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Advocating for Change

Last updated: July 19, 2023

Healing for survivors of torture cannot be complete without justice. CVT works with local, national and international governments to advocate for policies and practices that promote the well-being of survivors and the prevention of torture. Together we can take action to raise awareness of the human rights violations associated with torture and trauma, and urge decision-makers to take action to prevent and address these abuses.

Here are some of the areas where CVT’s Policy Advocacy team works:

Asylum & Refugee protection

CVT works to support appropriations to government programs that fund torture survivor rehabilitation in the U.S. and internationally. In addition, we engage in policy advocacy with the U.S. government to push for design of a trauma-informed U.S. asylum system and to ensure protections for refugees.

Healing, Incarceration & Policing

With a focus on the Minnesota state, we work on issues within the policing and criminal legal systems that often violate human rights, including the types of violations that can amount to torture.

The Legacy of U.S. Torture

CVT works to gain accountability for U.S. use of torture after the 9/11 attacks, and fight impunity for systemic abuses of power.

Shining a light on torture

CVT commissioned “Still Here,” a short film about the journey from trauma toward healing, to bring attention to survivors’ right to rehabilitation.