26June2010 For a World Without Torture United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims Together against Torture
The IRCT’s Global Report on the United Nations International The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Vic- Day in Support of Victims of Torture – 26 June 2010 tims (IRCT) is an independent, international health pro- fessional organisation, which promotes and supports 2010 © International Rehabilitation Council for Torture the rehabilitation of torture victims and works for the Victims (IRCT) prevention of torture worldwide. The vision of the IRCT Text: Scott McAusland ([email protected]) and Sune Segal is a world that values and accepts shared responsibility for the eradication of torture. Layout: Andreas Reventlow and Fábio Pereira Front (in order of appearance): MATESO, Kenya; RCT, Den- The views expressed in this report can in no way be mark; MFH, Germany; PRAWA, Nigeria; TIHV-HRFT, Turkey; taken to reflect the official opinion of the above institu- SAVE Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo; FAVL, Arme- nia; RCTV Memoria, Moldova; VI.TO, Italy; SAP-GL, Burundi tions. The country activities portrayed in this report are based on the submission of reports as received from campaign participants. ISSN 1997-6275 The production of this report was made possible thanks Borgergade 13 Phone +45 3376 0600 to financial support from the Oak Foundation, the Min- P.O. Box 9049 Fax +45 3376 0500 istry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the European 1022 Copenhagen K E-mail [email protected] Commission. Denmark Website www.irct.org
2 26 Table of Contents
5 Foreword from the President 22 Campaign activities worldwide, cont. IRCT President Dr Mohamud Said discusses the impor- A country-by-country look at how organisations tance of the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture celebrated 26 June this year
6 Campaign Materials 2010 36 UNCAT ratification status The IRCT developed numerous products for the 2009 See which states have ratified the United Nations campaign Convention against Torture
8 Campaign activities worldwide 38 Join us next year A country-by-country look at how organisations Learn how to be part of the global movement celebrated 26 June this year against torture in 2011
18 Global reading 39 How to support the IRCT The president and Secretary-General ask all citizens See how you can help ensure that torture survi- to help eradicate torture vors and their families receive the help they need
20 IRCT in Brussels The IRCT Secretary-General addresses members of the European Parliament in Brussels 263 “SOHRAM-CASRA in Turkey commenced its campaign with a picnic for torture victims and their families. Some 1500 participants enjoyed Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, Syrian, Armenian and Turkmen music, folk dance contests, games, discussions and of course food. ”
4 Turkey Foreword from the President The IRCT: 25 years of fighting for a World Without Torture
They encompass defenceless civilians raped by rebel as A world without torture. That’s well as government troops – an increasingly common meth- the goal we at the IRCT have been od of torturing whole communities in eastern and central fighting for ever since our birth 25 Africa; members of marginalised ethnic minorities in Asia; years ago. With 146 member cen- dissidents who speak up against oppressive regimes in the tres in 73 countries covering all Middle East; street children in South America accused of continents we’re in a unique posi- petty crimes and brutally beaten just to “teach a lesson”; tion to do so. and people who simply had the bad fortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. To us, such a world is one where tortured men, women and children receive the care and support they need to rebuild Their lives have been shattered and their dignity trampled their lives. Where torture survivors have access to real jus- upon. But they share one crucial trait: the potential to re- tice and torturers are held accountable in a court of law. cover and overcome their trauma if given timely and ef- And where governments and civil society work together to fective support. That’s what my colleagues all around the prevent torture from happening. globe are working for, often at great personal risk and with meagre resources, but nonetheless making a real differ- On 26 June – the United Nations International Day in Sup- ence to those they reach. port of Victims of Torture – we pay tribute to those who have suffered the horrors of torture and reiterate our 25 years of experience has shown us – with the words of shared commitment to ending torture once and for all and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – that something can supporting survivors whoever and wherever they might be done to help those who have suffered so terribly. For 25 be. On this day, torture survivors, NGOs and concerned year we have struggled against torture, and for the right of citizens around the world join forces in a anti-torture cam- torture survivors to rebuild their lives and have their dignity paign spanning the entire globe, raising their voice in restored. As I reiterate our commitment to continue reach- solidarity in a resounding NO! to torture. On the following ing out as far as possible to those in need, my warmest pages you’ll find an uplifting overview of the scores of crea- thanks and thought go out to my colleagues all around the tive activities which IRCT member centres and other anti- world as I express my unfaltering belief that together, we torture organisations around the world engaged in on and can achieve a World Without Torture. around 26 June 2010.
The survivors we honour come from all walks of life, and from all corners of the world. As UN Special Rapporteur Professor Manfred Nowak has tirelessly pointed out, most Dr Mohamud Said, President victims of torture are ordinary persons suspected of having committed criminal offences and belonging to disadvan- taged, discriminated and vulnerable groups – in particular the poor. 5 اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ העולם בלי עינויים ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ
دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون EEN WERELD ZONDER MARTELING ZONDER WERELD EEN โลกปราศจากการทาร ﻣﻦ ณกรรมุاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ UM MUNDO
ﺧﺎل DÜNYA IŞKENCESIZ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎلﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﻣﻦ没有酷刑的世界 ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ SEM TORTURA
МИР БЕЗ ПЫТОК
WELT OHNE FOLTER OHNE WELT
DUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN TANPA DUNIA 世界ことなく拷問 עינויים JEEVAN BIN DUKH עינויים בלי ULIMWENGU בליהעולם בלי עינויים העולם BILA העולם LE MONDE SANS고문없는 TORTURE 세상MATESO ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽﺑﺪون Campaign materials 2010โลกปราศจากการทารTORTURARIK دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون โลกปราศจากการทาร ŚWIAT BEZ TORTUR اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐDOMHANโลกปราศจากการทารุณกรรม GAN CÉASADH ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ A range of campaign tools was made available English, French and Spanish, a没有酷刑的世界 campaign kit, a PASAULE BEZ SPIDZINAŠANASุณกรรม ณกรรมุﻋﺎﻟﻢ through the IRCT website to all participating or- collection of sample letters and press没有酷刑的世界 releases עינוייםganisations. As in previous years, the “26 June T in English, French, Spanish and Arabic, an essay IL没有酷刑的世界 MONDO SENZA TORTURA בלי logo” was available to be used for campaign ma- and art competition, and the movie世界ことなく拷問 “Ghosts”, by העולם terials such as t-shirts, stickers and posters, but Morvary Samare, which was distributed世界ことなく拷問 for pub- THẾ GIỚI MÀ KHÔNG BỊ TRA TẤN brand new logos and other visual materials rep- lic displays. A Global Reading고문없는 was prepared and MSOFLIO TSAMEBIS GARESHE ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪresenting online movement ‘World Without Tor- all those celebrating 26 June were encouraged to 世界ことなく拷問 دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ture’ were also made available (see next page). use it in their events (see p. 18). 세상 26 JUNE 고문없는 MSOFLIO โลกปราศจากการทารDUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN Other campaigning tools included fact sheets in TSAMEBIS세상 2010 GARESHE 2010 ุณกรรม DAIGDIG 没有酷刑的世界NA고문없는 WALANG LABIS NA PAGPAPAHIRAP The film “Ghosts”, which VÄRLD 세상 was directed by the Irani- UTAN ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐan-Canadian documenta- 世界ことなく拷問 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎلrist Morvary Samare, looks TORTYR EL MUNDO SIN TORTURA at the effects of torture NJË BOTË בלי עינוייםon individuals and their PA TORTURË 고문없는 העולם 세상 اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ families as it follows the TAKLEEF WARAI DUNIYA ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﻣﻦ lives and cases of three دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون Arab-Canadian men who were “renditioned” to โลกปราศจากการทารुुुु עינויים and tortured in Syria and ณกรรมุהעולם of Torture בליEgypt as part of Cana- 26 June 2010 – International Day in Support of Victims da’s involvement in the 没有酷刑的世界 so-called “War on Ter- irct.org/26june ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪror”. The film featured 世界ことなく拷問 دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون at Montréal’s Human โลกปราศจากการทารRights Festival and won the Public’s Choice 고문없는 Award in Montreal ear- 세상 ุณกรรม “Ghosts”, by Morvary Samare 没有酷刑的世界lier this year. 6 世界ことなく拷問 고문없는 세상 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ עינויים העולם בלי העולם בלי ﻋﺎﻟﻢ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ עינויים ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ
ﺧﺎل ﺑﺪون ﺑﺪون EEN WERELD ZONDER MARTELING ZONDER WERELD EEN ﻣﻦ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ โลกปราศจากการทาร ณกรรมุ ﻣﻦ ณกรรมุاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ UM MUNDO ﻋﺎﻟﻢاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ ﺧﺎل 没有酷刑的世界 DÜNYA IŞKENCESIZ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ העולם IŞKENCESIZ DÜNYA ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎلﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦSEM TORTURA
