December 2008IRCT member centres and programmes International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims IRCT member centres and programmes © International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), 2008 IRCT Borgergade 13 PO Box 9049 1022 Copenhagen K Denmark Phone: +45 33 76 06 00 Fax: +45 33 76 05 00
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[email protected] ISBN 87-88882-18-7 Disclaimer: The IRCT has attempted to ensure that the data contained in this directory are updated and accurate. However, in some instances, centres and programmes were unable to provide new information about their activities and therefore some entries are derived from the 2006 edition of this directory. December 2008 IRCT member centres and programmes International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims 2 Foreword Welcome to the global directory of IRCT member centres and programmes This directory provides detailed information about the IRCT’s member centres and programmes. Here you will find everything from addresses and phone numbers to information about each centre’s treatment methods and research activities. The centres and programmes on the following pages are part of an ever-growing organisation. At the threshold of 2009 the IRCT comprises 42 centres and programmes covering 7 countries. While the IRCT member centres work under very different and not seldom dangerous circumstances – like in Iraq, DR Congo and Sudan – they share a common goal: to support torture survivors’ right to medical, psychological, legal and social assistance regardless of who and where they are. The work on the ground is carried out by thousands of doctors, psychologists, lawyers, social workers and others who – often on a voluntary basis - do their utmost to assist a total of some 00,000 torture survivors and their families every year. The IRCT General Secretariat in Copenhagen and its liaison office in Brussels support their work through fundraising, advocacy and technical assistance as well as facilitation of advanced learning and sharing of best practices. Moreover, the General Secretariat collaborates with member centres to establish treatment services in countries where torture survivors have limited or no access to such services. It is my hope that this directory will be of help to those courageous persons who have survived torture and now seek the support they deserve and are indeed entitled to in order to rebuild their lives. Brita Sydhoff Secretary-General IRCT Index Albania Albanian Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma and Torture Victims – (ARCT ) 8 Brazil Grupo Tortura Nunca Mais/Rio de Janeiro (GTNM/RJ) 27 Bulgaria Argentina Argentine Team of Psycho-Social Work and Research (EATIP) 9 Assistance Centre for Torture Survivors (ACET) 28 Cambodia Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) 29 Armenia Armenian Rehabilitation and Development Centre for Torture Victims (ARDCEN-TV) Cameroon 0 Centre for Rehabilitation and Abolition of Torture (CRAT) Trauma Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture (TCC) 0 Australia Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors Inc. (ASeTTS) Companion House Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma Melaleuca Refugee Centre Torture and Trauma Survivor Service NT Phoenix Centre - Support Service for Survivors of Torture and Trauma Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) STARTTS – NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service Inc. (STTARS) The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (VFST, also known as Foundation House) Canada 2 4 5 6 Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) Health and Wellness Program for Survivors of Torture and Trauma at the Edmonton MennoniteCentre for Newcomers Intervention Network for Persons having been subjected to Organised Violence (RIVO) Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) 2 4 5 Chad 7 8 Youth for Peace and Non violence Association/Victim of torture and Rehabilitation Centre (AJPNV/ CRVT) 6 Austria HEMAYAT - Organization for Support of Survivors of Torture and War Society for Victims of Organised Violence and Human Rights Violations (OMEGA Health Centre) ZEBRA – Intercultural Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy 9 Chile Center for Mental Health and Human Rights (CINTRAS) 7 Colombia 20 2 Corporación AVRE – Psychosocial Accompaniment and Assistance on Mental Health to Victims of Political Violence 8 Bangladesh Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors (CRTS) 22 2 Congo DR Centre OASIS for Health and Human Rights (OASIS) The Psycho-Medical Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (CPMRVT/SOPROP) SAVE CONGO 9 40 4 Bolivia Institute of Therapy and Researchabout Torture Sequels and State Violence (ITEI) 24 Croatia International Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (IRCT Zagreb) 42 Bosnia and Herzegovina Denmark 25 26 OASIS - Treatment and Counselling for Refugees Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims - Jutland (RCT-Jutland) 4 44 45 Association for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims – Centre for Torture Victims (CTV) Vive Žene, Center for Therapy and Rehabilitation Index East Timor International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) Timor Aid – Tulun Rai 46 47 Hungary Cordelia Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture 62 India Ecuador Foundation for Integral Rehabilitation of Violence Victims (PRIVA) 48 Centre for Care of Torture Victims (CCTV) Centre for Organisation Research & Education – Community Programme for Young Survivors of Torture (CORE) Shubhodaya Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and Violence (SCRVTV) - Society for Social Research, Art and Culture (SOSRAC) Tibetan Torture Survivors’ Program (TTSP) Torture Prevention Center India Trust (TOP India Trust) Vasavya Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (VRCT) 6 64 Egypt El Nadim Center for Psychological Management and Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence 49 65 66 67 68 Ethiopia Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia (RCVTE) 50 Finland Centre for Torture Survivors in Finland (CTSF) 5 Indonesia Alliance of Democracy for Papua (ALDP) International Catholic Migration Commission/ Survivors of Torture Program (ICMC/SOT) Rehabilitation Action for Torture Victims in Aceh (RATA) 69 70 7 France Parcours d’Exil 52 Georgia EMPATHY, The International Psycho-Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, Violence and Pronounced Stress Impact (RCT, EMPATHY/Georgia) The Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (GCRT) Iran (Islamic Republic of) 5 54 Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV) 72 Iraq Germany Berlin Center for the Treatment of Torture Victims (bzfo) Exilio – Help for Migrants, Refugees and Victims of Torture e.v. Medical Care Service for Refugees Bochum (MFH) REFUGIO Centre for Treatment, Counselling and Psychotherapy for Victims of Torture, Expulsion and Violence in Schleswig-Holstein inc. 55 Bahjat Al Fuad Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (BFRCT) 7 Ireland 56 57 SPIRASI Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture (CCST) 74 Italy 58 NAGA-HAR Centre for Refugees and Torture Victims VI.TO. - Hospitality and Care for Victims of Torture, Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) 75 76 Greece Medical Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (MRCT) 59 Kenya Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) Mwatikho Torture Survivors Organization (MATESO) 77 78 Guatemala Office of Human Rights of the Archbishop of Guatemala (ODHAG) 60 Kosovo Honduras Centre for Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and Their Relatives (CPTRT) Kosova Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (KRCT) 6 79 Lebanon Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (KRC) Restart Centre for Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and Violence 80 8 5 Index Liberia Prisoners Assistance Program Torture Victims’ Rehabilitation Center (PAP) 82 Poland The Centre for Victims of Political Persecution Chair in Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum (CVPP) 0 Mexico Collective against Torture and Impunity (CCTI) 8 Romania ICAR Foundation Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims - Craiova (MRCT Craiova) Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Iasi, Romania (MRCT Iasi) 02 0 04 Moldova (Republic of) Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims - “Memoria” (RCTV “Memoria”) 84 Morocco Forum for Truth and Justice – Reception and Orientation Center for Victims of Torture in Morocco (CAOVT) Medical Association for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (AMRVT) Russia 85 86 Interregional Non-governmental Organization “Committee Against Torture” (INGO CAT) 05 Rwanda Forum for Activists against Torture and Violence (FACT) 06 Nepal Centre for Victims of Torture Nepal (CVICT) 87 Senegal Netherlands De Evenaar, Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry North Netherlands Department of GGZDrenthe, Community Mental Health Organization Foundation Centrum ‘45 Psychotrauma Centrum Zuid Nederland VIVRE/CAPREC – VIVRE (Rehabilitating Victims of Violence) is the health care centre of CAPREC (African Centre for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts) 88 89 90 07 Serbia IAN Center for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (IAN CRVT) 08 New Zealand Wellington Refugees as Survivors Trust 9 Sierra Leone Nigeria Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) 92 Community Association for Psychosocial Services (CAPS) 09 South Africa Pakistan SACH - Struggle for Change 9 Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation/Programme: Trauma and Transition Programme (TTP) (CSVR) Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture (TCSVT) 0 Palestinian Territory (Occupied) Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) Jesoor for Trauma Recovery Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (TRC) 94 95 96 Sri Lanka Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC) 2 Sudan Paraguay ATYHA Mental Health and Human Rights 97 Amel Center for Treatment & Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTRVT) Peru Center of Psychosocial Attention (CAPS) 98 Sweden The Red Cross Centre for Tortured Refugees The Swedish Red Cross Center for Victims of Torture and War, Malmoe The Swedish Red Cross Centre for Victims of Torture and War, Skövde (RKC) The Swedish Red Cross Centre for Victims of Torture, Uppsala 4 5 6 7 Philippines BALAY Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Medical Action Group, Inc. (MAG) 99 00 6 Index Switzerland Consultation for Victims of Torture and War (CTG) Outpatient Clinic for Victims of Torture and War (AFK), Swiss Red Cross 8 9 Survivors International (SI) Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) Torture Treatment Center of Oregon (TTCO) 4 44 45 Uruguay Turkey Centre of Social Action, Rehabilitation and Readjustment for the victims of torture (SOHRAMCASRA) Foundation for Social and Legal Studies (TOHAV) Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Adana Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Ankara Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Diyarbakir Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Istanbul Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Izmir Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Servicio de Rehabilitación Social (SERSOC) 46 Venezuela 20 2 22 2 24 25 26 Network for the Support of Justice and Peace (RED DE APOYO) 47 Zimbabwe Counselling Services Unit (CSU) 48 Uganda African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) 27 Ukraine International Medical Rehabilitation Center for the Victims of Wars and Totalitarian Regimes (IRC) 28 United Kingdom Refugee Therapy Centre (RTC) 29 United States of America ACCESS Psychsocial Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (ASTT) Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Center for Survivors of Torture (AACI)/(CST) The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture Center for Survivors of Torture, Dallas (CST) The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) FIRST Project - For Immigrants and Refugees Surviving Torture Florida Center for Survivors of Torture - A Program of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services International Survivors Center (ISC) at the International Institute of Boston (IIB) Lutheran Children and Family Service/Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture (Liberty Center) Program for Survivors of Torture and Severe Trauma at the Center for Multicultural Human Services (PSTT/CMHS) Program for Torture Victims Los Angeles (PTV) Rocky Mountain Survivors Center (RMSC) 0 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 40 4 42 7 Albania Albanian Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma and Torture Victims (ARCT) Training seminar on torture with law students Primary objective(s) • To offer medical, psychosocial, legal and social assistance to victims of torture and their families • To conduct research and to document the consequences of torture and its impact on society • To organise trainings for police staff, health professionals, educational staff and other professionals • To publish expert and informative materials on trauma, torture, and mental health • To report to human rights international agencies on the torture situation in Albania. to the psycho-social and legal assistance of survivors of torture. Networking The Albanian Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma and Torture Victims (ARCT) is a full rights member of the OMCT (World Organization Against Torture), APT (Association for the Prevention of Torture), IRCT (International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims), RCT (Rehabilitation and Research Center for Torture Victims), and a partner of Amnesty International and founding member of BAN (Balkan Network Against Torture). Contact Rr. Kont Urani, No. 0 Tirana Albania Phone: +55 42 565 22 Fax: +55 42 54 88
[email protected] www.arct.org Established 994 Director(s) Adrian Kati, Executive Director Contact person(s) Adrian Kati Staff general practitioner nurse sociologist neurologist/counsellor physiotherapist 2 psychiatrists psychologists legal advisor documentalist web master Working language(s) Albanian, English Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Treatment ARCT is the only rehabilitation centre caring for victims of the past totalitarian regime in Albania, by helping them to overcome problems and difficulties and respecting the psychological pain of many victims of torture. Rehabilitation of torture victims is currently one of the most important yet unresolved issues, more than ever in need of timely solutions for all the victims. ARCT is trying to widen its services to include new victims of police mistreatment in prisons and police stations. Special attention is given Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: experimental testimony therapy, home visits and follow-ups, supervision, assistance to women in prison, voluntary home care and social cohesion groups 8 Argentina Argentine Team of Psycho-Social Work and Research (EATIP) Members of EATIP (2008) Commemoration of the repudiation to the coup of 1976 (March 24, 2007) Primary objective(s) • To give free psycho-therapeutic treatment to those affected by human rights violations • To contribute to the fight against torture and other human rights violations • To contribute in teaching and research to train students and professionals in our specific field • To develop tasks of promotion, diffusion and prevention in mental health and human rights • To strengthen regional and global professional exchanges. Training Teaching and professional training occurs in universities as well as national/foreign institutions. Networking EATIP is a member of the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Health Institutions against Torture, Impunity and Other Human Rights Violations. Research Clinical-theoretical research is conducted on subjects of interest (e.g. transgenerational transmission of trauma). Funding EATIP counts on the support of the UNVFVT, EU, OAK Foundation/Sigrid Rausing Trust and the voluntary collaboration of beneficiaries and friends. Contact Av. Rivadavia 2206, Piso 5, Dpto. “A”. C04ACO Ciudad de Buenos Aires Argentina Phone: +54 495 56 07 Fax: +54 495 220 87
