Overview of Human Rights in Togo

The Togolese Republic is a republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule. Irregularities marred recent elections; however, there has been no official challenge of the results.

In the year since the election, the human rights record in Togo has deteriorated. In response to this downfall, the European Union (EU) has begun a six-month consultation with Togo under the Cotonou Agreement.  Note: The Cotonou agreement allows the EU to suspend cooperation with a country if it fails to respect human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. Trade, humanitarian and economic aid, as well as other monetary issues can all be suspended due to a lack of compliance.

On April 14, 2006, Togolese Prime Minister Koffi Sama went to Brussels to convince the EU that his country was complying with the 22 point agreement between the EU and Togo, and that the country was ready to resume negotiations for EU aid. On June 9, 2006, the EU stated that it was too early to assess of the ongoing developments in Togo. It also stated that serious human rights violations still needed to be addressed before talks could resume.

Issues such as politically-motivated killings, government impunity and corruption, restrictions of the freedoms of assembly, press, and movement, as well as child labor and human trafficking still need to be addressed in order for Togo to be in compliance with the EU's rules.

Human Development Rank (HDI):

147th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.