ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) presents its annual Eclipse Award to Casa Alitas Welcome Center of Tucson, Arizona. Each year CVT presents the Eclipse Award to an organization or individual that has played an important role in ending torture, holding perpetrators accountable, or offering care and rehabilitation to survivors.

This year, CVT recognizes the extraordinary work undertaken by Casa Alitas – a humanitarian aid project of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona. Their team is on the frontlines of the current global displacement crisis, caring for asylum seekers who have fled their home countries and made the difficult and deadly journey to the U.S. southern border.

Asylum seekers are released to Casa Alitas by U.S. immigration authorities after they have established there is a credible threat to their lives if they were forced to return to their home country. Many have direct experience of persecution, conflict and extreme human rights abuses, including torture. With hundreds of asylum seekers arriving every day, Casa Alitas staff continue to provide care to vulnerable asylum seekers, despite the growing “weaponization” of the crisis on the southern border by various politicians and media in the United States.  

“Having spent time at Casa Alitas I am reminded of the fact that up to 44% of all refugees and asylum seekers in the United States are torture survivors,” remarks Dr. Simon Adams, CVT president and CEO.  “Casa Alitas is an essential humanitarian lifeline for people who have endured unimaginable hardship and trauma.”   

Dr. Adams added, “Today, with deep gratitude, we present the Eclipse Award to Casa Alitas. Their work is truly life changing for those asylum seekers, especially torture survivors, lucky enough to walk through their front door.”

On June 26, 1987, the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment went into effect. Events are held around the world commemorating this day. CVT presents the Eclipse Award each year on June 26, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to recognize partners who work to end torture.

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization with offices in Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda, United States and additional project sites around the world. Visit www.cvt.org