CVT Logo 40th

CVT Forced to Close Vital Programs

Published January 28, 2025

On Friday, Jan. 24 at about 4 pm EST, the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) began to receive stop-work orders from the U.S. State Department, requiring us to immediately halt multiple international programs. We were forced to cease those operations at once and furlough the large majority of our staff. Subsequently, last night a memo was sent by the White House Office of Management and Budget, calling for a pause on all federal grants and loans. While this sweeping action is certain to be challenged in the courts, CVT has U.S.-based programs that are funded through these grants.

These policies are devastating to us as colleagues and to the torture and trauma survivors, human rights defenders and others CVT serves. We are proud of our 40-year tradition of extending care ethically and professionally. The safety, health and wellbeing of the populations we serve is critical to core U.S. interests and objectives that both republican and democratic administrations have advanced for decades. These abrupt closures will put our clients’ lives at serious risk in many respects.

Share this Statement

Related Statements