בלי МИР БЕЗ ПЫТОК โลกปราศจากการทาร
WELT OHNE FOLTER OHNE WELT
DUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN TANPA DUNIA 世界ことなく拷問 עינויים JEEVAN BIN DUKH עינויים עינויים ﻋﺎﻟﻢ בלי ULIMWENGU בלי עינויים DUKH BIN JEEVAN בליהעולם دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ העולם ﺧﺎلﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﻣﻦBILA 没有酷刑的世界 העולם LE MONDE SANS고문없는 TORTURE МИР БЕЗULIMWENGU ПЫТОКﺧﺎل EEN세상 WERELDMATESO ZONDER MARTELING ﺑﺪون BILA ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐUM MUNDO ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ 世界ことなく拷問MATESOﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪونﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ 세상העולם ﺑﺪون בליהעולם SEM TORTURAدﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون โลกปราศจากการทารโลกปราศจากการทารTORTURARIK دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ בלי โลกปราศจากการทารŚWIAT BEZ TORTUR ณกรรมุﻋﺎﻟﻢ FOLTER 고문없는 עינוייםDOMHANุณกรรม GAN CÉASADH WELT OHNE ﺧﺎل دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ DUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN LE MONDE SANS TORTUREעינוייםاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐณกรรมุ ﻣﻦ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽﺑﺪونﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺑﺪونﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ 没有酷刑的世界PASAULE BEZ SPIDZINAŠANAS اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐณกรรมŚWIAT BEZ TORTURุ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ 没有酷刑的世界 העולם בלי TORTURARIK ุณกรรม עינויים世界ことなく拷問IL没有酷刑的世界 MONDO SENZA TORTURA ณกรรมุהעולם בלי THẾ GIỚI MÀ KHÔNG BỊ TRA TẤN دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ עינויים世界ことなく拷問 DOMHANโลกปราศจากการทาร GAN CÉASADH ﺑﺪون PASAULE BEZ SPIDZINAŠANAS ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ고문없는 MSOFLIO TSAMEBIS GARESHE ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون 세상 世界ことなく拷問โลกปราศจากการทาร26โลกปราศจากการทาร JUNE 고문없는 MSOFLIO โลกปราศจากการทารDUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN IL MONDO SENZA TORTURA 세상 2010 没有酷刑的世界 ุณกรรม TSAMEBIS 2010 THẾ GIỚI MÀ KHÔNG BỊ TRA TẤN GARESHE 没有酷刑的世界ุณกรรม DAIGDIG 没有酷刑的世界NA고문없는 WALANG LABIS没有酷刑的世界 NA PAGPAPAHIRAP MSOFLIO TSAMEBIS GARESHE 세상 世界ことなく拷問DUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAAN VÄRLD 世界ことなく拷問世界ことなく拷問세상 โลกปราศจากการทาร세상 MSOFLIO세상 اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐUTAN 世界ことなく拷問 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ TSAMEBIS ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ TORTYR ﺧﺎل GARESHE 고문없는 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ EL MUNDO SIN고문없는 TORTURA ﻣﻦ NJË BOTË 고문없는 没有酷刑的世界 اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ עינוייםPA TORTURË 고문없는 העולם DAIGDIG NA WALANG LABIS NA PAGPAPAHIRAPהעולם בלי 세상 اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ בלי VÄRLD 世界ことなく拷問 ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ TAKLEEF WARAI DUNIYA ﻋﺎﻟﻢ 세상עינויים UTAN ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪونTORTURAﺧﺎل EL MUNDO SIN دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪونโลกปราศจากการทาร ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﻣﻦ TORTYR 고문없는 ुुुु עינויים 26 June 2010 – International Day in Support of Victims of Torture ุณกรรม NJË BOTË ुुुु اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐPA TORTURË העולם בלי ณกรรมุהעולם没有酷刑的世界 irct.org/26june TAKLEEF WARAI DUNIYA irct.org/26june בלי ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ עינוייםโลกปราศจากการทาร دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون โลกปราศจากการทาร世界ことなく拷問 Torture ﺑﺪونJune 2010 – International Day in Support of Victims of 26 ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ고문없는 세상 ุณกรรม 没有酷刑的世界 没有酷刑的世界 The World Without Torture and “T” posters used in this year’s campaignุณกรรม can be世界ことなく拷問 downloaded from www.irct.org/26June세상 고문없는 7 世界ことなく拷問 โลกปราศจากการทาร 고문없는 세상 没有酷刑的世界 世界ことなく拷問세상 고문없는 Activities worldwide
2010Human Rights and Torture of the Argentine As- Albania sociation of Psychiatrists (APSA). Participants Albanian Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma and included many representatives from around the Torture (ARCT) country including human rights organisations ARCT, Albania’s only rehabilitation centre caring such as the Association of Former Detainees for victims of the past totalitarian regime in the and Disappeared, social organizations such as country marked 26th June by reading the global Neighbours for Memory and Justice, members of statement. They also issued their own procla- public institutions, as well as Dr. Carlos Portillo, mation and newsletter explaining torture and a psychiatrist from IRCT member centre ATYHA in the mechanisms used to fight it. “On this 26 Paraguay, Colombian political refugees, and the June, we pay honor to the girls and boys, women Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands, Ms. and men, whom have paid with their own life this Peggy Vissers. Participants shared experiences horrible crime and also the survivors.” and set criteria for the mental health support to people who are witnesses or complainants in tri- als being carried out across the country against Argentina those responsible for state terrorism. The con- ference was coordinated by Mariana Lagos and Argentine Team of Psychosocial Work and Silvana Bekerman, president and vicepresident Research (EATIP) of the Chapter of Mental Health, Human Rights To mark the day, EATIP organised a conference in and Torture of APSA and both working at EATIP, conjunction with the Chapter of Mental Health, and by Margarita Cruz, representing the Asso-
8 Armenia
ciation of Former Detainees and Disappeared. the Ministry of Justice of the RA, the Ministry of Diana Kordon, Dario Lagos, Daniel Kersner and Health of the RA, the Parliament of the RA, the Lucila Edelman, founders of EATIP and of the International Red Cross, the local and interna- Chapter of Mental Health, Human Rights and tional non-governmental organisations, medi- Torture of APSA, presented the findings at the cal institutions, families of torture victims, the 2010closing table of the conference. FAVL Civil Centres, embassies of different coun- tries in Armenia and others. A video by Morvary Samari called “Ghosts” that tells a story about Armenia mistreatment and torture by Canadian Security Foundation Against Violation of Law (FAVL) Intelligence Service on three citizens of Arabic descent was presented during the conference. On 25th of June 2010 Foundation Against Vio- In addition, the global statement was read out. lation of Law organized a conference with the The conference was followed by peaceful rally of theme “Without Torture” to mark the UN Interna- the participants. tional Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The aim of the conference was to raise awareness and to speak out against torture, cruel mistreat- Australia ment and degradation of human dignity that is present all over the world, to present means of Association of Services to Torture and Trau- prevention of these phenomena in the Republic ma Survivors (ASeTTS) of Armenia, as well as to sum up the activities un- In Perth, Western Australia, ASeTTS in part- dertaken by governmental and non-governmen- nership with Curtin University of Technology’s tal organisations for rehabilitation of victims of Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE) and torture. Participants of the conference included Amnesty International marked the 26 June by representatives and participants from the office holding a Public Forum on Australia’s response of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic to asylum seekers: ‘Driven by fairness and fact of Armenia, the Ministry of Defence of the RA, or fear and fiction?’ The Forum was well attend-
9 Australia Bosnia and Herzegovina
ed with over 200 people showing up despite the ferent walks of life were present in the audience. cold winter night. Speakers focused on provid- All speakers stressed the importance of the pre- ing the Australian context in terms of asylum vention of torture and rehabilitation of its victims seekers in the international setting and also and appealed to the audience to come forward discussed the manner in which asylum seekers to work together to develop a movement against are treated once they have arrived in Australia, torture to ensure a torture free society. After the particularly in relation to the policy of mandatory meeting a “candle lighting” was performed by detention and the recent policy of suspending the children to commemorate the day and to ex- the processing of refugee claims for Afghanis (6 press empathy to the victims of torture. months) and Sri Lankans (3 months). Bosnia and Herzegovina Bangladesh Association Vive Žene Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors As every year, Association Vive Žene celebrated (CRTS) the 26th June. This year Vive Žene organized dif- CRTS organized a discussion meeting on 26 June ferent activities including a joint picnic for all 0n the Topic “Stop Torture, Save Health and Hu- beneficiaries of the centre from different commu- manity” at the Public Library Auditorium of Tan- nities and a magician and creative workshops for gail. The meeting was presided by eminent law- children in the centre. 45 children participated in yer and columnist Advocate Nihar Sarker. Valiant activities in the centre. In addition, the centre freedom fighter and singer Mr. Elen Mullick was organized a discussion with children about what present as chief guest. Other guest speakers torture means to them. Children gave different were renowned social worker Nurul Islam Badal, answers about torture issue from their perspec- advocate Al Ruhi, Ahmedul Huq Siddiqi and Kazi tive. Bahalul Huq. The whole program was compered by dramatist Talha Al Mahmud. People from dif-
10 Brazil Cameroon
