June 26 is recognized as UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture-marking the anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Torture going into effect. For more than ten years CVT centers in Minneapolis and around the world have commemorated the day with special events, speeches and marches. On June 26, 2009, CVT organized events in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Jordan, Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

In Pweto in the Democratic Republic of Congo CVT staff organized a motorized caravan to raise awareness of the health consequences of torture and CVT's healing services. The caravan traveled through the center of Pweto and stopped in four communities. Nearly 100 people gathered at CVT offices to listen to speeches by the police chief, non-governmental representatives and local officials.

Sierra Leone

 

In Sierra Leone, CVT joined a school competition funded by the U.S. Embassy in Freetown. Throughout the week students spoke out against torture and celebrated hope and healing through drama, poetry and dance.

Over 200 community dignitaries, partners and staff were invited to march in opposition to torture. At the CVT offices in Aberdeen activities included music, student and community performances, speeches, and a symbolic candle lighting ceremony.

Jordan

CVT staff in Amman, Jordan designed an office mural with their handprints to reflect the center's efforts to work hand-in-hand against torture. Through radio and television interviews, CVT reached out to Iraqi refugees living in Amman who may be suffering from torture and war trauma.

Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) received the Eclipse Award for his work opposing the torture and cruel treatment of prisoners held in U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Legislative staff, human rights advocates, retired military leaders, and national security experts attended CVT's annual reception. Special awards were given to Harry McPherson and William H. Taft, IV for their outstanding work against the use of torture by U.S. personnel, and for their leadership in CVT's successful effort to secure a Presidential executive order banning torture.

Minneapolis

At the Minneapolis Healing Center, CVT clients, staff, volunteers and supporters knit their hopes together into an artistic weaving, listened to volunteers and supporters speak about their commitment to CVT, and enjoyed African dance and food.

Carl Nelson, president of the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals, spoke at the event. "Today is a day when all of us stand up to support survivors of torture," declared Nelson. "Victims of torture from around the world live here in Minnesota now-they are our neighbors."

Mark Hiemenz, CVT supporter and Community Relations Director of Ameriprise Financial, asked attendees to commit to supporting survivors of torture and CVT's work for a torture-free world. "Often, people talk about the need for closure when there is difficulty and pain," said Hiemenz. "But I think equally important is opening-opening up hearts and lives to a better tomorrow."

 

About June 26

“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification for torture.”
Article 2, United Nations Convention Against Torture

June 26, 1987 is the day the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment went into effect. Since 1998, June 26 has been honored worldwide as United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.