signed an economic partnership agreement in March this year, which ensures the continuity of our trading arrangements. The EPA recognises that the trade access provided is vital to the livelihoods of many, many Cameroonians. We are clear that using trade to support development and prosperity does not have to come at the expense of protecting human rights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not explicitly acknowledge the inadequacies in the trade deal regarding human rights protections

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