Welcome to a special issue of our CVT World newsletter as we recognize Human Rights Day today. This day is especially important this year, as today marks the 40^th anniversary of the Convention against Torture. Check out the publications, news and commentary below.

From Room 101 to the UN Convention against Torture:

To honor today’s 40^th anniversary of the Convention against Torture, Dr. Simon Adams, president & CEO, wrote this article describing how George Orwell brought the dark topic of torture to the public with grim depictions of Room 101 in his novel 1984, which was the real-life year that the Convention against Torture was issued. Simon notes that 175 states have ratified the Convention, yet research “suggests that roughly half the UN membership still use torture or other forms of systematic abuse or ill-treatment against detainees, despite this global prohibition.” More work must be done. He writes, “That work will not end until the last torturer faces international justice and the last refugee camp is empty.”

That work will not end until the last torturer faces international justice and the last refugee camp is empty.”

Dr. Simon Adams, CVT president & CEO

Joint Declaration from Torture Survivors in Support of a Torture-Free Trade Treaty:

To honor the 40^th anniversary of the Convention against Torture, the policy team worked with survivors of torture, who wrote this declaration calling for a torture-free trade treaty. This declaration is going out from us along with Amnesty, Int’l and all partners in the torture-free trade network, as referenced in this joint press release with Amnesty Int’l. The survivors write about the impacts of torture, stating, “If a torture-free trade treaty would spare even one person the horrors that we have experienced, it is worth any effort that doing so would require.”

Osama Ahmad Al-Mohammad, country director, CVT Jordan:

“On the 40th anniversary of the Convention against Torture let us renew our commitment to a world free of torture. Let us remember that the Convention against Torture is not just a legal document, but a moral commitment and a call to action—a call to stand together, regardless of our differences, and to work relentlessly toward the eradication of torture in all its forms.”

A Keynote Address for Human Rights Day

On Human Rights Day, Simon Adams delivered a keynote address titled, “International Law and Justice in a Time of Genocide” as part of the Human Day Symposium 2024 at the University of Minnesota Human Rights Program. He shared information and background on several important global human rights advocacy initiatives and called on the audience of students and activists to step forward and work toward justice and human rights. Simon’s talk was noted in this article in the University newspaper, Minnesota Daily.

10 Years Later: The CIA ‘Torture Report’ and America’s Accountability Deficit:

Yumna Rizvi, senior policy analyst, published this opinion article in The Hill to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of release of the CIA torture report by the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee. Yumna writes, “The release of the summary in 2014 was a seismic moment, offering a harrowing glimpse into the systemic cruelty of a program justified under the guise of counterterrorism.” Yet she notes that its lessons have been largely ignored. “There is a profound moral and strategic cost to this lack of accountability. In failing to confront the truth of its post-9/11 actions, the United States perpetuates a culture of impunity,” Yumna writes.

In failing to confront the truth of its post-9/11 actions, the United States perpetuates a culture of impunity.”

Yumna Rizvi, senior policy analyst

Noor Zada, program manager, New Tactics in Human Rights:

“The Convention against Torture stands as a cornerstone in the global fight against inhumanity. In the MENA region, where conflicts persist, the Convention continues to inspire efforts to protect human rights, promote justice and advocate for a future free from torture and inhumane treatment. Because the Convention requires both accountability for perpetrators along with support for survivors, it brings an urgent obligation to the global community for a solid commitment to action, solidarity and the fight against impunity.”

The Convention against Torture stands as a cornerstone in the global fight against inhumanity.“

Noor Zada, program manager, New Tactics in Human Rights

Doug Johnson, CVT’s first executive director:

“The Convention against Torture was ratified by the U.S. Senate faster than any other human rights treaty, indicating that the prohibition of torture and cruelty was a value widely shared. And the CaT is the first treaty to formally recognize the right of victims to reparation and healing and the state’s duty to remedy. This was a breakthrough.”

And the CaT is the first treaty to formally recognize the right of victims to reparation and healing and the state’s duty to remedy. This was a breakthrough.”

Doug Johnson, CVT’s first executive director

Clients Begin to Restore Their Lives with Rehabilitative Care Ensured by the Convention:

“I felt as though I had buried myself alongside my executed family members, but CVT unearthed me and brought me back to life.” -Former client, CVT Ethiopia

Life after Torture: The Humanity behind the Convention against Torture:

This article provides background on the Convention and quotes from colleagues in many of our locations. The article notes that the Convention against Torture calls for remedies owed to victims after torture, noting “It was the Convention against Torture that connected directly to victims the remedies owed after torture, centering those who are owed redress.”