A/HRC/25/56/Add.1 19. Since independence, Cameroon has conducted only three census surveys: in 1976, 1987 and 2005. The results of 2005 were publicly released only in April 2010,10 leading to claims of manipulation of data for political purposes. Under the country’s regional-based development policy, population statistics have an impact on the allocation of State finances to different regions, the distribution of social and other services and even the allocation of parliamentary seats. 20. There is little accurate information on the numbers and relevant socioeconomic situation of Pygmies, the Mbororo and the Montagnards. While it may be particularly challenging to gather data on some of these communities, including those living in remote regions, in forest habitats and those who have a nomadic lifestyle, accurate data are nonetheless essential for, inter alia, ensuring essential services. Some non-governmental organizations with close connections to such communities are making vital efforts to conduct social surveys and community needs assessments, and deserve support in that endeavour. C. Birth registration and national identity cards 21. Low levels of birth registration and poor access to national identity cards are a significant problem for minority and indigenous communities. The remote areas in which they live, nomadic lifestyles, lack of sensitization to the need for such documents and poor outreach by responsible bodies all contribute to the problem. Despite efforts by the Government, the issue remains a major concern and renders many effectively stateless. In 2010, a non-governmental organization, in a report on the implementation by Cameroon of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, estimated that 95 per cent of the Baka did not have national identity cards, and that most could not afford to provide the necessary documentation to obtain them, even though they were required in order to vote in national elections.11 22. The lack of official identity documents has an impact on the enjoyment of a wide range of rights, services and social benefits. For example, the lack of such documents is said to be a hindrance in the access of Pygmy communities to hospitals, which have identification requirements for consultations. The communities therefore rely heavily on traditional remedies and development agencies for health care. A birth certificate is also a basic requirement for enrolment in primary school. Non-governmental organizations pointed out the need for measures by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization to make birth registration easier for rural and minority communities. The vast majority of births in such communities take place at home, while birth certificates are only issued in hospitals. 23. The Government informed the Independent Expert about commendable initiatives, in collaboration with international non-governmental organizations, aimed at improving the situation for groups, including Pygmies and the Mbororo, and has successfully issued thousands of identity documents. Plan International, working together with the Ministry of Social Affairs, implemented a universal birth registration campaign in order to secure birth certificates for all children, including those (such as the Baka) belonging to minority indigenous groups. The programme reportedly helped 12,000 children to receive birth 10 11 8 “La population du Cameroun en 2010”, available from www.statisticscameroon.org/downloads/La_population_du_Cameroun_2010.pdf. Centre for Civil and Political Rights, “NGO report on the implementation of the ICCPR”, Geneva, June 2010 (available from www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/ngos/GeED_Cameroon_HRC99.pdf)