The following position statements address U.S. policies that perpetuate torture and cruelty. CVT is dedicated to restoring America’s moral authority because it is needed. Our colleagues in countries where torture is routine need America’s leadership, not justifications for torture.  Our clients who fled persecution in their home countries need to know their new home is one that will not torture.

Torture is never the result of a few rogue individuals, but is implemented systematically and implicates broad segments of our society, including the military, intelligence branches, lawyers, elected officials, medical and mental health professionals. Some are acvtively involved, others are implicated by their silence. The following statements address current policies that must be changed.

Establish the Army Field Manual for Interrogations as the minimum standard of treatment for all U.S. officials, including contractors and the CIA (pdf)

End the policy of extraordinary rendition, where the U.S. sends terrorist suspects to other countries to be tortured (pdf)

Restore Habeas Corpus (pdf)

End the use of evidence obtained under coercion or torture (pdf)

Provide legal remedies and as full as rehabilitation as possible for torture victims created by the U.S. (pdf)