Navi Pillay was received on July 2, 2013 by External Relations boss on instruction of the Head of State.

The United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on her first official mission to Cameroon, rounded off her tour of government offices on July 2, 2013 at the Ministry of External Relations where she was first received upon arrival. Navi Pillay held talks with the Minister of External Relations, Prof. Pierre Moukouko Mbonjo this time, on behalf of the Head of State, Paul Biya.

After the brief audience, the Human Right’s Chief conveyed her respects to the Head of State while assuring him of the UN’s continuous to support Cameroon. She said progress was noticed in government efforts to protect human rights. “I truly welcome the political will that I see here to protect human rights and I particularly appreciate that the President sent a personal message to me,” she said.

Pillay commended government for efforts to end impunity by senior government officials allegedly involved in embezzlement of public resources. She called on the international community to increase assistance to Cameroon in its efforts to improve governance and respect for human rights.

Prior to the audience, she held a press conference where she urged the government to continue to create a conducive environment for peace, security and respect for human rights, and to keep fighting poverty through effective protection of economic, social and cultural rights. “Government must ensure that the people of Cameroon benefit from the resources generated in the country. We stand ready to continue to offer the government and everyone in Cameroon our advice and help in these endeavours,” Pillay stressed.