cluded the launch of the book ‘What remains of Brazil the Dictatorship: the Brazilian exception’, by Ed- Grupo Tortura Nunca Mais - Rio de Janeiro son Teles and Vladimir Safatle (Org), Publisher (Never More Torture Group – Rio de Janeiro) Boitempo, 2010, and the exhibition of paintings by artist Margot Mello. The day was concluded Grupo Tortura Nunca Mais marked the day by with a concert by the musician and composer hosting an event with civil society organizations, and violinist Bira of Vira Mansur. including the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), the Order of Lawyers of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (OAB-RJ), Regional Psychology Cameroon Council of Rio de Janeiro (RJ-CRP), the Network of Communities and Movements against Violence, Centre for Rehabilitation and Abolition of the NGO Global Justice, the Office of Develop- Torture (CRAT) ment and Human Rights (IDDH) and Center for On the occasion of International Day in Sup- Justice and International Law (CEJIL ). The theme port of Victims of Torture , CRAT, in partner- chosen for discussion was “Torture Yesterday ship with the Trauma Center of Cameroon (TCC) and Today: an update of violence.” Over 200 and National Commission of Human Rights and people participated in the event, which included Freedoms (CNDHL) organized companion aware- a reading of the IRCT global statement, and the ness and free voluntary testing for HIV / AIDS, screening of two films: the OAB-RJ campaign on two sessions of art therapy, exhibits and a panel the missing politicians and filmmaker Rubens Pi- discussion on “a world without torture.” Ap- leggi on Torture. Also present at the event were, proximately 170 people from over 30 institutions Elizabeth Silveira e Silva, a relative of miss- (human rights and development organisations, ing member of the Araguaia Guerilla and board ministries, churches etc) took part in the day’s member, and Flávia Souza, a relative of a victim events. Mainstreaming the fight against HIV / of violence perpetrated by the state, who gave AIDS within work to rehabilitate victims of torture their testimonies. Other activities of the day in- remains a concern, and 56 victims of torture and
11 Canada Chad
refugees benefited not only from a presentation facebook, a panel discussion on impunity, open on the mode of transmission, clinical manifesta- house, art exhibition, candle light ceremony and tions and strategies for the prevention of HIV / a tree planting ceremony in collaboration with AIDS but also of free and voluntary testing for the City of Toronto. HIV / AIDS. Speeches from the panelists and the discussions that followed centred on the need to act on the root causes of the evils of torture, Chad to educate victims and perpetrators of human Youth for Peace and Nonviolence Association rights abuses, breaking the silence and intensify (AJPNV) the monitoring of compliance of human rights in places of detention. The day’s events received The headquarters of AJPNV welcomed teachers, coverage in 16 print and audio-visual media. human rights campaigners, the customary chief, the district leader, the chief of the military, po- lice, district chief, politicians, media, and other Canada representatives of civil society organizations to commemorate the day. The day began with Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture a speech by the Secretary General after which (CCVT) others spoke and presented to the assembled This year, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Tor- audience. The President of AJPNV Nodjigoto ture (CCVT) focused on the importance of rais- Charbonnel closed the session by reading the ing public awareness and getting people talk- IRCT global statement. After that guests were in- ing about the issue of torture beyond June 26th. vited to visit the Centre for Training and Careers With the theme of “New Life, New Hope”, CCVT of Women Victims of Torture created by AJPNV. declared the month of June Victims and Survi- The day ended with a football match between vors of Torture Awareness Month and organized two groups of women torture victims. a series of public awareness activities. Some of the activities included virtual outreach through
12 Denmark Democratic Republic of the Congo
Croatia Democratic Republic of the Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims Congo (RCT) Zagreb Regroupement des Mamans de Kamituga Over 200 people took part in a series of activi- (REMAK) ties organised by RCT Zagreb including work- shops for psychology students at the University REMAK organised a day of activities attended of Zagreb, and workshops for schoolchildren by the local authorities, military and local police in Dvor. The activities featured on RTL Croatia and the local association members of civil soci- broadcasts for several days. ety and other local leaders. They organised a march to the rhythm of local Kimbanguist band, they handed over to the State representative a Denmark dozen blankets, mattresses and two sacks of rice for the detainees at Kamituga central prison Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Tor- as a way of showing the population and the lo- ture Victims (RCT) cal authorities that prisoners have rights that Danish member centre RCT held a mini street should be respected. In this prison the centre soccer tournament in the centre of Copenhagen. feels obliged to improve detention conditions for It included politicians, comedians, professional prisoners who do not have access to toilets, wa- soccer and handball players from AG Køben- ter, or separate cells and where considerations havn, the Police, contacts from the Military Pros- of gender or age differences are not taken into ecution Service and RCT staff. RCT staff handed account. REMAK handed over the mattresses in out brochures and manned an information tent, the presence of a prisoner who, in the name of where they talked about the latest research in fa- other detainees, asked REMAK to consider their langa torture and a partner programme in South sanitation conditions under detention. After- Africa. wards they read out the IRCT Declaration before
13 Ecuador Georgia
carrying out games such as women’s races and ferences, roundtables, lectures, movies, etc. It bag races. The ceremonies included singing and had the participation of 20 Province Delegations dancing from the Balenga ethnic group in Ka- and support from civil society organizations and mituga. Legal texts and materials from the IRCT the state. Communication materials related to were distributed. 26 June were delivered to all participants at the planned events. Ecuador Foundation for Integral Rehabilitation of Georgia Violence Victims (PRIVA) EMPATHY, The international Psycho-Rehabil- The Ombudsman of Ecuador, through the “Na- itation Centre for Victims of Torture, Violence tional Office for Human Rights and Nature Pro- and Pronounced Stress Impact motion – National Coordination of Education and EMPATHY organised a conference entitled “To- Promotion”, with the financial support of PRIVA gether Against Torture” which was held in Tbi- and the support of the National Communications lisi on 26 June. Presentations included govern- Office, planned a range of activities to commem- mental agencies’ strategies on rehabilitation of orate the day, with the aim to sensitise, dissemi- war and ethnic cleansing victims in Georgia and nate and deliver communication materials, to the situation on the implementation of OPCAT in promote respect and observance of these rights Georgia. The Declaration “Together Against Tor- and to disseminate the work of the Ombudsman ture” was made, which calls for the implementa- in this area nationwide. General guidelines were tion of CAT Articles, use of the Istanbul Protocol, established at the national level for commemo- implementation of OPCAT, as well as other prin- ration activities relevant to the day. These were ciples of International Humanitarian Law, espe- carried out all over the country for greater impact. cially regarding occupied territories of Georgia. Several activities were carried out such as: open The Declaration, centred on recommendations houses, information tents, radio programs, con- for the prevention of torture, was submitted to 14 Germany Germany
the President of Georgia, to the Parliament and of them stayed the entire day to be able to par- to the Prime Minister of Georgia. An exhibition- ticipate in all the scheduled presentations. sale of art-works of victims of torture and ethnic cleansing and women and juvenile prisoners, Medical Care Service for Refugees Bochum was organised during the Conference. (MFH) Medical Care Service for Refugees invited guests Germany for a lecture given by Knut Rauchfuss - a doctor and journalist who has worked at the centre Berlin Centre for the Treatment of Torture since its foundation in 1997. After the lecture Victims (bzfo) there was a discussion. The centre also host- bzfo hosted an Open House from 10.00 a.m. until ed an all day information desk in a city square, 4.00 p.m. on 26 June during which guided tours where materials on torture and the centre were through all the departments, including an intro- distributed. duction to the bzfo library, were offered. Work- shops were held on a range of topics including a community therapy and integration project for Hungary female migrants, internet therapy for seniors Cordelia Foundation for the Rehabilitation of over 65 years of age of age who were trauma- Torture Victims tized during World War II, working with inter- preters in an intercultural setting, international A play of a contemporary drama piece entitled projects, including treatment centers in Iraq and “Tollfosztás” was organised by the Cordelia cen- psychotherapeutic supportive groups for refu- tre after which the global statement was read in gees. Among the visitors were students, judges, Hungarian by Dr. Lilla Hárdi, medical director of colleagues from hospitals and other NGOs, rep- Cordelia Foundation. Following this the foun- resentatives from state authorities dealing with dation hosted a debate between Dr. Júlia Iván refugees as well as financial supporters. Some - legal representative of the Hungarian Helsinki
15 India
