The justice system in Togo is not dealing with young people in an effective or acceptable way. The social and economic situation in Togo has led to a rise in crime, and this has created an urgent need for better social care for young people who get into trouble with the law.
The justice system in Togo doesn’t respect international standards in a number of ways. Young people are often locked up for long periods before trial. There are not enough alternatives to locking young people up. Young people are often held with adults in overcrowded and poorly maintained prisons.
There is no access to free legal advice and young people can rarely afford private legal support.
Togo has to make changes to deal with these problems and bring the country in line with international standards. The Government also needs to do more to help young people so they don’t come into conflict with the law in the first place.
Young people from the YMCA of Togo have carried out research into the issues of youth justice in their country. Download it here
