2007

Cameroon and Sudan Centers Join CVT's International Training Project

The Amel Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims in Sudan and the Center for Rehabilitation and Abolition of Torture in Cameroon join 16 other torture treatment centers in CVT’s International Capacity-Building Project (ICB). The goal of the project is to improve the long term sustainability of indigenous torture treatment centers and improve healing services for torture survivors.
November 1, 2007

CVT Receives Nonprofit Excellence Award

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and MAP for Nonprofits honored CVT with the 2007 Nonprofit Excellence Award. The award recognizes the professional practices CVT uses in governance, financial management, transparency and fundraising.
October 11, 2007

Genocide in Darfur

CVT is cosponsoring with the Genocide Intervention Network-Minnesota a serives of events to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur. Dr. Sam Totten will speak about his investigation in Darfur Thursday, October 11. "Camp Darfur," a simulated refugee camp, will be in front of the State Capitol October 13. And the documentary, "The Devil Came on Horseback," will be shown through October 15 at the Bell Museum.

African Food Shelf to Launch

The African Food Shelf Advisory Council will gather on April 20, 2007 to celebrate the launch of the African food shelf serving Northwestern Hennepin County, including Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. Monetary and food donations are welcome

2006

CVT's Message of Hope for 2007

CVT's reflections on the last year and challenges for 2007.
December 29, 2006

Statement on Report: Psychology of Torture

CVT notes that the report, The Psychology of Torture, supports what CVT has said for years: Torture is unreliable and impedes gathering truthful information. The report was written by retired senior military interrogators and psychologists.
November 16, 2006

CVT to Provide Healing Services in the Democratic Republic of Congo

CVT announced it will open offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide community mental health services to torture survivors and build resources for healing.
September 28, 2006

Torture, War Trauma Survivors Face Barriers Communicating Experiences with Doctors

Many refugees fleeing political conflict and violence are affected by their experiences but have not spoken to their doctors about them, according to a survy conducted by the Center for Victims of Torture.
August 29, 2006

Training for Liberians in Minnesota

CVT is sponsoring "Neutralizing the Effects of War and Building Healthy Communities." The training is free and open to all Liberians concerned about the long-term physical and emotional implications of war trauma.
August 19, 2006

CVT Marks Anniversary of International Treaty Banning Torture

Rep. Betty McCollum and two survivors of torture join CVT on June 26 at the State Capitol to honor the anniversary of the Convention Against Torture as supporters rededicate themselves toward the protection and healing of torture survivors.
June 26, 2006

Local and International NGOs in Liberia Celebrate June 26

CVT Liberia joins local and international NGOs in Monrovia organize events to celebrate June 26, UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, and to commit to efforts for a torture-free Liberia.
June 21, 2006

Optional Protocal to Enter into Force in Liberia

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) in collaboration with Liberian NGOS recognize the coming into force of the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) in Liberia.
June 21, 2006

Tibetan Monk & Torture Survivor Will Share Story with Minnesotans

CVT is cosponsoring with the Tibetan Youth Congress of Minnesota a discussion with Palden Gyatso, a Tibetan monk and torture survivor, will speak June 14 at 6 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.
June 9, 2006

CVT Expands Operations to Lofa County, Liberia

CVT announced it would expand its counseling and community health efforts to Lofa County, in northern Liberia, an area almost entirely depopulated during the country's 14-year civil war and now the focus of refugee return efforts organized by the United Nations.
April 20, 2006

CVT Guinea Receives International Humanitarian Award

CVT's Guinea Team was honored by the American Psychological Association with the 2006 International Humanitarian Award for its work with refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia. Listen to an interview with Dr. Shanee Stepakoff, clinical psychologist with the CVT Guinea Team, on Minnesota Public Radio.
January 17, 2006

Lucas CVT Board President

Ellie Lucas of Tunheim Partners was selected to chair the board of directors for the Center for Victims of Torture
January 16, 2006

2005

Statement on McCain Amendment

Executive Douglas A. Johnson offered support for the agreement between President George W. Bush and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) on McCain's anti-torture amendment. Johnson said the amendment clearly prohibits use of waterboarding, stress techniques and sleep deprivation.
December 15, 2005

Johnson Testifies at Gonzales Hearing

Douglas A. Johnson, CVT's executive director, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee as it considered the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales for Attorney General. While not taking a stand on the nomination of Mr. Gonzales, Douglas provided background information on torture and its impact. He was the only leader from the nonprofit human rights community invited to testify.
January 6, 2005
Read Doug's oral testimony here.

Read Doug's submitted written testimony here.