Committee, Dr. Lilla Hárdi - medical director of the same day, the Taki Subcentre organised a the Cordelia Foundation, Dr. Kata Lénárd - psy- colourful rally with a band, posters and banners. chologist, Rodrigó Balogh - author of the play, Campaign materials were distributed to make and Márton Illés - director of the play. people aware of the importance of the day and of the rights of victims of torture. Meetings were held at several road junctions. At the Baharam- India pur sub centre a mobile tableau was organized, Centre for Care of Torture Victims (CCTV) which rolled across different important areas of the city. Events were covered by print and broad- CCTV arranged a conference for people from dif- cast media. ferent sectors. The programme was graced by Prof. Malini Bhattacharya, Chairperson, West Rural Uplift Centre (RUC) Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW); Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan (Associate Professor, Na- Activists from surrounding villages staged a tional University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS). The demonstration against torture chanting slogans whole programme was presided by Dr. Surendra about domestic violence and women’s rights, Daga, President, CCTV and there was a focus on and other human rights violations. They also the Prevention of Torture Bill 2008, which has yet demanded to ensure the enactment of an act in to become law, and on women as victims of tor- consonance with the convention against torture. ture. In addition, a victim spoke from experience Pamphlets mentioning human rights violations on the theme ‘justice delayed, justice denied’. and demands were distributed to people watch- Before closing the programme, Ms. Minakshi ing along the streets. Chaudhuri, Hon, Secretary, CCTV briefed about A public meeting started with folk dance and the recent activities of the centre. T-Shirts and music. Speeches were delivered by renowned caps were prepared using the 26 June 2010 logo, speakers to an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 which were distributed among the audience. On women.
16 India Indonesia
Society for Social Research, Art and Culture main police station. They used the flower distri- (SOSRAC) bution to give a “fresh message to everyone” to then go on and spread the news about 26 June Society for Social Research Art and Culture and local issues regarding torture to others. The (SOSRAC) organized various cultural, sports and day began with the reading of a petition to the awareness activities, including a press confer- Indonesian government and the setting up of a ence and peace march, in New Delhi on 26th banner. June. Many torture victims and their family mem- bers participated in various cultural and sports Rehabilitation Action for Torture Victims in activities. The peace march was very effective in carrying the message to the general public. This Aceh (RATA) was the second time the center had organized The series of activities organised by RATA includ- a peace march. Torture victims and their fam- ed an event for reflection and solidarity with the ily members from India, Myanmar, Afghanistan Palestinian people at the Campus al Muslim at- and Tibet, as well as local victims from national tended by 120 students and invited guests from capital region, participated in large number. All NGOs, where a community kepolisoan shaped preparations for this programme were done by prayer. Training on the UN Convention Against Victims and their family members only. SOSRAC Torture was given to 35 people consisting of po- distributed pamphlets and posters in the com- lice, civil service, the council representatives of munity to publicise the importance of this day and about these activities. Indonesia Alliance of Democracy for Papua (ALDP) ALDP organised flower distribution at eight lo- Overview of the campaign cations with a central check point in front of the activities continues on page 20 17 International Rehabilitation IRCT statement for a global reading on the occasion of Council for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Torture Victims
26 June 2010 Borgergade 13 P.O. Box 9049 DK-10-22 Copenhagen K - Denmark Tel +45 33 76 06 00 Fac +45 33 76 05 00 [email protected] Ladies and gentlemen, www.irct.org
Today marks the UN International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. It pro CVR-No 16 70 10 33 vides us with a time to reflect on the past, to honour the victims and survivors of torture and to look to a better future: to a World Without Torture.
The horrific practice of torture continues to afflict people across the globe. But a world without torture is possible. That is something we must always hold on to. We owe it to the victims and survivors of this heinous crime around the world.
A world without torture will not become a reality until we have brought healing to those who have been subjected to this appalling practice. Without healing, Global reading the effects of torture are all too likely to continue within the survivors. - Each year over 100,000 survivors of torture receive treatment from IRCT member special day. Together, we are saying that we - “The greatest threat to the fight against tor- centres. But there are many more. Together, we must work to increase our reach ture remains apathy: that we silently accept will not remain silent, and that we will contin- in order to bring healing to the greater numbers who suffer. that torture exists. Today, as we honour the ue working together to bring about a World In bringing about a world without torture we must work to ensure that the mecha victims and survivors of torture all over the Without Torture.” nisms are in place to prevent it from happening in future. We will take a mean 26world, let us promise that we will not silently ingful step towards this when governments, the health and legal professions and other relevant actors are committed to ensuring that all torture survivors have accept that the crime of torture continues. Let Read out by human rights defenders across access to justice. us pledge to do all we can to prevent greater the world on 26 June 2009 these words con- numbers joining their ranks. This must include children, torture’s oft-forgotten victims. While anyone can be- cluded a statement signed IRCT President come a victim of torture, children are especially vulnerable, in particular those Mohamud Sheikh Nurein Said and IRCT Sec- countless girls and boys born into poverty and conflict. Right now, we – the rehabilitation centres retary-General Brita Sydhoff. In the context of war and police brutality children much too often find themselves and programmes that are members of the violated at the cruel hands of a torturer. Today we stress that every state has an IRCT – are jointly raising our voices across The full statement is available on www.irct.org additional duty to ensure that there is someone to speak up on their behalf and to The IRCT enjoys protect them from this horrendous crime. consultative status the world, reading out this statement on this with the UN Economic and Ladies and gentlemen, Social Council and participatory status In the past year we’ve seen positive steps being taken on the long road towards a with the Council of world without torture. These steps must be celebrated. A few examples: Europe. 18 In Asia, only this month Pakistan ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture. And we’ve seen India, the world’s second most populous country and its largest democracy, take steps to ratify the Convention. International Rehabilitation IRCT statement for a global reading on the occasion of Council for In Europe, we’ve seen the British government call for an inquiry into complicity the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Torture Victims in torture in the so-called “War on Terror”.
26 June 2010 Borgergade 13 In Africa, following the horrific post-election violence in Kenya, the International P.O. Box 9049 DK-10-22 CopenhagenCriminal K Court has announced that it will initiate an investigation and to protect - Denmark witnesses. Tel +45 33 76 06 00 Fac +45 33 76 05 00 In the Americas we’ve seen Argentina successfully bring to justice the perpetra- International Ladies and gentlemen, [email protected] www.irct.orgtors of torture from the despotic regimes of the 1970s, sending out a strong mes Rehabilitation sage that there is nowhere for the perpetrators to hide. Council for CVR-No 16 70 10 33 Today marks the UN International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. It pro Torture Victims vides us with a time to reflect on the past, to honour the victims and survivors of And last but not least, at the local level the member centres of the IRCT continue torture and to look to a better future: to a World Without Torture. Borgergade 13 tirelessly working to help torture survivors rebuild their lives, as well as to raise P.O. Box 9049 awareness and seek justice. DK-10-22 Copenhagen K The horrific practice of torture continues to afflict people across the globe. But a Denmark world without torture is possible. That is something we must always hold on to. Tel +45 33 76 06 00 - Fac +45 33 76 05 00 We owe it to the victims and survivors of this heinous crime around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, [email protected] www.irct.org A world without torture will not become a reality until we have brought healing The greatest threat to the fight against torture remains apathy: that we silently ac CVR-No 16 70 10 33 to those who have been subjected to this appalling practice. Without healing, cept that torture exists. Today, as we honour the victims and survivors of torture the effects of torture are all too likely to continue within the survivors. all over the world, let us promise that we will not silently accept that the crime - of torture continues. Let us pledge to do all we can to prevent greater numbers Each year over 100,000 survivors of torture receive treatment from IRCT member -joining their ranks. centres. But there are many more. Together, we must work to increase our reach in order to bring healing to the greater numbers who suffer. Right now, we – the rehabilitation centres and programmes that are members of the IRCT – are jointly raising our voices across the world, reading out this state - In bringing about a world without torture we must work to ensure that the mechament on this special day. Together, we are saying that we will not remain silent, nisms are in place to prevent it from happening in future. We will take a meanand that we will continue working together to bring about a World Without Tor 26 ingful step towards this when governments, the health and legal professionsture. and other relevant actors are committed to ensuring that all torture survivors have access to justice.
