§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry for Togo, reference E/CN.4/2001/134, E/CN.4/sub.2/2001/3, of 22 February; and what action they have taken accordingly at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. [HL1805]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe report of the International Commission of Inquiry (COI) paints an ugly picture of human rights abuses in Togo.
Togo has systematically violated human rights standards. Following the report of the COI, we have strongly supported the UN Commission on Human Rights' decision to request the High Commissioner to establish early contact with the Government of Togo and the Secretaries General of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity to consider appropriate ways of supporting ongoing investigations into the events described in the report.
We do not underestimate the difficulties ahead with the Togolese but we shall continue to monitor the situation and ensure that effective action is taken to address the problem and to provide justice for the victims of serious human rights violations.