Togo: Over 3,000 fled to Benin and Ghana in June

Briefing notes

Togo: Over 3,000 fled to Benin and Ghana in June

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

1 July 2005

The total number of refugees from Togo who have fled to neighbouring Benin and Ghana has reached 38,492, compared to 35,012 at the end of May. This total includes 23,221 refugees in Benin and 15,500 refugees in Ghana.

In Ghana, where virtually all refugees are staying with host families, UNHCR and its partners are continuing to provide targeted material assistance to refugees and their host families and communities to ensure this situation is sustainable. In the Aflao area, adjacent to Togo's capital, Lomé, and where the majority of refugees crossed into Ghana, UNHCR and local authorities are preparing to carry out a house-to-house survey from 7-9 July to verify exact numbers of refugees in the area and their needs.

In Benin, nearly 8,800 refugees are sheltering in the camps at Come and Lokossa/Agame, the remainder are staying with family and friends.