HC Deb 10 June 1998 vol 313 c617W
Mr. Fabian Hamilton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the British Government have given to English-speaking opposition parties in Cameroon. [44931]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

Our High Commission in Cameroon supports a wide range of projects to promote good governance and human rights. These are to help all people in Cameroon, regardless of political affiliations or ethnic origin. In addition, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has provided support for the Social Democratic Front (SDF) and Union des Populations Camerounaises (UPC), both opposition parties in Cameroon.

Our priority is to promote a genuine multiparty democracy in Cameroon.

Mr. Fabian Hamilton

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards proposals for minority rights recognition for the English speaking minority in Cameroon at the Human Rights Convention in Geneva. [44934]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

We expect Cameroon to adhere to the Harare Declaration of Principles which include a commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all citizens regardless of race, colour, creed or political belief. Cameroon is also a party to the UN International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. We welcome any discussion which raises awareness of minority rights issues, including at the UN Minority Rights Working Group in Geneva.

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