[email protected] www.eatip.org.ar Established 990 Director(s) Executive Committee: Diana Kordon (Coordinator), Lucila Edelman, Darío Lagos, Daniel Kersner Contact person(s) Diana Kordon, Lucila Edelman, Darío Lagos, Daniel Kersner Staff 7 psychiatrists 8 psychologists general practitioner lawyer accountant records/register keeper 2 secretaries Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 40 other clients Legal EATIP conducts legal assessments on human rights issues and fosters the creation and application of specific legal instruments (Istanbul Protocol). Future plans The national and international acknowledgement shown towards EATIP for its uninterrupted work carried out since 990 and by its founders since 977 (heading the team of psychological assistance to the Madres de Plaza de Mayo) imposes the necessity and commitment of the continuation of the tasks taken upon our institution in the fight against torture and impunity. EATIP strives to strengthen the quality of life for those affected by torture, political repression and impunity, past and present, to accompany witnesses and complainants in the trials against genocidaires, and to work with problems derived from the recuperation of the identity of abducted children. Treatment Clinical means include: individual and linking (couple, family, group and workshops) psycho-therapeutic approaches from a clinical and psycho-social perspective, crisis interventions and jail visits, medical assistance, and referrals to other specialists through an external network. EATIP attends to people affected by the last military dictatorship, people affected by new forms of political and social repression and community groups vulnerable to psycho-social problems. Information and advocacy EATIP has published articles and scientific papers in many specialised publications and the books: “Efectos psicosociales de la represión política” (986); “La impunidad. Una perspectiva psicosocial y clínica” (995); “Paisajes del dolor, senderos de esperanza” (2002); “Efectos psicológicos y psicosociales de la represión política y la impunidad. De la dictadura a la actualidad” (2005); “Por-venires de la memoria. Efectos psicológicos multigeneracionales de la represión de la dictadura: hijos de desaparecidos” (2007). Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Interventions in crisis and visits to jails and police stations 9 Armenia Armenian Rehabilitation and Development Centre for Torture Victims (ARDCEN-TV) Staff members of the Center Staff members and volunteers conduct action against torture, 26 June 2008 Examination of a returned hostage in the Shirak region Primary objective(s) • Provision of medico-psychological rehabilitation services to torture victims, missing persons and other clients and family members • Cessation of torture and ill-treatment, particularly in places of imprisonment and limited freedom • Protection of social, legal, human rights by providing consultations and defence in the court • Promotion of social reintegration of clients in communities, especially in remote regions of Armenia. on problems and treatment of torture victims and other clients. The medical staff are trained at the National Institute of Health once per year. Information and advocacy Publications include legal guides and information about civil and political human rights in the region. Since 999, FAVL has organised a seminar to commemorate 26 June. Contact Foundation Against Violation of Law (FAVL) 6 Arshakunyats str. Yerevan 002 Armenia Phone: +7 40 582 89; +7 40 568 272; +7 40 568 72 Fax: +7 40 582 89
[email protected]; favl9@mail.ru www.favlerp.org Established 999 Director(s) Larisa Alaverdyan Contact person(s) Larisa Alaverdyan, Project Director; Zhorzheta Mesropyan, Project Coordinator Staff manager coordinator accountant head of documentation lawyer social worker chief physician psychotherapist/psychologist 5 consultant specialist doctors 2 volunteers Working language(s) Armenian, Russian, English Number of clients treated per year 60 primary torture victims 20 secondary torture victims 4 other clients Research The centre uses questionnaires in visits to communities, prisons, Army, etc. The situation of medical ambulances has been assessed, which has been a precondition to implement prevention activities. Networking The centre is a member of the CIS Working Group “Legislation and Protection for Refugees”; CRINGO – Caucasus NGO Networking Initiative concerning refugees; NGO/ UNICEF National Network; Civil Society Organizations Partnership Network; and “Army” society coordinating commission. Legal Free legal consultations are given to victims of torture and their families, as well as assistance in preparation of court petitions, free attorney services to vulnerable beneficiaries and monitoring in court. Treatment The following treatment is provided to beneficiaries: medicopsychological multi-disciplinary examination; ambulatory treatment; referral to relevant diagnostic centres, hospitals; therapeutic intervention; psychological sessions, mainly individual; provision of free medicines; cardioscopy; and medical consultation. Psychological rehabilitation includes supportive psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy and art therapy. Funding The Center is funded by UNVFVT, IRCT/OAK Foundation/Sigrid Rausing Trust, “Artsakh” LTD, Ministry of Health of Armenia, UMCOR/Armenia, IRD/Armenia, ADRA/Armenia, ICRS, PRI. Documentation Information about clients’ social conditions, each torture case, medical and legal documents, and psychologists’ notes are registered. Future plans To realise continuous monitoring of alleged and reported cases of torture; to work on tolerance towards torture in the society; to develop prevention mechanisms of torture, full rehabilitation of victims and organise trainings. Prevention FAVL is represented in public monitoring groups: on the police, on penitentiary service in prisons, and on the Army. Team members make systematic visits to police stations, preliminary detention stations, prisons and the Army. Training Consultations take place with physicians and nurses at the local level Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: assistance in obtaining apartments; financial assistance for food and transportation; social promotion; provision of free medicines 0 Australia Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors Inc. (ASeTTS) Our Former Yugoslavian Group, who meet weekly, on an outing A group of children at youth camp Primary objective(s) • The provision and promotion of comprehensive and holistic services to people who have endured torture and trauma resulting from unjust persecution and violent conflict • Continuous research and development into their needs • Service innovation and quality improvement. Information and advocacy ASeTTS has established a client reference group, United Voices. The Chair of the group is a voting member on the ASeTTS Board. ASeTTS has developed an Enrichment Fund and provides actual scholarships to torture and trauma survivors. Contact 286 Beaufort Street Perth, WA 6000 Australia Phone: +6 8 92 27 27 00 Fax: +6 8 92 27 27 77
[email protected] www.asetts.org.au Established 992 Director(s) Norma Josephs, CEO Contact persons Norma Josephs, CEO; Maria Osman, Manager, Research and Training; Renay Grech, Manager, Clinical Services; Amanda Gillett, Community Programs Manager; Karen Harrison, Finance and Administration Manager Staff psychiatrist physiotherapist counsellors/advocates 9 community workers training and research Working language(s) English (interpreters available) Number of clients treated per year 96 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking ASeTTS is part of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT). Treatment • Individual couple and family counselling • Group therapy, physiotherapy and massage therapy, psychiatric services • Community development • Training to assist other agencies to work effectively with refugees • Research. Funding Funding comes from a combination of commonwealth, state, fee for service, donations and fundraising. Future plans Provide a focus on youth survivors and family work; make major inroads into working with the ageing and trauma; create more partnerships with government and mainstream agencies; strongly emphasise community development work and capacity building; and provide significant opportunities for staff exchange programmes with other states and countries. Training ASeTTS provided training to over 2,000 professionals working in the refugee field in 2007/2008. Research Current research includes: community resilience, homelessness and domestic violence in African communities. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: volunteer - community coaching and mentoring, nutrition Australia Companion House Assisting Survivors of Torture and Trauma 2007 Sudan versus Sierra Leone soccer match 2007 Sudan versus Sierra Leone soccer match Primary objective(s) • Heal and rehabilitate survivors of torture and trauma from emotional and psychological pain • Maximise the physical health of survivors of torture and trauma • Sensitise the community to the needs and strengths of survivors and to welcome refugees • Ensure communities affected by torture and trauma are strong, resilient and able to thrive in Australia • Provide high quality and responsive service with excellent governance and management. and awareness and building the skill of professionals to work with survivors of torture and trauma. Research Companion House has a small research programme. The major focus over the last few years has been on analysis of primary health care needs. munity capacity building in new and emerging communities. We are undergoing continuous quality improvement and are strengthening many aspects of the organisation and governance. Contact 4 Fairfax St O’Connor ACT 2602 Australia Phone: +2 62 47 72 27 Fax: +2 62 47 4 6
[email protected] www.companionhouse.org.au Established 989 Director(s) Kathy Ragless Contact person(s) Kathy Ragless, Director; Elizabeth Price, Senior Counsellor; Chris Phillips, Medical Director Staff 4 general practitioners practice nurse 7 counsellors/advocates complementary therapist 5 community development workers 4 administrative staff trainer 4 interpreters Working language(s) English, with interpreters for different languages Number of clients treated per year 500 primary, secondary and other clients Legal We work with pro bono migration agents on asylum seeker issues. Prevention We carry out advocacy about torture and its effects on a person and their family and community. Treatment Companion House focuses our work across medical, counselling and community development approaches to healing and rehabilitation. Human rights principles underpin our work and our expertise about human rights issues informs policy makers and the community at large. Information and advocacy We provide information, policy advice and advocacy to policy makers at the local and national level on issues affecting asylum seekers, refugees and survivors of torture and trauma. Training Companion House provides training to a large range of education, health, and service agencies each year. We also train volunteers and any other community organisations. We focus on raising empathy Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans Companion House will continue to provide medical, counselling and community development services. We continue to build on community development activities and are building increasing skill in com- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 2 Australia Melaleuca Refugee Centre Torture and Trauma Survivor Service NT Staff of the Melaleuca Refugee Centre Primary objective(s) • Providing an environment for resettlement and healing of refugee survivors of torture and trauma, their families and communities through confidential, high quality, holistic services • Providing ethical, client focused services and referrals to refugee survivors, their families and communities in a climate of empowerment and self determination • Promoting community awareness regarding issues for refugee survivors and involvement in activities conducted by the centre by individuals, families, organisations and the wider community • Providing culturally sensitive opportunities for client involvement in service development • Assisting in building strong communities which can support individuals in recovery from torture and trauma. group work with adults, young people and children; advocacy; community development activities; training and education with other services; assessment and referral. This sits alongside a comprehensive settlement programme involving health, housing and case coordination. Networking Melaleuca Refugee Centre is a member of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT). FASSTT is a network of Australia’s eight specialist rehabilitation agencies that work with survivors of torture and trauma who have come to Australia from overseas. There is one FASSTT member agency in each state and territory of Australia. We also work collaboratively with other agencies within the community sector and government departments on a local level. Contact P.O. Box 226 Nightcliff NT 084 Australia Phone: +6 8 89 85 Fax: +6 8 89 85 22
[email protected] www.melaleuca.org.au Established 997 Director(s) Lava Kohaupt Contact person(s) Lava Kohaupt Staff social workers psychologist art therapist/child counsellor 2 counsellors 2 youth workers training coordinator 2 community development staff case coordinators health educators housing workers Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 250 primary, secondary and other clients Training Melaleuca Refugee Centre provides training to government agencies such as health and to schools and the community services sector on refugee issues, the effects of torture and trauma and aims to create cultural awareness. Funding Melaleuca Refugee Centre is funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia as well as the Northern Territory Government. Prevention Melaleuca Refugee Centre participates in events to create awareness on the effects of torture and the general plight of refugees. Information and advocacy Melaleuca Refugee Centre publishes a newsletter three times a year which is available on the Melaleuca website. We provide information and advocate on behalf of refugees towards governments and other agencies and lobby governments around policies regarding refugees and asylum seekers. Treatment Melaleuca Refugee Centre provides support to survivors through an integrated approach to client needs and rights. This approach includes one to one counselling; family and child centred support; Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Australia Phoenix Centre - Support Service for Survivors of Torture and Trauma Using ‘small figures’ was an effective counselling technique for a young Phoenix client Pictures help trigger discussion Primary objective(s) • Support refugees and migrants suffering the effects of trauma caused by torture and human atrocity • Support the Migrant Resource Centre in promoting the wellbeing of migrants and refugees in Tasmania • Active consultation with emerging communities • Community development • Educate service providers about the experiences of migrants/ refugees and culturally appropriate services. ing lessons, migration advice and aged care programmes. ious publications to inform clients as well as service providers. Training Phoenix provides specialised training to other agencies and practitioners working with complex trauma, and contributes to more general cross-cultural awareness training provided through the MRC. Networking Phoenix is part of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, which enables national collaboration in expertise, resources and strategy; and a member of the Tasmanian Immigration Settlement Committee, which coordinates the provision of services to clients State-wide. Contact 49 Molle Street Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Australia Phone: +6 62 2 09 99 Fax: +6 62 2 64
