ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Center for Victims of Torture™ (CVT), an international NGO dedicated to healing survivors of torture, today announced it will present its annual Eclipse Award to Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC), in recognition of 20 years of tireless efforts to end torture worldwide and support survivors. The award is presented each year to an individual or organization that has played a crucial role in ending torture or in extending care and rehabilitation to torture survivors.

Léonce Byimana, TASSC executive director and a clinical psychologist who holds an MPH, will accept the Eclipse Award in Washington, D.C., at a June 26 reception held to honor the organization’s work to help torture survivors.

“This award really belongs to everyone who has supported TASSC over its 20-year history and to the many hundreds of torture survivors who are living safe, productive, peaceful lives today because of the compassionate care that helped make their lives whole again. We are indebted to all who make our life-saving work possible and honored to receive the Eclipse Award in recognition of our dedication to this work,” said Byimana.

Celebrating 20 years of work on behalf of torture survivors this year, TASSC is a coalition of torture survivors representing ethnic groups and countries across the globe. TASSC provides direct support to torture survivors through psychological care and legal, medical, social, housing, food and employment assistance; campaigns to abolish torture; gives voice to survivors through outreach, education and advocacy; and organizes communities of healing for survivors across the United States.

“TASSC is an organization that is unique in the U.S. and indeed in the world,” said Curt Goering, CVT’s executive director. “On the occasion of its 20^th anniversary, we’re thrilled to recognize TASSC for its passionate and dedicated service to, and empowerment of, survivors.  We’re grateful for our partnership and we salute and thank TASSC’s members, staff, Board and volunteers for their extraordinary contributions to healing survivors and ending torture.” 

CVT presents the Eclipse Award each year on or around June 26, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. On June 26, 1987, the United Nations Convention against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment went into effect. Events are held around the world honoring and celebrating this day.

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with offices in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, D.C.; and healing initiatives in Africa and the Middle East. Visit w ww.cvt.org