Cameroon Human Rights 2021-11-30
2021-11-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The situation in Anglophone regions of Cameroon has deteriorated due to government actions, leading to widespread displacement and educational disruptions.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not commit to specific diplomatic efforts or timelines for peace in Cameroon
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Cameroon's government actions have led to significant humanitarian crises, affecting millions of people.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not specify diplomatic efforts or timelines for peace in Cameroon
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not explicitly acknowledge the inadequacies in the trade deal regarding human rights protections
Response accuracy