[email protected] www.mrchobart.org.au/p_home. shtml Established 992 Contact person(s) Gillian Long Staff manager 5 counsellor/advocates project officer/psychologist natural therapist project officer/sociologist administration 9 volunteers/befrienders Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 26 primary, secondary and other clients Research With links to research centres at the University of Tasmania, the Phoenix Centre is incorporating research components into activities to enhance understanding of clients’ experiences and ensure effective service provision. Funding Phoenix currently receives funding from the Department of Health and Ageing, the Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and the Home and Community Care Program. Treatment Our practitioners have a counsellor-advocate approach to treatment, recognising that the tasks of settlement and cultural transition are inter-related with the issues of trauma. Phoenix Centre staff have expertise in counselling and psychological assessment, case management, social work, community development, massage and natural therapies, and narrative therapy. Volunteers assist in befriending, English tutoring and practical support with social systems. Our co-location with the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) allows smooth referrals to youth activities, settlement support, drivServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation The Phoenix Centre has a small resource library of information and research about survivors of torture and trauma, human rights and cross-cultural and other related issues. Future plans Phoenix collaborates with the University of Tasmania Department of Rural Health to create a network of expertise and research in Trauma and Culture in Tasmania. There is a partnership developing with the Indigenous Coordination Centre to enable new migrants and the Tasmanian Aboriginal population to collaborate in projects, particularly related to suicide prevention and racism. Prevention The Phoenix Centre conducts a range of activities to increase public awareness of torture and trauma. Information and advocacy The Phoenix Centre distributes var- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: natural therapy 4 Australia Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) Primary objective(s) • Provide early detection, intervention and prevention for refugee and migrant survivors of torture and trauma who are at risk in terms of chronic health problems, disorders and associated sequelae • Provide and coordinate direct assistance to survivors of torture and trauma in need of counselling, advocacy, help and support • Assist directly survivors of torture and trauma in overcoming disadvantages arising from language, cultural differences and pre- and post-migration stress, which impinge on participation in the broader community. counselling for survivors of torture and trauma. making submissions to relevant policy consultation forums. Training On average, two training sessions are offered each month, with 2 persons in each group. Current training addresses English teachers working with both adult and high school level migrants, psychologists and social security/ mental health workers. Networking QPASTT is active in networks that provide various services to refugees. Furthermore, QPASTT forwards information to government bodies through the Queensland Migrant Settlement Plan, Refugee Council of Australia and Ministerial Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council. Contact PO Box 6254 Fairfield Queensland 40 Australia Phone: +6 7 9 6677 Fax: +6 7 9 688
[email protected] www.qpastt.org.au Established 995 Director(s) Tracy Worrall, Director; Donata Rossi, Associate Director Contact person(s) Paula Peterson Staff director associate director manager of clinical services 9 counsellors/advocates (trained in psychology/social work) 2 sessional counsellors administrative workers community development workers youth project workers Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Research Current research includes appropriate testing, service evaluation and application of traditional Western psychotherapies to the cultural groups represented by clients. A training kit has been published, aimed at those who work with young children. Funding Funding is received from federal, state and local government. Future plans QPASTT plans to continue developing programmes focusing on children and young survivors, and training activities in the mental health sector. Holiday programmes have been developed for children, young people and adults. We have established a family therapy unit training bilingual counsellors from the communities currently accessing QPASTT the most. QPASTT is also looking at developing research partnerships with a local university to develop research projects and innovation. Treatment Approximately 600 new referrals of people wanting individual and/or group support are made each year. Services offered include counselling/psychotherapy, assessment, case management, advocacy and health referral. The Early Intervention Project provides an early response to refugee survivors of torture and trauma and offers assessment to all entrants under the refugee and humanitarian programmes and short-term Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Prevention QPASTT supports Amnesty International in their public awareness and preventive work. QPASTT is also active in Austcare’s Refugee Week activities. Information and advocacy QPASTT participates in a range of advocacy activities including systems advocacy, supporting Amnesty in human rights campaigns, and Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: natural therapies 5 Australia STARTTS – NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors Art classes with children from Iraq Flower arranging for ladies Primary objective(s) • To develop and implement ways to facilitate the healing process of survivors of torture and trauma • To assist and resource individuals and organisations who work with them to provide appropriate, effective and culturally sensitive services. Treatment STARTTS services are professional, innovative, holistic, culturally sensitive, confidential and impartial. We continuously consult with our clients to ensure our services meet their needs. The largest group of our most recent clients comes from African and Middle Eastern countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan. Other clients come from the countries of the former Yugoslavia, South East Asian countries like Burma, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, and South American countries such as Columbia, Chile, El Salvador and Peru. STARTTS services include: • Individual and family assessment, counselling and psychotherapy • Camps for children and young people • Group therapy including relaxation groups and groups where refugees share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences • Activity groups such as English, craft and exercise classes • Physiotherapy and bodywork including pain management groups • Community consultations and community development projects • Psychiatric services including medication • Neurofeedback • Workshops to help refugees learn about Australian culture and systems as well as how the experiences of torture and trauma might be affecting them and their families • Consultancy services for other organisations that work with torture and trauma survivors • Lobbying and advocacy on behalf of individuals and refugee communities • Training for people working with refugees • Research • Media advice for refugee communities Other STARTTS offices are located in Auburn, Liverpool, Coffs Harbour and Wallsend. Outreach locations (i.e. working from another services’ office but providing direct services to clients) are Blacktown, Canterbury, The Illawarra, Marrickville, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Rockdale, Sydney City and St Mary’s. Contact Head office street address: 52 – 68 The Horsley Drive Carramar NSW 26 Australia Head office postal address: P.O. Box 20 Fairfield NSW 265 Australia Phone: +6 2 97 94 9 66 Fax: +6 2 97 94 9 0
[email protected] www.startts.org Established 988 Director(s) Jorge Aroche, Executive Director Contact person(s) Jorge Aroche, Executive Director; Lachlan Murdoch, Deputy Director Staff 25 counsellors/community development workers 20 bicultural counsellors/community development workers administrative support staff 6 team leaders/counsellors 4 managers 2 directors psychiatrists 2 trainers 2 youth workers 2 specialist child and adolescent counsellors 2 systems and data collection staff community development project officer 2 physiotherapists 2 researchers/project officers public affairs coordinator volunteer coordinator project officer – families in cultural transition orthobionomist social worker Working language(s) English, Arabic, Bosnian, Croatian, Dari, Farsi, French, Khmer, Kihunde, Kinande, Lingala, Luganda, Lulubo, Pashtu, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish, Swahili, Tetum, Vietnamese Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: community development and capacity building 6 Australia Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service Inc. (STTARS) Staff of the STTARS An activity at the STTARS: work on an mosaic table Primary objective(s) • Provide high quality support and therapy to facilitate the healing process of survivors of torture and refugee related trauma who resettle in South Australia • Raise awareness among service providers of health, education and other services regarding the special needs of torture and trauma survivors • Advocate for the abolition of human rights abuses worldwide. Training STTARS responds to requests for education and training from community and mainstream service providers, as well as volunteers and professionals who come into contact with refugees. Staff also give lectures and seminars for university courses at the graduate and postgraduate level. tional activities on request in order to disseminate information about refugees and the work undertaken by STTARS with torture and trauma survivors. STTARS publishes a quarterly newsletter and has been involved in the development and publication of resources on refugee health. Contact 2 Hawker St Bowden South Australia 5007 Australia Phone: +6 8 846 54 Fax: +6 8 846 5755
[email protected] www.sttars.org.au Established 99 Director(s) Ms Bernadette McGrath, Director Contact person(s) Ms Bernadette McGrath, Director Staff director counsellor/advocates part-time counsellor/advocates intake and liaison worker natural therapies coordinator caseworker community development worker sessional therapists including a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and medical practitioner office manager administrative staff Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 420 primary, secondary and other clients Networking Documentation STTARS maintains a strictly confidential system of case notes and records of service delivery for all clients. Systems are also in place to gather more generalised statistical data relating to the client groups receiving support from STTARS. STTARS has a small resource collection available to students and professionals from outside agencies free of charge. STTARS is an active member of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, South Australian Refugee Health Network and the South Australian Mental Health Coalition. We have key partnerships with other service providers in South Australia, notably the Refugee Health Service and the Child Adolescent Mental Health Service. Treatment STTARS currently sees between 400 and 500 clients who have experienced torture or refugee related trauma each year. STTARS is committed to a holistic approach to service delivery including physical, social, cultural, linguistic, emotional, spiritual, gender and lifestyle aspects. Services include but are not limited to: assessment and referrals, advocacy, case work and practical assistance, individual/couples/family counselling, natural therapies, children and group programmes, community development activities and psychiatric consultation and pharmacotherapy, when indicated. Funding Prevention STTARS participates in various activities to raise public awareness of the effects of torture and trauma, regularly responds to media articles, as well as campaigns for the abolition of human rights abuses worldwide. STTARS draws its funding from the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments as well as from private and corporate memberships and donations. Information and advocacy STTARS attends community educa- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: remedial massage, community development 7 Australia The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc. (VFST, also known as Foundation House) Women’s performing group at the Foundation House celebration held at Government House in Victoria (November 2007) The Director of Foundation House, Mr Paris Aristotle, speaking to clients and members at Government House in Victoria (November 2007) Primary objective(s) To advance the health, well-being and human rights of people from refugee backgrounds who have experienced torture and trauma by: • providing high quality counselling and casework services • designing and developing new programmes to meet service gaps and the changing needs of clients • providing high quality resources for the education, health and welfare sectors • undertaking research, policy development and advocacy to ensure that government policies are sensitive to the needs of survivors of torture and trauma. gramme of nutritional, herbal and tactile therapies combined with psychological, social and medical services has created a unique and holistic suite of support to aid recovery. Training Foundation House regularly holds training sessions for health and welfare workers and teachers. Research The Refugee Health Research Centre is a partnership between La Trobe University and Foundation House. The Centre plays a key role in integrating research and education with service delivery. students. Foundation House has also published “Perspectives on Torture: the law, the effects, the debate”, to contribute to the legal and philosophical debate about torture. It is a useful resource which covers key issues, including the international definitions of torture, the current use of torture, the far reaching effects of torture and the international laws prohibiting its use. All of these resources can be found on our website. Contact 6 Gardiner Street Brunswick Victoria 056 Australia Phone: + 6 988 0022 Fax: + 6 987 0828 aristotlep@foundationhouse. org.au www.foundationhouse.org.au Established 987 Director(s) Paris Aristotle AM Contact person(s) Paris Aristotle AM Staff director 8 agency management team policy advisor public affairs coordinator 4 agency operations team (finance, human resources, admin, IT) 5 service innovation programme workers 4 health sector development programme workers 5 refugee health research centre (includes researchers) 54 direct service workers 5 community liaison workers 8 complementary therapies team 9 mental health clinic doctors Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 4,200 primary, secondary and other clients Networking Foundation House is a member of the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, which is a network of eight specialist rehabilitation agencies from each state and territory in Australia that work with survivors of torture and trauma. Treatment Foundation House provides services to more than 4,000 clients each year. These services include counselling, casework, psychological assessment, psychiatric services, advocacy, complementary therapies and information provision. In addition to individual and family counselling, Foundation House provides group sessions so that clients can make meaningful connections with others who may have had similar experiences. The complementary therapies proServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy Foundation House works with governments to ensure that relevant policies are sensitive to the needs of survivors of torture and trauma. We also develop resources to enhance the understanding of the needs of survivors amongst teachers, health and welfare professionals and the wider community. For example, we have produced numerous guides which aim to strengthen the capacity of school communities to promote a supportive school environment for refugee Funding We receive funding from the State Government of Victoria, the Commonwealth Government of Australia, philanthropic trusts and donations. