Iraq Action Days brought much needed attention to one of the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time.  Millions of innocent Iraqis have been uprooted by war.  Many fleeing Iraqis have no legal status beyond Iraq’s borders. Further, a number of sources have indicated that the percentage of torture victims within the Iraqi refugee population will be considerably higher than that of other recent refugee flows. Inside Iraq, individuals and families need food, jobs and a safe place to live.

The Center for Victims of Torture joined 23 other national organizations for the Iraq Policy Forum at George Washington University, followed by a two days of meetings on Capitol Hill to encourage lawmakers to do more to help Iraqi civilians who are displaced or otherwise affected by the violence in Iraq. Together, we visited 70 House and Senate offices and met with 10 members of Congress directly.

There is more we can do.  In 2008, the United States is committed to taking 12,000 Iraqi refugees. With higher rates of torture than other recent refugee arrivals, this vulnerable population requires healing services to rebuild their lives in their new home. 

The Torture Victims Relief Act provides much needed funding to torture treatment programs.  In the United States, 19 programs in 15 states receive funding support through the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Funding for TVRA has remained static for several years, yet demand for services exceeds resources and many programs struggle without any Federal assistance.  Yet these programs bridge the gap between survivors and their communities by providing culturally sensitive and holistic healing services, ensuring that survivors of torture heal from their wounds and reclaim productive lives.

Urge your representative to support full funding for the Torture Victims Relief Act in the Emergency Supplemental for fiscal year 2008.

Briefing Report on the Iraq Refugee Crisis (PDF)

Iraq Action Days Letter to Congress (PDF)

Home District Action Days
This summer, Iraq Action Days organizers will help people like you meet with your government officials during the congressional recess in August. Register to be a part of Home District Iraq Action Days here.