A/HRC/25/56/Add.1 74. The Independent Expert was informed about the situation of certain anglophone individuals and organizations advocating for greater political autonomy for their regions or for secession from Cameroon, including on the grounds of the distinct cultural and linguistic characteristics of the region’s inhabitants and other historical factors. Some organizations, including the Southern Cameroons National Council, have been banned on the grounds of their activities, and numerous individuals have faced arrest, detention and restrictions on their freedom of association and assembly and their freedom of expression. Serious allegations of mistreatment and abuse in detention were made, while it was also noted that no individual had been found guilty by the courts of any crime. X. Conclusions and recommendations 75. It has been frequently said that Cameroon is “Africa in miniature”. It is indeed evident that the diversity in the country is valued, and that persons belonging to many different ethnic, religious and linguistic groups feel that they are equal stakeholders in society. Cameroon is rightly proud of its record of stability and peaceful coexistence of its diverse communities. While an emphasis is placed on creating unity in diversity, most people are free to practice their religion, use their language and maintain and express unique aspects of their identity, culture, traditions and lifestyles without hindrance. In many respects, Cameroon is a positive example of managing a highly diverse society in the region. 76. As in all countries in the region, however, challenges involving specific minorities with unique circumstances remain to be resolved. Those belonging to the Mbororo, Pygmy and Montagnard communities face challenges specific to their lifestyles, livelihoods and relationship to the lands that they own, occupy or historically use. The Independent Expert welcomes the Government’s openness to discuss these remaining and ongoing concerns, and to work with minorities and national and international partners to overcome them. Importantly, adequate financial, human and development resources must be allocated and targeted at protecting and promoting the rights of minorities. 77. Communities, such as the Mbororo, the Pygmies and the Montagnards, with their unique lifestyles, cultures, traditions and languages, constitute a rich and irreplaceable part of the country’s national and cultural heritage. Parts of that valuable heritage are, however, under clear and immediate threat from development projects and the activities of private companies and other actors. While economic and development goals are legitimate and necessary for the benefit of all, they should not be pursued at the cost of the loss of distinct communities and cultures. In the planning, design and implementation of national projects, due regard must be given to minimizing their impact on vulnerable communities, whose interests must be accorded a high priority. 78. The Independent Expert urges the Government to take measures to fully record and gather regular social and economic data, including in census surveys, that will clearly map the country’s diversity and help to reveal the specific challenges facing particular population groups. In addition to gender disaggregation, data should be disaggregated on the basis of ethnicity, religion and language, and individuals should be able to self-identify as belonging to their chosen ethnic and linguistic group, and faith. 79. The Independent Expert welcomes the efforts made by the Ministry of Arts and Culture to ensure the preservation of the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Adequate resources should be provided for the cultural and protection activities of the 19