The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (the Commission) is following with interest the general human rights situation in the Togolese Republic, in particular the question of the rights to freedom of association and assembly protected by articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter) and by other international instruments duly ratified by Togo.
The Commission considers that the Government's recent decision to ban demonstrations by political parties and civil society organizations scheduled for April 11 to 13, 2024, in protest against the National Assembly's adoption on first reading on March 25 of a constitutional revision bill that would change Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, is a step backwards.
The Commission condemns this restriction imposed by the Togolese authorities on the rights to freedom of association and assembly. It calls on them to refrain from any decision likely to hinder the effective enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by the African Charter and other relevant regional and international human rights instruments ratified by Togo.
It urges the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the rights to freedom of association and assembly are respected in all circumstances.
Banjul, April 12, 2024
Honourable Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu
Chairman of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Commissioner in charge of the human rights situation in the Togolese Republic and Special Rapporteur on the rights of human rights defenders.