Each year, the Center for Victims of Torture invites the public to join us in a celebration of hope and healing to honor June 26, UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Celebrations take place at CVT facilities in the U.S. and at our three healing centers in Africa.

Minnesota

For 2008, CVT commemorated this day on June 26 on the front lawn of our Minneapolis Healing Center. The celebration included West African food, a short play written by Kira Obolensky of The Playwright's Center, and performed by CVT staff. CVT's Executive Director, Douglas A. Johnson, spoke about our newly launched Campaign to Ban Torture.

Birhan Abebe, a former legal advisor of Ethiopia to the United Nations, made the keynote remarks. A music and dance performance by Hospitality House African Drum and Dance group closed the evening.

As in past years, CVT planted a tree with written messages of hope and healing so they may grow with it.

Campaign Banner and Birhan Abebe speaking on June 26, 2008
Photos: Stephanie Hynes

Washington D.C.

On June 25, CVT hosted a reception in Washington D.C. to present the 2008 Eclipse Award to Dr. Allen S. Keller.  Dr. Keller, founder and co-director of the Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture, was recognized for his outstanding work for the protection and healing of torture survivors.

The keynote address was made by Alberto Mora, former general counsel for the U.S. Navy and 2007 Eclipse Award recipient.

Sierra Leone

For the first time, CVT staff in Sierra Leone commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture in Freetown. The event was a collaboration with the Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights section of UNIOSIL (United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone) and a number of other human rights organizations.

Freetown was the site of two different events, one in each community that CVT works in. First, staff and community members gathered in Calaba Town for a peaceful march through the town, followed by an indoor event. It included a screening of a video of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone, the announcement of the results of a CVT school competition, some sketches by students and the sharing of food. A similar program took place later in the day in Aberdeen community hall.

Liberia

Celebrations for June 26^th took place around Liberia, in four different communities. A focus on community involvement and awareness marked the various activities of the day. In Voinjama, Kolahun and Foya parades through the towns were held with community members and CVT staff.

Discussions about torture, healing and prevention took place at the community gatherings following the parades. Community leaders were invited to participate, and CVT mental health professionals spoke to the crowds of people to raise awareness about the services and work of CVT. In Monrovia, radio programs featured interviews with counseling staff to raise awareness and support for survivors.

Democratic Republic of Congo

CVT staff in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held a motor caravan honoring June 26th. This was followed by a forum and discussion bringing together community leaders, CVT healing staff, and various NGOs.

About June 26

“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification for torture.”
Article 2, United Nations Convention Against Torture

June 26, 1987 is the day the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment went into effect. Since 1998, June 26 has been honored worldwide as United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.