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Complementary therapies; training for service providers in the education, health and welfare sectors; development of resources for workers in the education, health and welfare sectors; community capacity building 8 Austria HEMAYAT – Organization for Support of Survivors of Torture and War A run against torture was organised by HEMAYAT on the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Primary objective(s) • HEMAYAT’s primary objective is to support torture victims and war survivors within the scope of medical, psychological and psychotherapeutic care • Related activities include: public relations, awareness creation, and scientific research regarding the consequences of torture and war trauma. expertise (when needed for the asylum procedure). Different steps are taken to stabilise the psychological status of clients: crisis intervention in case of acute life-threatening destabilization and additional in-patient treatment, if needed; and shortterm therapies to help victims overcome difficult life phases and to find adequate strategies for the present burdened situation. Treatment of traumatic experiences is done in long-term therapy. The psychotherapeutic work can be supported with shiatsu therapy. The flexible structure of HEMAYAT is orientated on a model for payment in units of work and not on a fixed staff, which enables us to use a flexible arrangement according to the need of clients. Documentation Psychological and medical assessment and course of treatment are documented in medical files by the responsible therapists and/or physicians. Contact Engerthstrasse 6 020 Vienna Austria Phone: +4 26 406 Fax: +4 26 406
[email protected] www.hemayat.org Established 995 Director(s) Dr Friedrun Huemer, Chairwoman; Dr Cecilia Heiss, Management Contact person(s) Dr Cecilia Heiss, Management; Brigitte Heinrich, Administration Staff 7 psychotherapists medical psychiatrists 2 translators 2 shiatsu practitioners Working language(s) Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Bosnian, Chechnian, Croatian, Dari, English, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Kurdish, Pashtu, Russian, Serbian, Turkish Number of clients treated per year 0 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 600 other clients Prevention Two HEMAYAT staff are also members of the Human Rights Advisory Board (Menschenrechtsbeirat), which conducts prison visits and educates prison doctors. Treatment HEMAYAT is the only organisation in Vienna that gives psychological assistance to torture and war victims. Medical doctors at HEMAYAT offer medical examination and identification of lasting marks of torture. The gradual extension of our capacities should make it possible for every one of our clients to have a chance to be seen by our medical doctors. Furthermore, where needed, clients receive medical expertise for their application for asylum in Austria, psychiatric treatment and expertise and physiotherapy. Psychologists and psychotherapists at HEMAYAT offer psychological consultation, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, art therapy, family therapy and psychological Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy Trainings, lectures and public relations are done with the aim of awareness creation. Networking We have close contacts with other HR organisations such as Amnesty International. We joined a network of Organizations for Survivors of Torture and War in Austria (NIPE). We are also a member of OMCT. Training Training activities including lectures for other NGOs, asylum authorities and lay people. Funding HEMAYAT receives funding from the EU (European Refugee Fund), UN and Austrian Ministries (e.g. Austrian Ministry of Interior). Research HEMAYAT staff have published a number of scientific papers regarding traumatization and torture sequels. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: psychotherapy 9 Austria Society for Victims of Organised Violence and Human Rights Violations (OMEGA Health Centre) Primary objective(s) • To identify the group and offer them support and treatment, mainly in terms of health issues • To bridge the gap between the needs of our clients and the mainstream health services in the community • To offer change of refugee shelter, referral to medical examinations, information about treatments and referral to psychotherapy • To support the case of an asylum seeker with medical reports and assist clients in the asylum procedure. Training The staff at one refugee shelter specialised in giving care to asylum seekers with special needs receive one hour training per week on how to deal with mentally and physically disabled persons. Omega offers seminars and lectures for caregivers and medical personnel on how to deal with traumatised persons and those with behavioural and social problems. Prevention Omega takes part in a training programme for police personnel on how to interact with persons in mental crisis, including those with the behavioral sequelae resulting from exposure to psychological trauma. Contact Albert-Schweitzer- Gasse 22 A-8020 Graz Austria Phone:+ 4 6 77554 Fax:+ 4 6 77554-4
[email protected] www.omega-graz.at Established 996 Director(s) Dr.med. Emir Kuljuh Contact person(s) DSA Usha Sundaresan Staff 2 psychiatrists medical doctor 2 psychologists social worker psychotherapist 2 nurses midwife 2 teachers integration assistant 8 counsellors 2 accountants secretaries administrative staff Working language(s) German, English, Russian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Farsi/ Dari, Albanian, Armenian, Zulu, Amharic, etc Number of clients treated per year 9 primary torture victims 77 secondary torture victims 5 other clients Information and advocacy Information and advocacy activities include: EU political membership, release of annual reports, member of EU-Daphne network, member of network for Asylkoordination, fundraising for specific relief projects in the former Yugoslavia. Research In 2005 two students (one psychologist, one social pedagogue) wrote their diploma theses in cooperation with Omega, focussing on trauma coping strategies. Omega’s work with children and families was presented at an international congress at Kranska Gora (Slovenia). Treatment Most clients find their way to our organisation through the recommendation of their fellow countrymen. The centre identifies victims of torture by regularly visiting refugee shelters, and keeping in contact with local social workers and medical health services who treat refugees and refer them as possible torture clients. We offer assistance in psychological-, medicaland social issues. Interpreters are offered to assist in communicating with specialists, hospitals or psychotherapy. Networking The centre is the initiator of a network of organisations who provide services for refugees: CARITAS, Zebra, Isop, Danaida, Helping Hands, etc. Documentation All contacts are documented in a database. For some special projects separate records are kept. Omega has a library specialised in refugee issues and psychological and medical literature concerning treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Funding City of Graz, provincial government of Styria, federal ministries of the Austrian government, labour market service, EU commission, different EU programmes, UNVFVT, NGOs. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 20 Austria ZEBRA – Intercultural Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Psychotherapeutical group for refugee children from Chechnya Primary objective(s) • Rehabilitation of persons having survived torture and other forms of political violence • Encouraging refugees and immigrants to get permanently integrated into the labour market and society • Standing up for solidarity and tolerance • Fighting against torture and other forms of human rights violations • Fighting against any form of racism and xenophobia. Training ZEBRA offers trainings and supervision for psychotherapists working with traumatised refugees in other centres as well as training for translators. Trainings are also provided for organisations working with refugees and immigrants and for public health institutions and social services. policy and rehabilitation of torture victims. Networking ZEBRA is member organisation of NIPE, a network of institutions in Austria providing psychotherapeutical treatment for victims of torture. We are working in close cooperation with the University of Graz and Klagenfurt and with the psychiatric hospital in Graz. Contact Schönaugürtel 29 800 Graz Austria Phone: +4 6 85 60-0 Fax: +4 6 85 60-50
[email protected] www.zebra.or.at Established 987 Director(s) Edith Glanzer Contact person(s) Uta Wedam Staff 5 psychotherapists social worker psychiatrist 2 physiotherapists 0 translators administration Working language(s) German, English, Bosnian-SerboCroatian Psychotherapy and counselling are currently provided in cooperation with professional translators in the following languages: Albanian, Russian, Chechnyan, Farsi, Dari, Pashtu, French, Turkish, Mongolian Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 70 other clients Legal ZEBRA offers legal counselling for asylum seekers and refugees. Funding European Union 0%, state government of Styria 25%, Ministry of Interior 5%, public health insurance 25%, other donors 5%. Treatment In reference to the extensive problems of torture victims ZEBRA offers psychotherapy (systemic therapy, Gestalt therapy), physiotherapy, psychiatric counselling as well as social work, which includes legal and social counselling. The concept is based on an interdisciplinary and integrative therapy approach. For unaccompanied minors ZEBRA offers group therapy and psychosocial care. Treatment and counselling is provided for approx. 200 victims of torture per year, currently mainly from Chechnya and Afghanistan. We are working in close cooperation with the psychiatric clinic in Graz, with doctors and with other NGOs. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation All clients are registered in a database with their name, address, age, gender, nationality, legal status in Austria, communication language and diagnosis. We also document every treatment session and counselling session (time and methods). Data can be evaluated statistically for the annual report and the different project reports. Future plans Establishing structures for treatment of victims of torture within the rural regions of Styria. Improvement of access of torture victims to treatment and services of public institutions. Increase international cooperation, especially with organisations in Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. Prevention ZEBRA provides trainings and seminars for asylum authorities and health professionals. Information and advocacy ZEBRA publishes a journal focusing on asylum and immigration Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Psychotherapy 2 Bangladesh Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) 26 June event at BRCT Primary objective(s) • Ensure the physical and mental health of torture survivors through an integrated rehabilitation approach • Prevent torture by educating, informing and sensitising professionals and other community members • Reduce or prevent torture through the formation of the Task Force Against Torture in local districts • Provide victims of torture with treatment and rehabilitation to allow full integration back into their communities and previous lives. grammes for professionals with the help of external and internal experts (doctors, lawyers, journalists, teachers), NGO staff, youth and trade union leaders, etc. Information and advocacy The BRCT publishes newsletters, annual reports, TFT book on torture, brochures and fact-finding reports. Contact 27 Bijoy Nagar Dhaka-000 Bangladesh Established 992 Director(s) Dr. Akram H. Chowdhury, PhD, Founding General Secretary Contact person(s) Dr. Akram H. Chowdhury PhD, Founding General Secretary Staff 28 regular staff 22 volunteers Working language(s) Bengali, English Number of clients treated per year 220 primary torture victims 52 secondary torture victims 60 other clients Research The BRCT conducts research on human rights in Bangladesh and publishes monthly, quarterly and annual reports based on information in the BRCT database. We also conduct research on the effectiveness of VAs and the Task Force Against Torture (TFT) to reduce torture in Bangladesh. Networking BRCT maintains a strong international network with RCT, OMCT/ SOS Torture and Amnesty, REDRESS, AHRC, GHRD, IFEX Hotline Asia, etc. Local networking is conducted with the Bar, Medical, and Journalists Associations and Trade Union Federations. BRCT maintains a close relationship with embassies, the EC delegation and the Danish NGO Forum. Treatment The BRCT has a holistic treatment package to provide torture survivors with the necessary treatment and rehabilitation programmes under an Integrated Rehabilitation Approach (IRA). The IRA includes counselling, medical care, physiotherapy, psychotherapy and legal assistance. Once the victims return to their communities, they will often form/join a victims’ association (VA) to continue rehabilitation at home by actively participating in a programme that offers support and a means to spread awareness. Legal BRCT provides legal assistance in the form of bail assistance, counselling after release and filing cases against perpetrators. Funding Funding comes from Danida through the RCT, Danida fund from the Danish Embassy, EU Commission fund for the ratification of OPCAT and UNVFVT. Documentation The BRCT documents medical information both in client files and electronic format. We maintain a library with books, reports, journals and newsletters. Future plans Develop a national strategy for torture prevention and the full implementation of the CAT; establish a treatment hospital; develop clinical social work; conduct campaigns to ratify OPCAT and abolish the death penalty; establish TFTs and VAs in all 64 districts and conduct research on their effectiveness. Prevention TFTs and VAs are a key element in BRCT’s prevention activities by assisting victims and raising awareness about torture in communities. Training BRCT organises training proServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 22 Bangladesh Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Survivors (CRTS) Inaugural session of Asia Regional meeting at Dhaka organised by CRTS where Chief of EU delegate of Bangladesh Mr. Stefan Frowein was present as Chief Guest Primary objective(s) • Identify victims of torture and gather necessary information • Ensure physical, mental and social rehabilitation of victims and their family members • Raise awareness among professionals and the population regarding the effects of torture on society • Conduct studies, seminars, workshops and other research activities on the effects of torture • Promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh. is now also a member of the Human Rights Forum in Bangladesh, consisting of 7 leading human rights organisations of Bangladesh, and through this Forum we have sent the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the UN. Contact (postal) House No. 29, Road No. 08 Dhanmondi Dhaka 205 Bangladesh (office) Motaleb Tower 2nd Floor 8/2 Hatirpool Paribagh Dhaka 000 Bangladesh Phone & Fax: +880 2 82 2272 Mobile: +880 7 56 480
