Togo Human Rights
Background
The death penalty was abolished. Several detainees died in detention reportedly as a result of torture or other ill-treatment. More than 30 people were arrested on political grounds, including military personnel; some were held incommunicado. The authorities curtailed freedom of expression.
Death Penalty
In June, parliament abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. Deaths in custody Several people died in detention probably as a result of torture or other ill-treatment.
- Kossi Koffi died in March on the day he was transferred to Lomé civil prison after eight days in custody. He was reportedly tortured or otherwise illtreated at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression was curtailed to stifle criticism of the authorities. In April, after the alleged coup attempt, the High Council for Broadcasting and Communication (Haute autorité de l'audiovisuel et de la communication) called on the media to show restraint on how information is used and suspended all interactive shows on radio and television until further notice.
- In July, a peaceful demonstration by Journalists for Human Rights was dispersed by security forces.
Impunity
The government established the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission in February to shed light on human rights violations committed between 1958 and 2005. The Decree creating the Commission did not clarify its powers and no provisions were made to bring to justice perpetrators of abuses.
Relevant Links
Togo Newsroom
February 18, 2016 • Report
Amnesty International State of the World 2015-2016
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
February 25, 2015 • Report
State of the World 2014/2015
This has been a devastating year for those seeking to stand up for human rights and for those caught up in the suffering of war zones. Governments pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians. And yet the world's politicians have miserably failed to protect those in greatest need. Amnesty International believes that this can and must finally change.
May 29, 2013 • Report
Annual Report: Togo 2013
TOGOLESE REPUBLIC Head of state Faure Gnassingbé Head of government Kwesi Ahoomey-Zunu (replaced Gilbert Houngbo) Demonstrations by political parties and students were dispersed by security forces using excessive force. Torture …
March 19, 2011 • Report
Annual Report: Togo 2010
Head of state Faure Gnassingbé Head of government Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo Death penalty abolitionist for all crimes Population 6.6 million Life expectancy 62.2 years Under-5 mortality (m/f) 105/91 per 1,000 …
February 22, 2016 • Press Release
Amnesty International’s Annual State of the World Report Slams Governments, Including the U.S., for Global Assault on Freedoms
On the launch of its 2015 State of the World report, Amnesty International USA urged President Obama to use his last year in office to bring U.S. laws and policies in line with international human rights standards.
February 18, 2016 • Press Release
Your rights in jeopardy, global assault on freedoms, warns Amnesty International
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
