Newswise — On Tuesday, September 28, 2004, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus will sponsor a Members briefing: Torture: A Global Update And The Need For Assistance For Victims of Torture.
The goal of the briefing is to increase attention on the global problem of torture and the need for increased funding to assist torture victims both domestically and internationally. Torture is documented to occur in more than 100 countries around the world. It is estimated that 500,000 torture survivors who fled persecution in their countries of origin now live here in the United States.
"Torture can have devastating health consequences on an individual's physical, psychological and social well-being" , says Dr. Allen Keller, Director of the Bellevue/NYU Survivors of Torture Program in New York City. "But there is much we can do to help individuals heal, to restore their dignity, restore their sense of trust, and help them again lead productive lives."
But Dr. Keller adds, " the demand for services from his program and others around the country, far exceeds their current ability to provide them. And funding is getting even tighter. "Without continued and increased Federal support for the Torture Victims Relief Act, I fear many programs, just getting started will have to close their doors, and countless torture victims now living here in the U.S. will unnecessarily suffer."
Speakers at the briefing will include:
Jean-Pierre Kamwa, Survivor of Torture from Cameroon. Jean-Pierre now working as an Intensive Case Manager with Solace, Safe Horizons.Dr. Inge Gnefke, International Council for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture.Dr. Bent Sorenson, International RehabilitationCouncil for Victims of Torture.Dr. Allen Keller, Director, Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture;Chair, Policy Committee, National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs.
WHO: The Congressional Human Rights Caucus
WHAT: A Meeting Briefing: Torture: A Global Update And The Need For Assistance For Victims Of Torture
WHEN: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 3:30 p.m. " 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: 2200 Rayburn House Office Building
A more detailed description of the briefing can be found at http.www.house/gov/lantos/caucus/brief_Torture_092804.htm
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