This must include children, torture’s oft-forgotten victims. While anyone can be- - come a victim of torture, children are especially vulnerable, in particular those countless girls and boys born into poverty and conflict. - Mohamud Sheikh Nurein Said In the context of war and police brutality children much too often findIRCT themselves President violated at the cruel hands of a torturer. Today we stress that every state has an additional duty to ensure that there is someone to speak up on their behalf and to The IRCT enjoys protect them from this horrendous crime. consultative status with the UN Brita Sydhoff Economic and IRCT Secretary-General Ladies and gentlemen, Social Council and participatory status In the past year we’ve seen positive steps being taken on the long road towards a with the Council of world without torture. These steps must be celebrated. A few examples: Europe. The IRCT enjoys In Asia, only this month Pakistan ratified the United Nations Convention Against 19 consultative status Torture. And we’ve seen India, the world’s second most populous country and its with the UN largest democracy, take steps to ratify the Convention. Economic and Social Council and participatory status with the Council of Europe. IRCT in Brussels “Torture doesn’t just affect those in faraway lands”, says IRCT Secretary General to European Parliament
To mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, IRCT Secretary General Brita Syd- hoff was invited to address members of the European Parliament in Brussels on 23rd June 2010. Read the full text of Ms Sydhoff’s speech on www.irct.org
“You, distinguished Members of the Europe- the anti-torture work carried out by the Eu- an Parliament, have a crucial role to play in ropean Union beyond its borders. Close col- providing the oversight, accountability and laboration between EU bodies and local civil democratic legitimacy crucial to the Europe- society organisations is crucial for the suc- an Union. cess of such work.
Instruments such as the Guidelines for EU However, torture doesn’t just affect those in Policy towards Third Countries on Torture far away lands. Torture survivors also live and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading among us. The next time you walk down the Treatment or Punishment should be consist- street it is most likely you will pass victims ently applied and promoted to strengthen of torture. Our general assessments suggest IRCT Secretary General Brita Sydhoff addressing members of the European Parliament. To her left is Mauro Palma, President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and to her right is Keith Best, Chief Executive of the Medical Foundation in London, one of the IRCT member centres.
that at least 20 – 25 per cent of refugees and rehabilitation for torture victims is enshrined asylum seekers in the European Union are in international law, yet all too often the survivors of torture. The next time you walk funding for rehabilitation is lacking. The pain down the main street of any European city, of the torture continues unabated, within the look around you. He may have been tortured borders of our safe and prosperous Union, because of his sexual orientation, religious due to the lack of funding to meet legal ob- belief or political opposition. She may have ligations. been sexually tortured as part of warfare.
Europe often lets these people down when its actions fall short of its ideals. The right to ” Iraq Italy
the people, NGOs and students. This was done in collaboration with a network of anti-torture Italy organizations from central highlands (JAPI). Hospitality and Care for Victims of Torture, Law and conflict resolution training was also Italian Council for Refugees (CIR-VI.TO.) given to the local council. Finally, RATA organ- ised a peaceful campaigning march around the For the celebration of 26th June, CIR- VI.TO. or- city to distribute brochures and liaise with the ganised a variety of activities. Several interviews public. To enliven this event it was supported by for national TV and radio were given by CIR-VI. performance art drum bands and a clown. This TO. staff on the need forpublic support against event was attended by 150 participants, consist- torture. The main event for the 26th June, was ing of representatives of eight NGOs, students held at Teatro Argentina and included an intro- and children side-by-side. duction to the meaning of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, and the needs and rights of torture survivors in general and a Iraq presentation of the project VI.TO. Hospitality and Care of Victims of Torture. The audience was Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Vic- also treated to a theatre performance entitled tims of Torture (TRC) “Lampedusa, mon amour”, the final result of the TRC organised activities attended by NGOs and VI.TO. theatre rehabilitation workshop, freely in- relevant governmental institutes as well as by spired by the Aeschylus tragedy “Suppliants”. their clients. Among the most prominent of their In addition there were two screenings: the IRCT activities were a play about the effects of torture film Let’s erase torture and a new film present- and the issuing of a declaration condemning ag- ing the testimonies against torture that an im- gression by the authorities in Basra against the portant Italian writer, Andrea Camilleri, together participants in a recent demonstration. with Moni Ovadia, a well known Italian musician and theatre performer, gave during their visits
22 Kenya to the theatre rehabilitation workshop of Vi.To. and police departments and the activities con- The audience also enjoyed a performance of folk cluded with the presentation of a survey on tor- and traditional Italian music. The event of 26th ture in detention. June was a great success. More than 600 peo- ple of people attended the theatre performance many local organizations and NGOs participated Kosovo as well. Kosovo Rehabilitation centre for Torture Vic- tims (KRCT) Kenya The Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Vic- Mwatikho Torture Survivors Organization tims (KRCT), in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), (MATESO) organized a conference in order to celebrate the MATESO organised a ranged of activities from International Day in support of Torture Victims, 24 – 29 June in which over 1100 people partici- on the 30th of June 2010 in Vila Germia in Pristi- pated. The events were covered by national tel- na. The purpose of this event was to discuss the evision and radio. A session of Civic Education future prospects of the independent monitoring on the Bills of rights, legislation on torture in of human rights standards in places of detention Kenya, the international conventions on torture in Kosovo. The contributions of the speakers as and the use of Istanbul protocol were organised well as the debates focused on the establish- by the centre, as was a photographic exhibition. ment in Kosovo of a mechanism similar to the The activities also included the distribution of National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) foreseen materials, processions in three locations on the in the Optional Protocol to the United Nations 26th June itself and a memorial service for those Convention against Torture and other Cruel, In- killed by the military and militias. Certificates human or Degrading Treatment or Punishment were awarded to the best performers in prison (OPCAT). Around fifty representatives of the main actors and stakeholders in the field of the 23 Lebanon Kosovo
monitoring of human rights standards in places ers. The centre also organized a sit-in in front of of detention in Kosovo attended the conference. the International Red Cross Headquarters in soli- darity with the Palestinian and Arab detainees in Israeli prisons. In addition, Khiam Center is- Lebanon sued and distributed brochures, pamphlets and Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of flyers to raise awareness against torture and Torture (KRC) broadcasted an announcement against enforced disappearance and torture on the radio station KRC organized a range of activities over several Sawt el Shaab. days to mark the 26th June. A Social, Psychological and Medical Day for Iraqi Restart Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of refugees in Baalbeck was held which included Violence and Torture training to reinforce the entrepreneurial skills of the refugees. The centre also held a press con- Restart Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of ference, in the presence of the Iraqi Consulate Violence and Torture with the collaboration of in Lebanon, a group of Iraqi refugees and local Al-Karama, CLDH, ALEF organized a roundtable NGOs, where they presented live testimonies with the title “2000- 2010 Lebanon has signed about the miserable conditions of the refugees and ratified The Convention against Torture and presented a film that reveals their struggles. And The Optional Protocol to the Convention..... A workshop on domestic violence was held as But?” About 35 persons from different NGO’Ss was a workshop entitled “Women in Lebanese (Restart, Al-Karama, CLDH, ALEF, Pinacle, Am- Prisons: Reality and Fate”. On June 18, KRC or- nesty, Ajem, Mirsad, OHCHR) in addition to a ganised a Medical, Social, and Psychological Day number of Judges, lawyers, forensic doctors and in Baabda Prison. During this day, the doctors of human rights activists were present in the round Khiam Center provided examinations, medicines table and discussed many related issues. and health recommendation to 72 female prison-
24 Moldova