[email protected];
[email protected] www.crts-bd.org Established 996 Director(s) Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan Contact person(s) Dr. Kamrul Hasan Khan, Dr. Masuda Begum Staff 5 doctors counsellor 2 medical assistants physiotherapist 5 administrative and field staff honorary consultants Working language(s) Bengali, English Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 50 secondary torture victims 50 other clients Funding CRTS has received funding from the CVT and Fund for Global Human Rights, as well as the OAK Foundation and donations from members of CRTS and well-wishers. Treatment Since its inception in 996, CRTS has provided comprehensive treatment for 2,700 victims of torture. Victims are provided with medical treatment, counselling and physiotherapy. All the victims were tortured by law enforcement agencies. Forty percent of victims are women and 5%-0% are children. All victims are Bangladeshi. Networking CRTS works with the IRCT and is a member of ASIANET. CRTS has been a partner of CVT, and also directly collaborates with the Medical Association, hospitals and other NGOs at the national level. CRTS Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 2 Bolivia Institute of Therapy and Research about Torture Sequels and State Violence (ITEI) ITEI team, 2008 ITEI team participating in the march on 1 May 2008 Primary objective(s) • To contribute to the prevention of disorders caused by torture and state violence by providing integral psycho-therapeutic, medical, social and judicial assistance to victims, their families and their communities • To assist survivors of massacres; victims of political repression; victims of torture; political prisoners; political refugees; formerly exiled citizens; family members of detained, disappeared or killed; victims of torture in jails and holding centres; and family and community members of these groups. ogy, individual psychotherapy with traumatised clients, group therapy with traumatised clients). “Movement against Impunity” and the commemoration of 26 June. We worked for three years to get Bolivia to ratify OPCAT. Research During 2007 we finished the investigation “4 Años Despues” (After 4 Years), about the physical and psychological sequels of “La Guerra del Gas” (The War of Gas). Now we are investigating torture in women’s jails in La Paz and Cochabamba. Networking In Bolivia, the ITEI works with the High Commissioner for Refugees, Fiem Bolivia (Fundación para la Integración en el Mundo), Penitentiary Pastoral and CEADL (Centre of Local Studies and Development). Internationally, the ITEI works with the European Federation for Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy in the Public Sector, other rehabilitation centres and the Latin-American Institute for Psychoanalysis. The ITEI has been part of RedSalud - DDHH, REBLASAM (Red Belga Latino Americana en Salud Mental) and Sociedad Internacional para la Salud y los DDHH. Contact Avenida Arce 205 Edificio Venus, piso 4, dep. 4B Casilla 0885 La Paz Bolivia ----Ecuador 47 Entre 25 de Mayo y San Martin Cochabamba Bolivia Phone: +59 2 244020; +59 2 25 4094; +59 4 422622; itei0 (Skype) Mobile: +59 2 725 6626 Fax: +59 2 25 4094
[email protected] www.itei.org.bo Established 200 Director(s) Andrés Gautier, Director; Emma Bravo, Coordinator Contact person(s) Andrés Gautier, Director Staff psychotherapist 2 psychologists-in-training for psychotherapy physician nurse person responsible for investigation and research assistant for investigation and research administrator accountant 2 lawyers general practitioner Working language(s) Spanish, English, Aymara Number of clients treated per year 748 primary torture victims 228 secondary torture victims 286 other clients Legal Legal assessment is provided for victims of torture and state violence. Documentation We have a library with titles on torture and human rights and a database with statistics on all persons coming to the centre. Treatment The ITEI provides psychological assistance for children, adolescents and adults; short-term therapy; psychotherapy based on a psychoanalytical and systemic approach; methods of relaxation; and medical attention and detection of torture or ill-treatment using the Istanbul Protocol. Prevention Our prevention programme takes place in Achacachi, a rural area of La Paz and Obrajes, a women’s jail in La Paz. We are working with the Foreign Office of Bolivia to elaborate a new law to sanction and prevent torture. Funding Funding sources include the UNVFVT, E-Changer, Interteam, OAK, SAL, and AESITEI. Future plans Consolidate the ITEI in La Paz; sustain the consolidation of the ITEI in Cochabamba; create a centre in Oruro; develop training activities and extend investigations; start work in Sucre and Alto Parapeti. Training Workshops, supervision and courses are offered to those working with victims of violence. Courses are offered to colleagues trained in psychotherapy (psychotraumatolServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Information and advocacy Articles and interviews have been published/broadcast in newspapers and on radio and television. The ITEI also participated in the 24 Bosnia and Herzegovina Association for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims – Centre for Torture Victims (CTV) Primary objective(s) • Treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims and their families from the war in B&H • Documentation, monitoring, research and publication of research data • Prevention of torture at the primary, secondary and tertiary level • Presentation of research and clinical results at local and international symposia and conferences • Cooperation with local and international governmental and nongovernmental organisations. ture and Rehabilitation” for professionals from the official health care system. These activities continued with training given to police officers, as well as training of law enforcement personnel in the field of torture and international instruments for torture prevention. We have increased general public awareness of the issue of torture through regular media presence. gresses and symposia, and have presented a number of scientific studies and articles. Contact Branilaca Sarajeva / 7000 Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone: +87 44 222 867 Fax: +87 44 222 867 ctvmost@bih.net.ba;
[email protected] www.bannet.org Established 997 Director(s) Dr Dubravka Salcic, MSc, Medical Director Contact person(s) Dr Dubravka Salcic, MSc, Medical Director; Azra Nuhic, Financial Officer Staff 5 psychiatrists psychiatrist trainee general practitioner psychologist social worker field worker financial officer administrator attorney Working language(s) Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, English Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Prevention A significant part of prevention activities is related to the publishing of two manuals: “Torture, Consequences and Rehabilitation” and “Torture - medical and legal aspects”. Research In our monitoring programme, we use different questionnaires and psychological instruments in order to collect data regarding the socio-demographic status of victims, types of torture experienced, somatic and psychological consequences of torture, and data regarding all types of services provided. Information and advocacy CTV’s activities were directed towards the lobbying of the B&H Government and participation in the writing of “The First Initial Report on the State of Human Rights in B&H”. Treatment All nationalities residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina are treated at the CTV. The centre offers multidisciplinary treatment to torture survivors and their family members in order to decrease complex consequences of torture at somatic, psychological and social levels. Most clients are Bosnian (over 90%) and the rest are Serbian, Croatian, Albanian or other nationalities. Networking The Centre is a member of the Balkan and European Network of Centres for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims. Documentation All of the results of the monitoring programme and clinical experiences were presented in the book “Treatment of torture and trauma survivors in the post-war society”, published in 200 and at two conferences organised by CTV Sarajevo. CTV staff members actively participate in numerous local and international conferences, con- Training CTV’s training activities started with the organisation of educational seminars with the theme “TorServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: dental, gynaecological and ophthalmologic treatment 25 Bosnia and Herzegovina Vive Žene, Center for Therapy and Rehabilitation ICAR team members at the reception area Group of beneficiaries Primary objective(s) • Provide psychotherapeutic treatment, psychosocial, social, medical and legal support to torture victims • Mitigate effects of trauma-related disorders and facilitate the recovery process of victims • Prevent trans-generational transmission of trauma for children and adolescents • Achieve institutional sustainability through improving co-operation and partnerships • Influence BH State to acknowledge victims of torture as claim holders and to enforce their rights. disorders. Social work is done in groups or individually, depending on the goal and problems. The centre also works for the regulation status of victims and supports them in achieving their rights. of articles once a year and informational materials; inputs data in database of beneficiaries; and develops models for improvement of documentation and creating the base for further research work. Contact Alekse Santica bb 75000 Tuzla Bosnia and Herzegovina Phone: +87 52 24 0/ +87 52 24 Fax: +87 52 24
[email protected] www.vivezene.ba Established 994 Director(s) Jasna Zecevic Contact person(s) Jasna Zecevic, Augustina Rahmanovic, Mima Dahic Staff 4 psychotherapists 4 psychologists social workers 2 pedagogues teacher doctor nurse lawyer coordinator director body therapist clinical psychologist psychiatrist coordinator, documentation and research bookkeeper administrator/secretary 5 other support staff (cook, cleaner, driver, guard) logistic assistant field assistant Working language(s) Bosnian Number of clients treated per year 52 primary torture victims 85 secondary torture victims 42 other clients treated Training Vive Žene provides training to other NGOs and institutions on the subjects of trauma, recovery, stress, communication, family therapy. Prevention Through training and psychosocial work Vive Žene works on prevention with children and the young. Information and advocacy Research Research is focused on processing and producing material that will contribute to witnessing on war experiences and the experiences of people after the war, and on developing a basic model for diagnosis during treatment and for treatment of traumatised persons, i.e. the “Vive Žene Model”. Lobbying and advocacy will be done in order to influence State authorities and other professionals to design programmes that specifically respond to the psychosocial needs of torture victims. Activities include organising a campaign on 26 June and advocating for national programmes for repatriation and rehabilitation of torture victims. Treatment Rehabilitation service activities include: initial screening and diagnostics; psychotherapy (individual and group); medical intervention; body therapy; occupational therapy; social work; legal support. Psychotherapy is done using different kinds of therapy approaches: Gestalt therapy, psychodrama, group psychoanalysis, systemic family therapy, and body therapy. The focus of medical treatment is on general medical diagnosis and therapy next to the treatment and monitoring of psychosomatic Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Legal Legal counselling provides information to the beneficiaries about their rights as a victim of torture, about property and tenancy rights that need to be solved, as well as general information from other legal domains. Networking Vive Žene is member of Reference Group Tuzla, IRCT network and Rape Crisis Network Europe. Vive Zene is working to establish a network of torture victims’ associations in BIH. Funding Documentation Vive Žene publishes a collection Donors include the EU, UN Trust Fund, Soros, IAMANEH, SDC. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 26 Brazil Grupo Tortura Nunca Mais/Rio de Janeiro (GTNM/RJ) Primary objective(s) • Provide medical, psychological, physical and social rehabilitation assistance to victims of torture and also legal advice, in reparation and government accountability cases • Prepare students and health professionals, both ethically and technically, to assist public system clients affected by violence • Organise activities in defence of human rights • Develop investigations to improve the quality of clinical assistance and exchange information with other human rights organisations • Edit and publish scientific papers on clinical work. Research Research entitled “Transgenerational Effects of Trauma” was conducted in partnership with three other centres from the South Cone, also IRCT members. Networking The Group is a member of RedSalud–DDHH, supported by IRCT; FEDEFAM; SOS Torture and the International Society for Health and Human Rights. Contact Rua General Polidoro 28 Sobreloja, Botafogo Rio de Janeiro - 22280-000 Brazil Phone: +55 2 2286 8762; +55 2 2526 249 Fax: +55 2 258 0428
[email protected];
