Healing Resources for Survivors

We advocate for the protection and care of survivors of torture worldwide. Since 2000, CVT has secured annual appropriations to the point where the United States is now the world’s largest donor to torture survivor rehabilitation programs. The Torture Victims Relief Act (TVRA) provides vital funds for torture rehabilitation in the United States and abroad to help survivors heal from their trauma and rebuild productive lives of dignity. Join us in support of TVRA.

Ending Torture in a Post-September 11 World

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have worked against counterterrorism approaches that inflict torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners. Our Campaign to Ban Torture was endorsed by more than 100 senior leaders from the military, national security, intelligence, and foreign policy sectors.

To date, investigations into detainee abuse have only looked down the chain of command. That's why we support an independent nonpartisan commission to investigate the authorization and use of torture and cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment in counterterrorism activities. By fully understanding what went wrong and why, we can work to prevent similar abuses in the future. Join us in calling for accountability for torture.

Honoring Survivors June 26

Each year, we honor the survivors of torture on June 26. Recognized internationally, June 26 is the anniversary that the Convention Against Torture went into effect. We hold events in Washington D.C., Minnesota, and at each of our international healing initiatives honor survivors and recommit to a world without torture. Join us June 26 in honoring torture survivors worldwide.

Collaborating with the Human Rights Community

We work with an array of human rights organizations on anti-torture initiatives, including accountability for torture committed by the U.S. after September 11, 2001, and reform of immigration laws to protect asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable populations who flee oppression and seek freedom to rebuild their lives. Our New Tactics in Human Rights project connects the broad human rights community around the world to share experiences, resources and tactical ideas to advance their own human rights advocacy efforts.

Some of our human rights colleagues:

American Civil Liberties Union

Amnesty International, USA

Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture

Human Rights First

Human Rights Watch

National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Open Society Institute

Physicians for Human Rights

Refugee Council USA

Survivors of Torture, International

The Advocates for Human Rights