Mexico Moldova Colectivo Contra la Tortura y la Impunidad Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims – (CCTI) “Memoria” A week before 26 June CCTI published the book On 17 June RCTV “Memoria” led a rally in front TORTURA – Pensamiento y Acción del Colectivo of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau, demanding Contra la Tortura y la Impunidad (TORTURE – support for the parents of Mr Ilie Cazac, a man Thoughts and Action of the Collective Against tortured by the Russia-supported authorities of Torture and Impunity) at the cultural centre Ca- the separatist province of Transnistria, accused sona de Juárez in Acapulco. The event enjoyed of espionage and treason. From 18 to 20 June extensive media converage. It was followed by RCTV held the summer camp “Know your Rights” a roundtable discussion on June 25th organ- for persons tortured during the post-election civ- ised jointly with the Comité de Liberación 25 de il unrest of April 2009. Among other things the Noviembre entitled ‘Reflections about torture participants learned how to talk to the media in Mexico and Oaxaca’ and held at the Instituto about the issue of torture in Moldova. The camp de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca. On June 25th, CCTI concluded with a press conference resulting in spoke about the psychosocial impact of torture several items in the national media. On 24 June and the situation of torture in Mexico at the con- RCTV held a press conference for 15 journalists ference Torture – a Reality in Mexico held in Casa together with Amnesty Moldova, the Moldova de la Cultura in Reynosa and organised by the Institute for Human Rights and Promolex, de- Centro de Estudios Fronterizos y Promoción de manding the Moldovan government provide re- los Derechos Humanos. On 26 June CCTI made habilitation to torture victims and work to pre- use of the IRCT 26 June 2010 global reading. vent torture and combat impunity. On 25 June RCTV held an Open Doors Day that included an exhibition of works by its beneficiaries and the screening of the documentary film Ghosts: A
25 Morocco
portrait of life after torture” (see also p. 6). On a 1000 litre water tank, as prisoners there had 26 June RCTV led the event “Torture-free zone” no means to store potable water. In addition, in a park in central Chisinau, handing out anti- prisoners received medical and psychosocial torture campaign materials to passers-by and support, and cases of torture were documented. collecting signatures in support of individual tor- CVICT staff briefed prisoners on their right to ture victims. The centre also initiated the mara- freedom from torture and encouraged prisoners thon “Let’s build together” to collect funds for who had experienced torture to utilise its serv- the building of new premises for its work. ices once released. The prison’s personnel were informed about the impact of torture and mini- mum standards to be observed with regard to Morocco the treatment of prisoners. In parallel CVICT held Medical Association for Rehabilitation of a dicussion forum at the National Women’s Com- Torture Victims (AMRVT) mission focusing on lobbying for the ratification of OPCAT and the immediate enactment of a new On 26 June AMRVT held a celebratory evening law criminalising torture. Among the 260 partici- for over 150 people, including many torture sur- pants were prisoners, prison personnel, repre- vivors. The evening comprised the screening of sentatives of NGOs, political parties, the police a new video presenting AMRVT as well as musi- and the National Human Rights Commission. All cal entertainment and an exhibition of paitings of the activities were covered by national media. and photos. The event was reported by 2M TV, a state-owned TV channel with national coverage. New Zealand Nepal Refugees As Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ) Centre for Victims of Torture Nepal (CVICT) On 26 June over 150 people attended an event On 26 June CVICT held a ‘Health on wheels’ at the National Refugee Centre at Mangere to camp at Sindupalchowk Prison where it donated observes World Refugee Day and World Without 26 Nepal Palestinian Territory
Torture. The Minister of Health, Hon Dr Jonan- Commission for Human Rights said the Palestin- than Coleman, planted a Kauri tree. The New ian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) received in Zealand Kauri, one of the largest, most ancient, 2009 some 502 complaints regarding cases of and longest-lived trees in the world is symbolic torture. Mr. Hamdi Shakoura, PCHR, presented of new life, growth, survival and kia ora (life). a recent study documenting cases of torture as well as torture methods commonly used in the Palestinian Occupied Territories. Mr. Mahmoud Palestinian Territory Abu Rahma’ from the Al-Mezan Center for Human Gaza Community Mental Health Programme Rights highlighted the experience of Palestinian (GCMHP) civil society organisations in fighting torture at local and international level. Mr. Abed Al Naser On 24 June GCMHP and UNHCR Gaza organised Ferwana, an ex-detainee and independent ex- a joint conference entitled “Together against pert on prisoners issues, spoke about the condi- Torture” attended by governmental and NGO tions of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons representatives as well as news agencies. Mr. and criticised the lack of attention by the media Curt Goering, director of UNHCR Gaza, reviewed to exposing torture. Referring to her own experi- some of the methods of torture used against Pal- ence Dr. Mariam Abu Daka from the Palestinian estinians in Israeli interrogation centres. He said Developmental Studies’ Center discussed the that human rights organisations had document- conditions of female Palestinian detainees in ed several cases of torture by Palestinian police. Israeli prisons and after their release; the meth- Dr. Maher Al Houli from the Islamic University ods of torture used against her and all other noted that Islam prohibits torture and guaran- male and female detainees in the prison; and tees fundamental human rights. Journalist Fathi the resulting psychosocial disorders. Finally, Dr. Sabah emphasised the importance of the media Ahmed Abu Tawahina, GCMHP’s Director-Gener- in exposing torture and the importance of rais- al, concluded that torture has tremendous psy- ing the awareness of journalists of their role in chological effects on the individual, the family this regard. Sobhia Jumaa from the Independent and the whole community and spoke about GC- 27 Palestinian Territory Palestinian Territory
MHP’s experience in alleviating the suffering of victims and their families and empowering them Senegal to re-integrate them in the community. GCMHP VIVRE/CAPREC - Rehabilitating Victims of distributed copies of the IRCT 26 June global Violence reading at the conference (see also p. 18). On 26 June, in partnership with the UN Volun- tary Fund for Victims of Torture and KIOS, Vivre Jesoor for Trauma Recovery Caprec held a panel discussion focusing on the On 26 June Jesoor held a “summer games” day UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and its for children around the age of 12. The children Optional Protocol (OPCAT). In addition to several were encouraged to draw their own ideas about torture survivors the 100 participants comprised torture, two of which are shown above. the governor of Senegal’s Thies region as well as military and police representatives, the Dis- Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Vic- trict Chief Medical Officer, NGO representatives, tims of Torture (TRC) teachers and religious personalities. At the event, which was covered by RTS state televi- TRC hosted a conference titled: Monitoring Tor- sion, Vivre Caprec distributed French-language ture: towards an efficient national plan at which copies of the UNCAT and OPCAT to the participat- Dr Salam Fayyad, Prime Minister of the Pales- ing law enforcement representatives and other tinian National Authority gave the opening ad- participants. dress. The morning session of the conference explored issues in the documentation of torture, which the afternoon session focused on the na- Serbia tional situation and development of an ‘efficient national plan’. IAN Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Vic- tims (IAN CRTV) IAN CRTV, Serbia’s only torture rehabilitation or- ganisation, commemorated 26 June with several 28 Italy
Serbia
events. At a press conference on June 23rd the ist attractions – the Kalemegdan fortress. IAN centre brought attention to the Serbian state’s activists distributed flyers on the issues of tor- obligations according to the Optional Protocol ture, services for victims, and state obligations to the UN Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) – according to OPCAT. During the week IAN CRTV especially to establish an independent National staff were guests in several TV programs where Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to conduct inspec- they talked about the OPCAT and the importance tions of all places of detention. The panel com- of preventing torture and ensuring rehabilitation prised Thomas Gnocchi of the EU delegation to for victims – over 30 appearances in the media Serbia; Miloš Jankovi, Deputy Ombudsman for in total. persons deprived of their liberty; Sandrina Špeh Vujadinovi, IAN CRTV co-ordinator; Ljiljana Pali- brk of Helsinki Committee for Human Rights and Sierra Leone Đore Alempijevi from the Belgrade University In- Community Association for Psychosocial stitute of Forensic Medicine. IAN CRTV also spoke Services (CAPS) about its services and those of two torture reha- bilitation centres, in Trebinje and Milici (BiH), it On 26 June CAPS held parades with singing and established with support from the EU. The IRCT dancing, displaying banners and distribution of global reading was translated into Serbian and leaflets in the district of Kono and the town of included in the press kit (see also p. 18). More- Kailahun. In Kono, a parade that began at a lo- over, IAN CRTV translated the IRCT-designed cal police station, comprised over 200 invitees game “Let’s erase torture” into Serbo-Croatian led by a renowned school band. In Kailahun a and posted it at www.ian.org.rs. On 26 June the parade began at the Ngiehun primary school centre held a dance and music capoeira perform- campus with some 280 invitees and headed by ance representing the fight against torture and the Kailahun District Council representative. The its perpetrators. Some 300 citizens and tourists parades ended at the Barry College where an enjoyed watching the performance, which took imam led a Muslim prayer followed by a pastor place at one of Belgrade’s most visited tour- leading a Christian prayer and lastly a traditional 29 Sierra Leone South Africa
