OAU-UN probe confirms executions, rape, disappearances

A joint commission of inquiry of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) has confirmed human rights violations in Togo, UN News reported. In a report based on investigations in Togo and neighbouring countries from November to December 2000, the International Commission of Inquiry for Togo said allegations by Amnesty International that hundreds of people had been victims of extrajudicial executions "must be taken into consideration".

The report said the victims were mainly members of opposition parties and that there were indications that the perpetrators of the crimes were police, other security officers and militias under their control. The violations included executions, torture, degrading treatment, rape and kidnappings. The three-member commission recommended that the Togolese government investigate, identify and punish those responsible.

The commission also called for stronger laws against such abuses. The report also proposed that the UN appoint a Special Rapporteur to investigate further human rights violations in Togo. The Commission was set up on 7 June 2000 at the request of Togo's government to look into Amnesty's allegations. Its report has been submitted to the secretaries-general of the UN and the OAU. The document will be sent to the UN Commission on Human Rights along with comments by Togo's government and Amnesty.