21/06/05
CARITAS Europa appeals to the European Commission regarding the plight of Togolese Refugees.

Call for the real democracy and the promotion of social peace in the rebuilding of Togo


Brussels, 21 June 2005. – Caritas Europa expresses its grave concern for the human rights situation in Togo and the human catastrophe that threatens the Togolese refugees who have fled from the insecurity and violence.


In particular, Caritas Europa insists that the European Commission commits itself to the following:


-To intervene with the Togolese government in order to put an end to the threats on the population suspected to be favourable to the opposition, the militants of the human rights, the journalists and other members of the civil society including the representatives of the Churches.


-To insist that the Togolese government respects and applies the 22 engagements which it subscribed to in April 2004 within the framework of the consultations in accordance with article 96 of the Agreement of Cotonou, in order to resume co-operation with the European Union.


-To ask the installation, as wished by the European Parliament, of a Board of inquiry to announce the exactions committed. It is necessary that this Bord is international has an international character in order to guarantee its objectivity and credibility.


-To strengthen its direct co-operation with the organisations of the Togolese civil society, reinforcement of the civil society being an indispensable condition so that Togo experiences a durable and peaceful democratic transitions.