[email protected] www.torturanuncamais-rj.org.br Established 985 Director(s) Elizabeth Silveira e Silva, President; Dr Cecília Maria Bouças Coimbra, Vice-President Contact person(s) Victor Paschoal, Secretary to the Clinical Project; Zélia Esteves, GTNM/RJ Secretary Staff supervisor 2 medical doctors 6 clinical psychologists social rehabilitator 2 physiotherapists 2 lawyers project manager secretary Working language(s) Portuguese, English, Spanish Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Documentation The documentation of torture has been taken up with local public organs, urging punitive action against the perpetrators of these violations. On the international level, GTNM/RJ and other human rights organisations have been compiling and sending extensive documentation on torture practices to the United Nations Committee against Torture. In 2002, GTNM/RJ published the first Brazilian version of the Istanbul Protocol. Treatment Treatment used in clinical work includes individual and group psychotherapy, medical treatment, social rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation, day hospital and home care (in special cases). Information and advocacy The centre publishes a newsletter on civil society movements and the human rights situation in Brazil. The clinical team has published several scientific papers and books “Clínica e Política: Subjetividade e Direitos Humanos” and co-published “Paisajes del Dolor, Senderos de Esperanza: Salud Mental y Derechos Humanos en el Cono Sur”. Training The centre offers capacity-building workshops on human rights and clinical issues, targeting public health professionals in poor city outskirts where violations are more frequent. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: day hospital and home care 27 Bulgaria Assistance Centre for Torture Survivors (ACET) Opening session of the International conference “Recol- Clients of ACET’s rehabilitation programme (ex-political prislection and memories”, 5-6 November 2005, Sofia oners and survivors of the camps) with executive director Ms. Mimoza Dimitrova Primary objective(s) • Provision of psychological, psychotherapeutic, psychiatric and social care and rehabilitation to victims of torture and trauma • Prevention of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment • Public education and psycho-education about short-term and longterm consequences of torture, political persecution and systematic violation of human rights • Study and research on inter- and trans-generational transmission of trauma • Development of complex study, training, educational and treatment activities for overcoming the post-totalitarian phenomenon in the society and its impact on the psychological functioning of individuals and groups. categories of professionals: law enforcement personnel; personnel in detention centres for migrants and asylum seekers; interpreters in an asylum procedure; mental health professionals in trauma treatment and trans-generational aspects; academic students in psychology and social work on trauma of political persecution and impact on the next generation. Information and advocacy ACET collects case studies for advocacy and for lobbying against human rights abuses of detained asylum seekers, migrants, etc. Contact Sofia 680, Beli brezi 7-9 Zvanika Str. floor , ap. Bulgaria Phone: +59 2 958 46 6 Fax: +59 2 958 46 6
[email protected]; acet@ omega.bg www.acet-bg.org Established 995 Director(s) Ms Mimoza Dimitrova Contact person(s) Ms Mimoza Dimitrova; Ms Kristina Gologanova Staff psychiatrist 4 psychotherapists 2 psychologists 2 social workers interpreter accountant Working language(s) Bulgarian, English, German, Spanish, Russian, French Number of clients treated per year 40 primary torture victims 65 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking ACET is networked with the Bulgarian Refugee Council, Balkan Network for Prevention of Torture and Ariadne Network against Human Trafficking in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe. Research ACET has conducted a qualitative study on second and next generation survivors of torture and political persecution. Funding Funding comes from international public donors. Legal Referrals are made to a legal clinic for migrants and refugees, and to the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee. Future plans Develop a programme for support of the children and parents of traumatised asylum seekers and refugees; develop a programme for counselling detained asylum seekers and non-documented aliens; develop academic courses on psycho trauma and torture. Documentation Treatment Treatment methods include individual, group and children’s psychotherapy; adolescent counselling; psychiatric and medical consultations; and social counselling and assistance. ACET has produced video documentation of personal narratives of the survivors of the political oppression in Bulgaria. Prevention The centre organises special events (roundtables, public discussions, conferences) on the occasion of 26 June. Training ACET developed its own training modules targeting the following Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: individual and group psychotherapy for the second generation victims, children and adolescents; training of law enforcement personnel 28 Cambodia Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) TPO staff at the Annual Conference 2007 IRCT conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia, October 2007 Primary objective(s) To support those who are unable to care for themselves due to trauma, mental illness, poverty and a lack of social support, by developing programmes that directly benefit people at the grassroots level, by improving their mental health and thereby increasing their ability to care for themselves and their families. Research Research is carried out on: efficacy and cost-effectiveness of psychosocial interventions, the psychosocial well-being of repatriated children who have been the victims of trafficking, mental health and reconciliation, maternal mental health as a risk factor in low birth rates and poor infant growth, and psychological problems among witnesses testifying in the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia - the trial for Khmer Rouge genocide. publicised in several media channels and reports (TVs, newspaper and radio). Contact #20 St. 4 Sangkat Boueng Keng Kang I Chamcarmon, Phnom Penh city Cambodia Phone: +855 2 224 665 Fax: +855 2 28 478
[email protected] www.tpocambodia.org Established 994 Director(s) Dr. Sotheara Chhim Contact person(s) Mr. Kang San, Program Officer Staff 5 administrative staff 2 IT/research assistants 4 managers 25 physicians 4 psychiatric nurses 5 psychiatrists 5 psychologists social/community workers 2 support staff Working language(s) Khmer and English Number of clients treated per year 775 primary, secondary and other clients Networking TPO Cambodia works alongside with government departments/ counterparts and with many different internal organizations and local NGOs in the country. Treatment TPO Cambodia provides counselling/psychiatric treatment and support group therapy (self-help group). The total number of clients receiving counselling/psychiatric treatment in our Phnom Penh Center in 2007 was 72 (new patient); self-help groups in the target communities had ,40 beneficiaries. The estimated number for 2008 would be around 46 clients for counselling/psychiatric treatment and ,56 self-help group beneficiaries. Funding TPO Cambodia has received funding support from the EC, Inter-church Organization for Development and Cooperation, DanChurchAid, GTZ and DED, AusAID, USAID, Louvain Developpement, UNICEF and private donors. Documentation TPO Cambodia has a small library for books and other documents and has improved its database systems. Future plans The future strategy comprises two key strategic aims to make TPO gradually more sustainable in the next 5 years and beyond: developing an income generating business to improve financial independence for TPO, and maintaining and developing the community mental health programme and diversifying donor funds. Prevention TPO Cambodia also provides psychosocial education to people in the target communities and through radio broadcasts to raise awareness on psychosocial and mental health issues and for the prevention of mental health problems. Training TPO Cambodia has provided a variety of training activities to other health care professionals, especially staff members at health centres, and to other NGO staff who provide health care to victims of trauma/abuse. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy TPO Cambodia’s approaches and activities in Cambodia have been Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 29 Cameroon Centre for Rehabilitation and Abolition of Torture (CRAT) The US Ambassador to Cameroon, the Executive Director of CRAT, staff and beneficiary urban refugees The US Ambassador and the Executive Director of CRAT, Ajou Basil Tifu Primary objective(s) • Promote peace and prevent violence among all individuals and groups in Cameroon and beyond • Rehabilitate victims through medical, psychological, legal and socio-economic assistance • Empower local communities/ organisations to provide services to victims of trauma and torture • Conduct research to better understand torture, develop best practice models and demonstrate impact • Create collaborative partnerships with organisations working toward the same goals. development, strategic planning and management. Information and advocacy CRAT provides psycho-education to victims of human rights abuses. CRAT uses occasions like 26 June for information and advocacy involving the government, politicians, NGOs, school teachers, community leaders and the mass media to encourage respect for human rights and prevent torture. Research CRAT has information on more than 5,500 clients but does not have a permanent, appropriately skilled person to build a sustainable research programme. CRAT encourages graduate students from academic institutions in Cameroon to do short-term research with CRAT. Contact BP 098, Bastos, Yaounde, Cameroon C/O Ajuo Basil Tifu Nouvelle Route Bastos Behind the Office of the UN Regional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa Cameroon Phone: +27 22 20 24 99 Mobile: +27 75 2 04 8; +27 99 0 6 05 Fax: +27 22 20 24 99
[email protected] www.cratcameroon.org B.P. 094, Ndamukong Street Bamenda North West Province Cameroon Phone: +27 6 24 28
[email protected] Established 2000 Director(s) Prof. Daniel N. Lantum, Chairman; Ajuo Basil Tifu, Executive Director Contact person(s) Ajuo Basil Tifu, Executive Director Staff Yaounde centre: executive director program manager secretary accountant (both offices) Bamenda centre: director secretary 2 medical doctors 5 state registered nurses psychiatric nurse 2 psychologists 2 counsellors 2 social workers 2 researchers auxiliary staff Working language(s) English, French and Pidgin Number of clients treated per year 59 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 27 other clients treated Networking CRAT is working in partnership with various NGOs, UN agencies, hospitals, refugee and relief agencies and prisons. CRAT is an operational partner of the UNHCR in Cameroon, and a member of the African Network of Torture Rehabilitation Centres. Legal CRAT provides legal counselling to victims of torture in detention centres who are awaiting trial and to refugees and asylum seekers whose case files are still in process. Treatment Since 2000, CRAT has reached out to more than 5,500 survivors of war, torture and other forms of systematic violence through psychosocial support, medical and psychiatric care. CRAT’s clients include prisoners, refugees and asylum seekers. Documentation Individual files contain data such as name, age, sex, marital status, listed complaints, presumptive diagnoses and treatment regime, and outcomes. Funding Funding comes from CVT/USAID, UNVFVT, United States Embassy in Cameroon, OAK/Sigrid Rausing Trust Foundation, IRCT, EU/Italian Refugee Council in partnership with the Flemish Refugee Council, MIVA Netherlands, War Trauma Foundation, Global Fund, Health Vigilance Programme. Prevention CRAT raises awareness on the need to prevent torture and other human rights abuses, and advocates for government involvement and support. Inspection visits are carried out at detention facilities and the findings are published. Training In the past, CRAT has provided training and capacity building of staff and partners on trauma counselling skills and routine supervision of clinical staff. Recently, CRAT carried out training and capacity building of staff in organisational Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans Construct a resource centre for psychiatric treatment; establish a bigger resource library; upgrade personnel to trainers in trauma and trauma counselling. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: crisis intervention, outcome evaluation, community education and marketing, economic reintegration 0 Cameroon Trauma Centre for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture (TCC) Remembering victims of genocide in Rwanda, a joint programme of the United Nations Information Center in Yaounde and Trauma Centre Cameroon Primary objective(s) • Foster psychological, social, medical and legal support for survivors of torture • Advocate public awareness on trauma issues through public sensitisation • Enhance trauma healing and reparations and restitutions for victims • Promote community integration of survivors through reconciliation processes. on forensic healing methods and torture prevention methods. We have trained both local and international staff on holistic approaches to trauma treatment. that we use to substantiate our advocacy and lobbying. We will therefore engage in collecting data of survivors, what torture they have suffered and the compensation and reparation due them. Contact BP 046 Yaounde Cameroon Phone: +27 22 5 27; +27 99 56 74 29 Fax: +27 22 22 55
[email protected] www.traumacentrecameroon.org Established 997 Director(s) Peter Kum Che Contact person(s) Peter Kum Che; Lontio Boniface Staff 2 medical doctors nurse 2 psychologists social worker 2 lawyers pastor coordinator for statistics, monitoring and evaluation cashier director accountant researcher volunteers consultants Working language(s) French and English Number of clients treated per year 25 primary torture victims 20 secondary torture victims 50 other clients Documentation TCC documents cases of torture in the country and shares information in our quarterly journal, with national and international organisations and institutions, and with different administrative and diplomatic institutions. We also organise media oriented events and press interviews where we share views and data of cases received and treated. Future plans Putting in place a vibrant coalition of centres in the country and developing an action plan for torture prevention within the sub region; putting in place a resource coalition of psychotherapists within the country on experiential learning and matters related to burn out; investigating cultural approaches to the rehabilitation of survivors of torture in Central Africa sub region. Treatment Treatment is handled by four major services: medical treatment – general and specialised, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, arts therapy; somatic healing and highly active antiretroviral therapy- HAART, social counselling and accompaniment; pastoral care and juridical follow-up of victims in and out of prisons, especially minors and women; lobbying, advocacy and sensitisation through media outlets. Prevention Owing to the fact that TCC intervention is basically relief oriented, it has been noted that a purely social strategy is no longer feasible therefore TCC has embarked on torture prevention strategies. This involves torture sensitisation programmes to cause awareness of populations on the malfeasance of torture. Training Our trainings are focused on laying the foundation for both assistance and torture prevention strategies for practitioners and stakeholders. Training is dedicated to caregivers Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy We develop and publish data of cases in newspapers, and we publish messages from IRCT, UNVFVT, Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: income generation activities, advocacy and lobbying Canada Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) CCVT staff CCVT clients and volunteers in a canoe trip Primary objective(s) • Organise holistic care for survivors of torture and other crimes against humanity and their families • Coordinate research and investigation arising from the needs of survivors • Educate health care professionals and others to work for the well-being of survivors • Educate the public to oppose torture both as a human rights and as a public health problem • Monitor international instruments and work toward prevention, eradication and exposure of torture. York University, is offering a certificate programme in Refugee and Migration Issues. Research The CCVT is involved in research on the absolute prohibition of torture, non-refoulement and rehabilitation through partnerships with the University of Toronto and York University. tive and policy changes on behalf of survivors; organises national conferences; monitors government compliance with human rights treaties and sends reports to the government and relevant UN bodies. Contact 94 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor Toronto Ontario M5B2B7 Canada Phone: + 46 6 066 Fax: + 46 6 222
