Engaging in policy advocacy with the U.S. government to ensure protections for refugees, push for design of a trauma-informed U.S. asylum system, gain accountability for U.S. use of torture after the 9/11 attacks, and fight impunity for systemic abuses of power.
We estimate there are as many as 1.3 million survivors of politically-motivated torture living in the United States. Through our office in Washington D.C., we give voice to survivors purposefully silenced by perpetrators of torture. And we work with torture rehabilitation centers across the United States so that more survivors can receive the healing and care they need.
In our nation’s capital, we show policy makers that there is hope, that survivors can heal from their deep wounds and reclaim their lives. Our Washington office works with members of Congress to promote funding to extend care to survivors in the United States and abroad. 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.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we have worked against counterterrorism approaches that inflict torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment on prisoners. Our Campaign to Ban Torture was endorsed by more than 200 senior leaders from the military, national security, intelligence and foreign policy sectors.
We continue to speak out against those who advocate the use of torture. Join us in working toward a future where torture ceases to exist and survivors receive the care they need and deserve. Learn more about our advocacy and ways you can work for a world without torture.
