A/HRC/25/56/Add.1 their neglect when compared to other communities, and in terms of policy and programme measures to improve their living conditions and socioeconomic situation. While people of all ethnic and religious groups living in remote and mountainous regions may have to endure a range of problems caused by lack of development and by poverty, ethnic and religious minorities such as the Montagnards may be made particularly vulnerable by factors that include their non-dominant position with regard to other communities. 59. The Independent Expert was informed that, historically, the Montagnards have always had a lower economic and social status than other communities, a condition that continues to this day. Some were historically former slaves of the Fulani people in certain chiefdoms since the nineteenth century. Today, some reportedly continue to experience exploitative relations with neighbouring communities, including labour practices that may constitute bonded labour or forced servitude. Some Montagnards allegedly work for Fulani rulers for low wages and remain trapped in such hierarchical relations because of a lack of options and poverty. They are reportedly required to pay local chiefdom taxes to the Fulani. The combination of low wages and taxes, although legal, may effectively constitute forced labour.25 60. Montagnard communities reportedly have no paramount chiefs; indeed, their chiefs are commonly considered third-class and under the authority of Islamo-Fulbe chiefs (Lamibes). Consequently they have little decision-making power or authority over community affairs that affect them and their lands. The Montagnards are Christians or followers of traditional African religions; some reports allege that they are subject to religious-based discrimination by dominant Muslim communities. They are reportedly not represented in regional or national decision-making and political and economic structures of State, and consequently have little say in decisions affecting them. Some groups have allegedly been displaced from their lands by government projects, without compensation. 61. A range of other problems that this minority group faces require investigation and attention. The often remote location of their land results in an absence of governmental administrative services, for example, for the registration of births. Montagnard communities also suffer from a lack of education and health-care facilities, since most schools and hospitals are located in urban centres. Infant mortality rates are reportedly higher than the national average. A lack of investment in infrastructure in the mountain region has resulted in the scarcity of roads and an electricity supply, water sources and employment opportunities. Since the mountain region is also unsuitable for agriculture, most people have no regular source of income; consequently, the levels of poverty and extreme poverty are reportedly high. 62. The Government highlighted the fact that a number of initiatives seek to address the challenges faced by mountain communities. The Mandara Mountains Development Project, for example, is an integrated project designed to improve the living conditions of mountain peoples thanks to the provision of basic social welfare services to targeted social groups in an effort to eliminate all forms of discrimination against them.26 VIII. Religious minority issues 63. In general, religious groups coexist harmoniously in Cameroon. The Constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom and, in practice, the Government 25 26 16 United States Department of State, Cameroon 2012 Human Rights Report, available from www.state.gov/documents/organization/204309.pdf. CERD/C/CMR/15-18, para. 78.