[email protected] www.ccvt.org Established 977 Director(s) Mulugeta Abai Contact person(s) Mulugeta Abai Staff 2 family physicians (foreign trained) 4 social workers (BSW and MSW) lawyer children’s workers paralegal immigration and human rights specialist 0 settlement and trauma coun sellors 8 language and computer instructors 250 volunteers Working language(s) English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Tamil, Dari, Pashtu, Kinyarwanda, Farsi, Amharic, Oromo, Tigrigna Number of clients treated per year 778 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 600 other clients treated Networking The CCVT collaborates with the Canadian Council for Refugees, Ontario Council Serving Immigrants, Canadian Network for the Health of Survivors of Torture and Organized Violence, Toronto Refugee Affairs Council, Amnesty, CCIJ, Mount Sinai Trauma Team and various universities and colleges. We have networks with faith groups, law firms, UNHCR and ethnic communities. Legal The CCVT Legal Committee deals with the clients’ legal problems and is active in policy analysis, legal support and research. Documentation Treatment The CCVT uses a holistic community model in rehabilitation of survivors. All expenses are covered through the Ontario Insurance Health Plan and the Interim Federal Health Plan for refugee claimants. Referrals are made to health clinics for clients not eligible for the above programmes and for treatment that cannot be provided at the centre. The CCVT’s health network members provide documentation to support clients in refugee hearings and cases concerning protection of survivors and meaningful settlement. Funding The centre receives funding from the federal, provincial and municipal governments, UNVFVT, United Way of Toronto, religious groups and individual donors. Prevention The CCVT is a founding member of the Canadian Centre of International Justice (CCIJ). We work closely with the CCIJ, Amnesty International and the Canadian Council for Refugees to prevent torture and end impunity. Future plans Improve on-site treatment, documentation, legal advice and other holistic services; improve services at second site in East Toronto; do more research, policy change, public awareness and prevention; partner with rehabilitation centres in the developing world. Training The CCVT trains frontline workers, teachers, health professionals, refugee rights workers, immigration officers, faith groups and students. CCVT, in partnership with Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy The centre advocates for legisla- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: employment, education, befriending, private tutoring, case management, computer training, crisis intervention, support groups, immigration, interpretation, volunteering, homework club for children 2 Canada Health and Wellness Program for Survivors of Torture and Trauma at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers Primary objective(s) • Improve the mental health status of survivors of human rights violations, refugees, immigrants and refugee claimants and their families in a community-based, immigrant serving agency • Promote public awareness of needs, barriers and issues faced by traumatized newcomers • Promote an understanding of issues pertaining to survivors of trauma and torture • Harmonise Western concepts, techniques and procedures for mental health with traditional and culturally sanctioned approaches, whenever possible • Improve the capacity of mainstream and immigrant serving agencies to support survivors and families. Training Training focuses on promoting public awareness of issues and barriers faced by refugees and immigrants who are survivors. Training is done through lectures and presentations for mainstream service providers, ESL teachers, health providers, cultural health brokers, interpreters, social workers and others who work with immigrant and refugees. viders and panel presentations were conducted to prevent secondary traumatisation of traumatized newcomers. Contact 7 - 82 Street Edmonton Alberta T5B 2V9 Canada Phone: + 780 42 9696; + 780 424 7709 Fax: + 780 424 776
[email protected] www.emcn.ab.ca Established 994 Director(s) Mr Jim Gurnett, Executive Director; Ms Val Cudmore, Program Coordinator Contact person(s) Ms Joanna Bukczynska, C.Psych. Staff 2 chartered psychologists provisionally chartered psychologists 2 social workers Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 65 primary torture victims 8 secondary torture victims 74 other clients Information and advocacy Advocacy is conducted on behalf of refugee claimants/trauma survivors by accompanying them to medical appointments, connecting with an interpreter, helping in settlement issues, providing information and help in getting into ESL classes and accessing other services. Research Research on new and the most effective treatment methods is being conducted on an ongoing basis. Networking The programme collaborates with local social services, multicultural health brokers, mainstream mental health organisations, Amnesty International, settlement, language and employment services within the agency. It also participates as much as possible in consultation with CanNet, a collective of centres serving survivors of torture in Canada. Legal The centre helps to connect clients with an immigration lawyer, and offers legal aid and report writing for the Refugee Hearing Board in cases of refugee claimants. Treatment The Health and Wellness Program provides comprehensive, community based services for refugees and immigrants, primary and secondary victims of human rights violations. Numerous modalities of treatment are utilised, including crisis counselling, psychological long- and short-term counselling, stress management, and long- and short-term therapy focused on healing from trauma. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: advocacy on behalf of clients Documentation The following is documented in clients’ files: testimony data, assessment results, follow-up and psychotherapy progress notes, reports prepared for the Refugee Hearing Board and statistical data. Funding Funding sources include UNVFVT, Alberta Mental Health, United Way, Social Services, private donations and other sources. Prevention A series of presentations, meetings with mainstream service pro- Canada Intervention Network for Persons having been subjected to Organised Violence (RIVO) Primary objective(s) • To assist people who have suffered the effects of organised violence, and facilitate the integration of their traumatic experiences • To sensitise the host community and health and social service providers to the realities of the target population • To develop links with agencies and organisations concerned with the target population. Treatment In seeking to meet the needs of people who have been subjected to torture, RIVO offers psychosocial and psychotherapeutic services, medical follow-up, accompaniment, art therapy, massage therapy, etc. We function as a network of service providers, as opposed to a centre housing all services under one roof. In 2007, 7 persons received psychological counselling, including 25 new referrals. Of those referred to us in 2007, there was an equal number of men and women; the vast majority were between 26 and 45 years of age; and the Americas were the primary region of origin, followed by Africa, then Asia. Individual psychotherapy is our primary inServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment tervention with survivors of torture and organised violence. We generally follow from 50 to 00 persons in any given year, and offer followup for as long as necessary. Most of our clients are asylum claimants who have been in Canada for less than two years. In parallel with our psychotherapy, we occasionally offer massage therapy to persons who have been affected physically by the violence they have suffered, or who are receptive to massage as a means of stress reduction. These sessions are generally limited to a dozen or so. survivors of torture and organised violence. These projects have, in recent years, focused particularly on children and women. Contact 20, rue Duluth Est Montreal, Quebec H2W H Canada Phone: + 54 282 066 Mobile: + 54 70 06 Fax: + 54 282 066;
[email protected] www.web.ca/~rivo Established 990 Director(s) John Docherty, Coordinator Contact person(s) John Docherty, Coordinator Staff coordinator assistant coordinator psychiatrist 2 physicians (generalists) psychologists 2 psychotherapists massage therapists 2 community organizations Working language(s) English, French, Spanish (other languages with interpreters) Number of clients treated per year 60 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 60 other clients Documentation RIVO has created a specialised documentation centre of approximately ,000 items. The centre is already serving students, researchers and others interested in the subject of organised violence. New documents are continuously being added to the library. Networking We are an active member of the Canadian Network for Health and Human Rights of Survivors of Torture and Organised Violence. We are also members of the Canadian Council for Refugees. Training Training is held for workers in frontline agencies, non-profit and community organisations, and educational systems, in order to sensitise them to the needs of victims of torture. Since 995-996, more than 250 health and social service providers have been trained. Also, special meetings related to a particular theme or a specific group of service providers are organised on a regular basis. Research RIVO regularly participates actively in research projects dealing with a variety of issues related to Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Massage therapy 4 Canada Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) Primary objective(s) • Provide clinical and support services to survivors of torture, trauma and political violence • Assist refugees and immigrants with all aspects of settlement, including advocating on behalf of our clients with government and other organisations • Support our clients to heal and embrace their new lives • Educate the public on the importance of preventing torture • Build community. and has in-house training and regular clinical meetings. Future plans As decided by programme participants (i.e. clients), VAST will continue to be “survivor-centred” – meaning that our programmes and services reflect the growing needs of our clients. VAST also plans on expanding our community outreach programme targeting schools and community groups across British Columbia. Documentation VAST has a limited documentation library accessible by appointment. Contact 268 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5K Z6 Canada Phone: + 604 299 5 9 Fax: + 604 299 5 2
[email protected] www.vast-vancouver.ca Established 986 Director(s) Barb Young, Brenda J. Wemp, Craig Constantino, Marzeih Niazi, Mehmet Ali Can, Pablo Bustos, Stephanie Sersli, Yasmin Tayob Contact person(s) Christine Thomas, Executive Director Staff executive director clinical director 5 psychologists settlement coordinator interns interpreters volunteers practicum students Working language(s) English, French, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic. Translators are also available on-call. Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and advocacy VAST provides training to professionals who have the opportunity to work with torture survivors in legal, medical, mental health, social service and other community settings. VAST also provides public outreach, education workshops and community forums about torture and its consequences. Treatment VAST provides tailored psychotherapy services, including: crisis intervention, individual, child, family therapy, off-site sessions, and collaborative interventions with other agencies and providers. The frequency of sessions, inclusion of family members, and the use of interpreters varies according to individual needs. To accommodate culturally diverse clients, therapists use a flexible psychotherapy model and consider clients’ experiences, preferences and cultural backgrounds in planning mental health services. Networking VAST is currently the head of CanNet, a member of the Canadian Council for Refugees and Vancouver Multicultural Society, and is informally affiliated with Vancouver General Hospital. Funding VAST receives funding from federal, provincial and municipal governments; UNVFVT; membership fees; and private donations from individuals and community groups. Training VAST works with peer supervision Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: VAST Boutique with clothing and household items; community kitchen and emergency loans 5 Chad Youth for Peace and Non violence Association/Victim of torture and Rehabilitation Centre (AJPNV/CRVT) Primary objective(s) • To educate citizens on human right • To contribute to the abolition of the torture • To contribute to the rehabilitation of the torture victims. Prevention We work to create public to awareness on the issue of torture. Contact AJPNV/CRVT BP 964 N’djamena Chad Phone: +25 2 6 50; +25 2 5 94
[email protected] Established 200 Director(s) Nodjigoto Charbonnel, AJPNV/ CRVT national president Contact person(s) Nodjigoto Charbonnel, AJPNV/ CRVT national president; Djimta Modobe Yves, national coordinator Staff 2 social workers 4 nurses 2 lawyers accountant secretary administration workers 0 voluenteers Working language(s) French and English Number of clients treated per year 6 primary torture victims 24 secondary torture victims 5 other clients Information and advocacy Our activities include publication of annual reports and arranging campaigns against torture. Treatment AJPNV/CRVT provides medical support to victims, including refugees, depending on resources available. Financial assistance can be provided to support the rehabilitation process. Networking AJPNV/CRVT has relationship with others organisation such as ACATCHAD, ATNV (non-violence Chad association), TNV (non-violence Chad association). Training Since 2002 AJPNV/CRVT has organized many debates, conferences, seminars and training sessions in order to strengthen the capacity of the staff. Other seminars involve police officers, gendarmes, and the chiefs of the villages, as these are often being regarded as the main perpetrators and committing the human rights abuses in Chad. Future plans • To develop effective advocacy activities; increasing the number of the staff and the clinic capacities • To initiate a programme for child victims of ill-treatment • To contribute to the assessment of information and statistics gathered from the field, which will form the basis for future research projects. Documentation Information on the rehabilitation of a victim is documented in a file. Also information concerning the victim’s condition and AJPNV/CRVT’s intervention in documented here. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 6 Chile Center for Mental Health and Human Rights (CINTRAS) Some of the staff members of the CINTRAS, Chile Primary objective(s) • Alleviate the physical and emotional suffering of persons affected by torture or other forms of political repression • Promote the process of rehabilitation in all areas, including physical, psychological and mental health in the family, work and social life • Contribute to the development and consolidation of the country’s democratic process, with activities aimed at the prevention of torture and against impunity. Training CINTRAS has developed a lecture, training and promotional programme on mental health and human rights, aimed at health professionals working with primary health assistance provided by the State. CINTRAS receives Chilean and foreign students of psychology, occupational therapy or social work for internships and thesis work. Information and advocacy Staff participate in seminars, conferences, etc., that deal with mental health and human rights. CINTRAS plans campaigns for the prevention of torture and against impunity, and publishes reports and other materials. Contact Ricardo Matte Perez 72 Providencia Santiago Chile Phone: +56 2 44 47 94; +56 2 209 45 74 Fax: +56 2 209 4574
