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Togo  Why children in Togo need your helpTogo has long been criticised internationally for its poor record on human rights, resulting in reduced development aid and sanctions. In 2004, political unrest following the death of General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who served as head-of-state for over three decades, resulted in the loss of lives as well as an increase in refugees fleeing the country. Togo is also one of Africa's hubs for human trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation - the majority of victims are children. One-third of the population lives below the poverty line, with most families surviving on subsistence agriculture. Country factsTogo achieved independence from France in 1960. General Gnassingbe Eyadema installed himself as military ruler in 1967, and continued to rule for the next three decades. Following his death, he was succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbe in 2004. However, political protests forced him to hold elections to legitimise his role in 2005. Togo has less than 60km of coastline, but the country's length means that it stretches through six distinct geographic regions; with the climate varying from tropical to savanna.
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