healer who invoked the ancestors in prayers to tion of torture; types of torture; how to support watch over the event. This was followed by the victims of torture, and about other international reading of the IRCT global reading (see p. 18) by organisations supporting the commemoration, CAPS’s director and the UNIPSIL Human Rights including the IRCT’s member centres, the Copen- Officer in Kailahun and Kono respectively. Then hagen RCT, the Minneapolis CVT and others. The came candlelight and prayer ceremonies com- celebrations were concluded with libation and memorating the massive suffering and loss of refreshments. life due to torture in Sierra Leone, ceremonies that facilitated the grieving process of the com- munity. Testimonies by four CAPS clients sent South Africa the message that healing is possible for torture The Trauma Centre For Survivors Of Violence survivors and that rehabilitation professionals And Torture (TCSVT) are within reach. The testimonies also highlight- ed the clients’ acknowledgement of the power of On 26 June TCSVT hosted the event “Demys- counseling. Everyone present reflected upon the tify Torture: Acknowledging that it does hap- terrible suffering of torture survivors and was pen in South Africa and the world at large” in able to acknowledge the survivors’ pain as well partnership with the Institute for the Healing of as their strength. This motivated several torture Memories. The event was aimed at community survivors in the hall to speak out, relaying their members and service providers and sought to painful experiences of the past war. In Kono a raise awareness to label torture as such instead peace-building artist gave a musical performace of calling it “assault” and denying that it takes that educated the audience on the effects of tor- place in South Africa. The event was held in one ture and about CAPS’s work. Prior to 26 June, of the churches that survived the onslaught of radio debates and interviews took place live on the former apartheid government’s demolitions air at the community radio stations in both Kono and forced removal of forty thousand families and Kailahun, highlighting the importance of 26 of colour. In her keynote speech Ms Carnita Ern- June and educating the public about the defini- erst from the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation in Johannesburg discussed 30 South Africa Sri Lanka
the importance of criminalising torture and the 26 June. Events included meetings with torture ongoing legislation process to that end; the gov- survivors and the general public led by human ernment’s role in addressing torture issues; the rights lawyers; sporting events for survivors and role of society in fighting torture; and the impact their families; and peace programmes featuring of torture on individuals, communities and so- role plays by torture survivors. Concerned citi- ciety as a whole. Father Michael of the US Im- zens as well as medical and paramedical person- maculte Heart of Mary told the audience about nel participated in training programmes for the his engagement in fighting torture in the United care of torture survivors together with survivors States while Miriam Fredericks, TCSVT’s interim and their families. All in all more than 1100 per- director, read aloud the IRCT global reading (see sons took part in SA’s commemorations, which p. 18). TCSVT also handed out IRCT campaign also comprised the reading of the IRCT global 26 materials and held an exhibition with testimo- June statement (see p. 18). nies from clients and a powerful journal detail- ing accounts of torture survivor’s experiences, giving the audience a chance to hear them with- Turkey out them being present and serving as an ac- Centre of Social Action, Rehabilitation and knowledgement that torture exists in South Af- Readjustment for the victims of torture rica. Flyers with the message “Say no to torture (SOHRAM-CASRA) and violence and strengthen our democracy” were distributed. Already on 13 June SOHRAM-CASRA initiated its campaign “STOP TORTURE AND MALTREATMENT”. The campaign commenced with a picnic for tor- Sri Lanka ture victims and their families. Some 1500 par- ticipants enjoyed Turkish, Kurdish, Arab, Syrian, Survivors Associated (SA) Armenian and Turkmen music, folk dance con- Survivors Associated held activities all over the tests, games, discussions and of course food. On country through its field offices in the north, the morning of 25 June children released balloons south, east and west of Sri Lanka to commorate below walls of a fort at the foot of Mount Kırklar 31 Turkey Turkey
Dagi to protest torture. Later in the day the cen- were read out publicly in the cities of Adana, An- tre held a meeting at its premises where its presi- kara, Diyarbakir, Istanbul and Izmir where HRFT’s dent, Mr. Yavuz Binbay and Zeynep Kaya, a lawyer five treatment and rehabilitation centres are lo- volunteering for S-C spoke about the sentencing cated. In Ankara HRFT held an exhibition between of children in Turkey; the situation of child pris- 21 - 28 June on torture and the right to life with oners; and how to prevent torture and violence. drawings by Abidin Dino and Serpil Odabasi, On 26 June, together with the World Organisation whilst it held a seminar in Istanbul on the effec- against Torture (OMCT), S-C issued a press re- tive documentation of torture. HRFT also printed lease denouncing the detention of children under a series of four posters celebrating its 20th an- Turkish anti-terrorism laws. The centre also led niversary. In Izmir the posters were displayed on an open seminar on methods of rehabilitation of large billboards all over the city. Other 20th anni- torture and another one on the usefulness of psy- versary campaign material included hats, t-shirts, chotherapy. On the evening of 26 June S-C gave a brochures and press kits. cocktail party for victims of torture and their rela- tives as well as for concerned citizens and NGO representatives. United Kingdom Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT) Torture - Adana, Ankara, Diyarbakir, Istanbul and Izmir The Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture marked the 26 June by hosting a “Secret In parallel with commemorating 26 June the Hu- Garden Party” for the organisations’ supporters man Rights Foundation of Turkey celebrated its at its largest centre in London, enabling them to 20th anniversary. Generating extensive media meet current and former clients and experience coverage HRFT organised readings of press state- some of the fruits of the MF’s therapeutic group ments together with other NGOs such as the Turk- work. The event was held in the private garden ish Human Rights Association and the Contempo- developed by the Natural Growth Project (NGP), rary Lawyers’ Association. The press statements 32 Turkey Turkey
which provides a therapeutic space where cli- community. Renowned writer and RTC patron Eva ents can interact with nature and undertake Hoffman, born in Poland in 1945 to Holocaust their clinical sessions. The day celebrated the survivor parents, presented the cases of two resilience and talents of people from around the refugees who have received services at the RTC: world who have experienced torture and who are a journalist from Middle-East, who was severely now finding support and rehabilitation in the UK tortured and whose wife was executed; and a and showcased the MF’s group work including young African girl, all of whose family members the NGP’s garden, baking from the Bread Making were raped and executed while she was herself group, and artwork produced by clients working tortured at the age of eight. Hoffman discussed in the Open Art Studio. Members of the MF’s the result of the therapeutic treatment the two Write to Life group delivered inspiring readings had received and the importance of a safe space and musical performances. There was also a for tortured refugees, such as the RTC. Aida Ala- Solidarity Tree for supporters to share their mes- yarian, RTC’s Clinical Director, reported that this sages of solidarity with survivors and join with year RTC received 716 referrals of people from the MF in future campaigning initiatives. Beyond 29 different countries. 42 percent were children the Secret Garden Party, the MF also supported and young people. Alayarian emphasised that refugees are ordinary people, except for the fact the IRCT global reading (see p. 18) and World that, through no fault of their own, they find them- without Torture action on its’ website. selves in extraordinary circumstances. She also stressed that it takes courage to be a refugee: Refugee Therapy Centre (RTC) courage not to give up hope; to start a new life in The Refugee Therapy Centre commemorated 26 discouraging and sometimes frightening circum- June and Refugee Week (18-24 June) with an Open stances; and to become contributing member of Day, sending a message of fairness and equal- society once again. Following the speeches, an in- ity for all. John Denford, Chair of the RTC Board tercultural lunch, prepared by staff members and of Trustees, outlined RTC’s work and emphasised RTC clients, was served in the centre’s garden, the great need for its services in the UK refugee accompanied by music from different countries.
