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<p>The UK continues to be deeply concerned at the worsening humanitarian situation
in the North-West and South-West (Anglophone) regions of Cameroon and the reports
of human rights violations and abuses committed by both security forces and separatists.
Violence is driving people from their homes, and impacting on the lives of ordinary
civilians, particularly women and children. The UK is providing lifesaving assistance
to 10,000 people in the Anglophone regions following a £2.5m contribution to UNICEF
in December.</p><p>The British Government regularly raises concerns about the political,
human rights, and humanitarian situation with the Government of Cameroon. Further
to a phone call in March with Cameroon Prime Minister, Joseph Ngute, on 30 April,
I met with the Cameroon High Commissioner to London to reiterate UK concerns. We discussed
the plight of the 530,000 people who have been internally displaced within the Anglophone
regions, the 32,000 refugees in Nigeria who have fled from the crisis, and the arrest
and detention of Opposition Leader, Maurice Kamto and other political actors. I urged
the Government of Cameroon to urgently take steps to establish a credible dialogue
to tackle the root causes of the crisis in the Anglophone regions, and ensure fair
and timely trial, or release, of detainees. The UK continues to call for unhindered
humanitarian access to affected populations, and investigations into all reports of
human rights violations and abuses. The UK and Austria delivered a joint statement
with support from 37 countries on the deteriorating situation in Cameroon at the UN
Human Rights Council in March, demonstrating the increasing concerns of the wider
international community.</p>
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