Ethnic Minorities - UN Independent Expert in Cameroon

The United Nations Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Rita Izsak, is in Cameroon to gather data related to this group of persons. Rita Izsak yesterday September 2, 2013 held discussions with the Minister Delegate in the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Islamic World (MINDELMI), Adoum Garoua.

She told the press after the audience that the briefing was rich but she will be granting a press conference to release field findings on minority groups in the country at the end of her 12-day stay. The UN expert said she will visit Bagyeli pygmy communities of the South Region in the company of local Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) working with them.

She will also travel to the North West Region to meet English-speaking Mbororo tribes people. From there, Izsak and her team are expected back in Yaounde from where they will fly to Maroua in the Far North Region to discuss local UN projects and challenges. They will also meet minority communities in the vicinity of Maroua before flying back to Yaounde.

Also top on Izsak's agenda is the meeting with other cabinet ministers like those of Justice, Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Social Affairs, State Property and Land Tenure, Arts and Culture and Basic Education. Her schedule also outlines discussions with members of the diplomatic corps, regional government authorities and NGOs.