The Center for Victims of Torture

Announcement

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), in conjunction with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, is sponsoring a briefing on the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT).

Established in 1981, UNVFVT was the first institution created to focus global attention on the impact of torture and the needs of its victims. UNVFVT currently provides financial support to about 200 torture survivor rehabilitation programs around the world, including more than 30 programs in the United States, for psychological, medical, social, legal and economic assistance to torture victims and members of their families. More than 70,000 torture survivors benefit from UNVFVT’s work each year.

The briefing will highlight UNVFVT’s international work, particularly in areas of the world which are of interest to the United States, but where U.S. dollars would be too dangerous or impossible for torture survivor rehabilitation centers to receive directly. The briefing will also focus on UNVFVT’s vital support to torture survivor rehabilitation centers in the United States.

The briefing is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the media, and the interested public. For more information, please contact Jeanne Herrick-Stare of CVT at 202-822-0188 or jherrickstare@cvt.org.