33 United States Turkey
MP Jeremy Corbyn, another patron of RTC, spoke Survivors International (SI) about the role of the centre in London; the value During the week of June 20-26, Survivors Interna- of offering services in the clients’ own languages; tional (SI) hosted its second Annual Week of Heal- and the contribution that immigrants make to the ing in honour of UN International Day in Support community. RTC also held an auction with do- of Victims of Torture, where it also publicised the nated items, which raised over 1,000 GBP for the IRCT 26 June global reading (see p. 18). SI kicked centre’s work. off the day with a hike in the beautiful Oakland Hills withw a few staff members and survivors. United States This was followed up by a film screening of a reen- actment of a tribunal of a person held in Guantan- Advocates for Survivors of Torture and amo, co-sponsored with Amnesty International, Trauma (ASTT) the Center for Justice and Accountability, and ASTT, a Baltimore based nonprofit that provides Health Professionals Against Torture, followed by comprehensive mental health care and social presentations from a psychologist and attorney services to survivors of torture and war trauma, and discussion. SI additionally participated with recognised 26 June by hosting a special exhibit its partners from the California Consortium of Tor- and lecture at the Walters Art Museum. The ex- ture Treatment Centers in talking with state legis- hibit featured client artwork from ASTT’s Healing lators to raise awareness about torture survivors Images photography programme and the Kitchen living in California and their needs. The centre Stories Project. ASTT’s Executive Director Karen also hosted a ‘potluck’ at its premises that was Hanscom, photographer Monica Lopossay, and attended by many survivors from a wide variety of artist Julie Lin discussed the healing power of art countries, sharing stories of healing over home- in treating torture survivors. The event was free cooked foods. and open to the public.
34 Italy
35 Ratified
States which have ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 147 states as of 27 September, 2010
Afghanistan Democratic Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Albania the Congo Liechtenstein Saint Vincent and the Algeria Denmark Lithuania Grenadines Andorra Djibouti Luxembourg San Marino Antigua and Barbuda Ecuador Madagascar Saudi Arabia Argentina Egypt Malawi Senegal Armenia El Salvador Maldives Serbia Australia Equatorial Guinea Mali Seychelles
Austria Estonia Malta Sierra Leone Azerbaijan Ethiopia Mauritania Slovakia Bahrain Finland Mauritius Slovenia Bangladesh France Mexico Somalia Belarus Gabon Monaco South Africa Belgium Georgia Mongolia Spain Belize Germany Montenegro Sri Lanka Benin Ghana Morocco Swaziland
Bolivia Greece Mozambique Sweden Bosnia and Herzegovina Guatemala Namibia Switzerland Botswana Guinea Nepal Syrian Arab Republic Brazil Guyana Netherlands Tajikistan Bulgaria Holy See New Zealand Thailand Burkina Faso Honduras Nicaragua The Former Yugoslav Republic of Burundi Hungary Niger Macedonia Cambodia Iceland Nigeria Timor-Leste
Cameroon Indonesia Norway New Ratification Togo Canada Ireland Pakistan on 23/06/2010 Tunisia Cape Verde Israel Panama Turkey Chad Italy Paraguay Turkmenistan Chile Japan Peru Uganda China Jordan Philippines Ukraine Colombia Kazakhstan Poland United Kingdom of Great Britain and Congo Kenya Portugal Northern Ireland
Costa Rica Kuwait Qatar United States of America Côte d’Ivoire Kyrgyzstan Republic of Korea Uruguay Croatia Latvia Republic of Moldova Uzbekistan Cuba Lebanon Romania Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Cyprus Lesotho Russian Federation Yemen Czech Republic Liberia Rwanda Zambia 36 Not ratified
States which have not ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 48 states as of 27 September, 2010
Angola India* Saint Kitts and Nevis Bahamas* Iran (Islamic Republic of) Saint Lucia Barbados Iraq Samoa Bhutan Jamaica Sao Tome and Principe* Brunei Darussalam Kiribati Singapore Central African Republic Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Solomon Islands Comoros* Lao People’s Democratic Republic* Signed on Sudan* Cook Islands Malaysia 21/09/2010 Suriname
Dominica Marshall Islands Tanzania, United Republic of Dominican Republic* Micronesia, Federated States of Tonga Eritrea Myanmar Trinidad and Tobago Fiji Nauru* Tuvalu Gambia* Niue United Arab Emirates Grenada Oman Vanuatu Guinea-Bissau* Palau Vietnam Haiti Papua New Guinea Zimbabwe
* States that have signed but not ratified/acceded UNCAT
Ratified
Not ratified
37 Join us next year
The worldwide commemoration of the United Na- Address International Rehabilitation Council tions International Day in Support of Victims of for Torture Victims (IRCT) Torture is key to raising public awareness of the Borgergade 13 problem of torture. In 2011, as in the previous P.O. Box 9049 2011years, the IRCT will seek to collaborate with as 1022 Copenhagen K many anti-torture organisations as possible. If Denmark your organisation would like to participate in the 2011 campaign you are very welcome to contact Phone +45 3376 0600 us. Fax +45 3376 0500 E-mail [email protected] In the weeks leading up to 26 June 2011 the Website www.irct.org IRCT’s website www.irct.org will feature an over- view of planned activities worldwide. For further information please visit our website or contact us at the below address. We look for- ward to hearing from you.
38 www.irct.org/donate Torture breaks people. Your support helps us rebuild lives and fight torture.
The IRCT needs your help to rebuild the lives of torture victims and fight for the eradication of By bank transfer torture worldwide. The recovery of torture vic- Danske Bank tims is greatly impaired if their treatment is sus- Holmens Kanal Branch pended due to limited or uncertain funds. There Holmens Kanal 2 are still many parts of the world where treatment 1090 Copenhagen K or support continues to be scarce or completely Denmark unavailable. By contributing to our work, you SWIFT/BIC: DABADKKK 2011can help ensure that torture survivors and their families receive the help they need. USD account Registration no.: 3001 Regular giving Account no.: 4310-005029 irct IBAN: Please visit out website, www.irct.org/donate, DK18 3000 4310 0050 29 to set up a regular giving through NETS (PBS) or DKK account PayPal. Registration no.: 3001 Account no.: 4310-821152 One time donation - Online IBAN: DK90 3000 4310 8211 52 Please visit out website, www.irct.org/donate, to make a credit card donation. EUR account Registration no.: 3001 Account no.: 3001-957171 By cheque IBAN: DK69 3000 3001 9571 71 Please send a cheque that is made payable to our address (opposite page).
39 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ העולם בלי עינויים دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ ณกรรมุاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐโลกปราศจากการทาร EEN WERELD ZONDER MARTELING IŞKENCESIZ DÜNYA ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎلﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﻣﻦ没有酷刑的世界 ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐUM MUNDOاﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ
העולם בלי DUKH BIN JEEVANעינוייםSEM TORTURA МИР БЕЗ ПЫТОК 世界ことなく拷問ULIMWENGU
WELT OHNE FOLTER BILA העולם בליהעולם בלי עינויים DUNIA TANPA PENYIKSAANעינויים دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ LE MONDE SANS고문없는 TORTURE 세상MATESO دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽﺑﺪون ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ TORTURARIK ŚWIAT BEZ TORTUR ณกรรมุﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐโลกปราศจากการทารโลกปราศจากการทารDOMHANโลกปราศจากการทารุณกรรม GANุณกรรม CÉASADH העולם בלי עינוייםPASAULE BEZ SPIDZINAŠANAS 没有酷刑的世界没有酷刑的世界IL没有酷刑的世界 MONDO SENZA TORTURA دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون TẤN ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ世界ことなく拷問THẾ GIỚI MÀ KHÔNG BỊ TRA 世界ことなく拷問MSOFLIO TSAMEBIS GARESHE 世界ことなく拷問26 JUNE 고문없는 세상 โลกปราศจากการทารDUNIA TANPA 2010PENYIKSAAN ุณกรรม MSOFLIO 2010 고문없는 TSAMEBIS세상 GARESHE 고문없는 세상 DAIGDIG 没有酷刑的世界NA WALANGJoin our LABIS campaign NA at PAGPAPAHIRAP ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐVÄRLD www.facebook.com/WorldWithoutTorture UTAN 世界ことなく拷問 TORTYR EL MUNDO SIN TORTURA העולם בליVictims www.irct.org עינוייםInternational Rehabilitation Council for Torture NJË BOTË 고문없는 세상 ISSN 1997-6275 ﻋﺎﻟﻢ ﺧﺎل ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﻌﺬﻳﺐ PA TORTURË دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ TAKLEEF WARAI DUNIYA ुुुु ณกรรมุהעולם בלי עינוייםโลกปราศจากการทาร 26 June 2010 – International Day in Support of Victims of Torture irct.org/26june دﻧﻴﺎﻳﯽ ﺑﺪون ﺷﮑﻨﺠﻪ没有酷刑的世界 世界ことなく拷問 โลกปราศจากการทาร고문없는 세상 ุณกรรม 没有酷刑的世界 世界ことなく拷問 고문없는 세상