[email protected] www.cintras.org Established 986 Director(s) Simona Ruy-Pérez, Executive Director; Cecilia Vera, Medical Director; Marcela Sandoval, Training and Publications Director Contact person(s) Simona Ruy-Pérez; Marcela Sandoval Staff 4 psychiatrists 4 psychologists occupational therapist 2 family therapists physiotherapist 2 social workers project coordinator documentalist programmer 2 secretaries accountant office assistant Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 200 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking As an active member of the Chilean Assembly for Human Rights, CINTRAS cooperates with NGOs, church and social organisations and government health departments. The centre is a member of the Latin American Network and OMCT. Research Various studies have been conducted on the psychosocial consequences of torture, the impact of impunity on the individual and society and the importance of selfsupportive groups. Treatment CINTRAS provides beneficiaries with interdisciplinary treatment, which requires the simultaneous involvement of psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, family therapists, physiotherapists and social workers. This multi-faceted approach enables us to offer comprehensive solutions to the varied and complex pathologies and disorders presented by patients. Treatment is provided either as individual, family or group therapy. Target groups include torture survivors (most of whom have spent many years in prison), relatives of missing persons, relatives of executed persons, exile returnees and refugees. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Funding CINTRAS is financed by the EU, UNVFVT, Chilean governmental funds and private donations. Documentation Confidential case data containing general records, as well as courses of treatment, are processed and kept in a database. A specialized documentation unit is open to those interested in mental health and human rights issues. Future plans Continue providing free care to torture survivors, relatives of missing and murdered people, returnees and refugees; enlarge our training programme; organise activities for torture prevention and the defence of human rights. Prevention Professionals from the public health sector are trained in identifying disorders derived from torture or other traumatic repressive experiences, focusing on sequelae, effects, approaches and treatment. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: occupational therapy, ergo therapy, training 7 Colombia Corporación AVRE - Psychosocial Accompaniment and Assistance on Mental Health to Victims of Political Violence Activities by the AVRE in Colombia Primary objective(s) • Carry out psychosocial and mental health interdisciplinary work based on human rights • Contribute to fully restore the human rights of people and organisations who have been the victims of human rights violations, with priority to assisting victims of political violence • For humanitarian reasons, Corporación AVRE can provide specialised assistance to communities and people who have been the victims of other types of violence or disasters. Training Corporación AVRE builds and shares knowledge and skills on psychosocial assistance to allow others to carry out psychosocial and mental health support actions in favour of the victims of political violence. Training is provided for grassroots therapists and human rights and humanitarian agents. Network Against Torture – RedSalud, The Colombia-Europe-United States Coordination–CCE-EU, The Alliance of Social and Like-minded Organizations for Cooperation on Peace and Democracy in Colombia, and the Colombia Coalition Against Torture – CCT. Contact Calle 6F No.24-42 B/El Campín Bogotá, D.C. Colombia Phone: +57 47 6 7; +57 47 47 Fax: +57 248 79 69
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected] Established 992 Director(s) Elena Martín, President and Board of Directors; Gloria Amparo Camilo, Director Contact person(s) Dora Lucia Lancheros, Programming Area Coordinator; Hernando Millán, Therapuetical Clinical Assistance Coordinator Staff psychologists psychiatrist 2 lawyers 2 anthropologists 2 political scientists social worker journalist Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 2 primary torture victims 6 secondary torture victims 985 other clients Funding The centre receives funds from the Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development Aid (CORDAID), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), DIAKONIA, MISEREOR, OXFAM-GB and Project Counselling Service. Legal Psycho-legal support entails building the capacities of victims to demand the implementation of their rights. It also entails actions related to the comprehensive assessment of damages suffered, experts’ reports, accompanying the victims in legal and social scenarios, and training lawyers and legal operators. Treatment Corporación AVRE bases its treatment on psychosocial work with a human rights approach aimed at the recovery of victims as psychological, social, cultural and political subjects, by means of links with other actions. The therapeutic course of action within this context fosters a process of empowerment, recovery of control, reconstruction and transformation of the history of the violent events and particularly of the creation and/or reconstruction of interpersonal relations aimed at restoring the basic capacity for unity, autonomy, competence, identity, intimacy and civic responsibility. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans From 2009, we will be implementing the EC-funded project “Psychosocial and Mental Health Accompaniment in Rehabilitation Processes for the Victims of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in Colombia, South America”. Information and advocacy Corporación AVRE participates in lobbying, monitoring and inter-institutional coordination strategies that promote the inclusion of local, national and international regional realities and favour the comprehensive protection and recovery of victims. Networking Corporación AVRE is member of the Latin American and the Caribbean Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 8 Congo (Democratic Republic of the) Centre Oasis for Health and Human Rights (OASIS) Primary objective(s) • Provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation services to refugees, torture/violence survivors • Advocate against torture by application of the conventions and reporting cases to authorities • Raise awareness about human rights violations and generate information about the state of torture • Supervise socio-economic rehabilitation to survivors and their families • Contribute to the culture of peace and reconciliation. man rights for health professionals, human rights activists, peace makers and social workers are carried out in partnership with other NGOs. Information and advocacy OASIS is involved in activities such as media campaigns, government lobbying and fundraising and participates in international forums. We also participate in 26 June campaigns and campaigns on related issues. Contact Avenue Kibombo N° 80 Ibanda Bukavu Congo DR c/o P.O. Box 225 Cyangugu Rwanda Phone: +24 994 26 64; +24 85 729 862
[email protected] Established 2004 Director(s) John Malanda Wilondja, Executive Director; Dr Achacha Essisombe, Medical Doctor; Mrs Kwanyema Reine, Administration and Finance Director Contact person(s) John Malanda Wilodnja, Executive Director; Mrs Maguy Mwasite Muhanzu, President Staff 2 medical doctors 2 psychologists 2 social workers 2 nurses 2 lawyers 2 administration and finance 2 communications Working language(s) Swahili, French Number of clients treated per year 80 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 79 other clients Research Research is conducted as part of clients’ needs assessment. We have developed questionnaires to evaluate the impact of traditional treatment in relation to the cost of mental health and HIV/AIDS. We are gathering baseline information about torture/violence towards women and children, especially excombatants and girls. Networking OASIS is a member of Projet Colombe and a new project carried by ICCO-NOVIB-CORDAID for the follow up and monitoring of sexual violence in the east DRC. We collaborate with medical and human rights associations, hospitals and other NGOs at the national level. Treatment We provide multidisciplinary treatment, which includes medical treatment, physiotherapy, nursing care, social and trauma counselling, legal advice and referrals for specialized treatment and legal redress. Clients are either treated at the centre or through our outreach programme. We treat not only the victims of torture and violence, but also the victims of HIV/AIDS, social injustice, poverty, wars, sexual abuse and natural disasters in order to restore their dignity. Legal We provide legal aid to victims who need to get their rights recovered whenever the mediation process fails. Funding OASIS has received grants from OAK Foundation, IRCT, RIDPA, WTFI and Tides Foundation. Documentation We maintain legal and medical documentation on cases of torture as well as a small library for information services. Future plans Collaborate and network with other centres/organisations; build staff capacity; extend physiotherapy, psychiatric and financial assistance to victims and their families; produce publications on mental health, psychosocial work, human rights, peace and democracy and counselling in the Great Lakes region. Prevention Prevention activities are directed towards monitoring law enforcement structures, public awareness, seminars for NGOs and mass media, media campaigns and publications. Training Formal trainings covering mental health, psychosocial work, counselling, HIV/AIDS, democracy and huServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 9 Congo (Democratic Republic of the) The Psycho-Medical Center for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (CPMRVT/SOPROP) CPMRVT nurses attend to victims of torture Training of local leaders Primary objective(s) • Provision of physical, mental, legal and social treatment to victims of torture (primary and secondary) • Advocacy against torture • Contribution to the social reintegration of torture survivors by apprenticeship of trades, micro credit • Training of police guards and other authorities in charge of prisons and detention centres • Education of the community about torture and its consequences. leaders as well as church leaders, school directors, local authorities, students and the army. Research CPMRVT/SOPROP has implemented various research projects on human rights, torture rehabilitation and prevention and rape of women and men in the region. cations and participates in television/radio shows for 26 June and 0 December. SOPROP publishes reports to facilitate various partners in their lobbying and to help victims to approach the media. Contact Avenue Uvira N° 7 Route Présidentielle Commune de Goma P.O. Box 54 Goma Congo DR ____ P.O. Box 470 Ginsenyi Rwanda Phone: +24 9 97 70 4 96; +24 8 99 78 09 7; +2 48 49 400 50
[email protected];
[email protected] www.soprop-dho.org Established 998 Director(s) Didier Kamundu Batundi, President; Arnold Djuma, Regional Coordinator; Josephine Salima, Administrator; Espoir Lukoo, Supervisor Contact person(s) Didier Kamundu; Arnold Djuma Staff doctor (part-time) 2 lawyers (part-time) 2 nurses (part-time) 4 development promoters 2 psychologists (part-time) Working language(s) Swahili, French and English Number of clients treated per year 982 primary torture victims 7 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking SOPROP/CPMRVT cooperates with other civil society organisations and is a member of various networks: CADHO, SYDHO, GADHOP, CPVS, YEN/DR CONGO, REPRODHOC, COJESKI, OMCT, Forefront. Legal The CPMRVT/SOPROP sensitizes victims in the community to seek justice against the torturers and assists them through orientations, funding and other legal activities. Funding SOPROP has received funding from UNVFVT, IRCT, OAK Foundation, Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l’homme, MSF/Hollande and indirectly from the EC. Treatment CPMRVT/SOPROP provides medical, social, psychological counselling and legal assistance to victims of torture their relatives. The main target groups are victims of police barbarities, internally displaced persons, prisoners and rape victims. Clients include more men and women of Hunde, Hutu, Nyanga tribes and others. SOPROP operates four centres. Documentation SOPROP maintains a databank with medical and legal documents, and a library which, however, lacks medical and legal publications. Our centre compiles its own medical and legal documentation quarterly. Future plans Improve the quality of treatment through training and equipment; reinforce the social reintegration of victims by teaching trades, micro credit and other commercial skills; organise beneficiaries into community-based groups to fight torture, help victims and contribute to local development; conduct a large campaign against torture and human rights violations; install a national network of centres and NGOs working on torture. Prevention SOPROP prevents torture through education in schools, for prison and police personnel, local authorities and publishes reports and contacts authorities regularly about specific cases of torture. Training Training is organised weekly as an exchange of experiences, with seminars organised on specific themes. CPMRVT/SOPROP trains external partners and community Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy SOPROP/CPMRVT produces publi- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: mediations, job training, workshops 40 Congo (Democratic Republic of the) SAVE CONGO Irène Kaji Diur with a torture victim at SAVE CONGO SAVE CONGO Staff members Primary objective(s) • Rehabilitate torture victims including medical treatment, psychological assistance and social care • Prevent torture and implement relevant international guidelines • Provide training skills for health professionals and human rights activists • Generate information about the state of torture through research and monitoring • Increase awareness of torture issues. Training SAVE CONGO conducts specialised training for health professionals, lawyers, social service providers, medical students, educators, community organisations and government that mobilise professionals and institutional contributions. dress approaches to the treatment and social reintegration. The centre is active in local fundraising for torture rehabilitation that includes media advocacy. Contact 07, avenue figuier Bel’air – Kampemba Lubumbashi, Katanga Congo DR Phone: +24 998 52 97
[email protected];
[email protected] www.savecongo.populus.org Established 2000 Director(s) Guy Kitwe Mulunda Contact person Irène Kaji Diur Staff administrative 5 social workers 2 medical doctors psychologists psychiatrist counsellor 2 nurses awyer Working language(s) French, Swahili Number of clients treated per year 682 primary torture victims 8 secondary torture victims 800 other clients Networking SAVE CONGO is a member of the Congolese Civil Society and National Network Against Torture and has links with local health and law professional associations; it also is a member of the International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organizations, World Network Against Impunity, World Organization Against Torture and African Anti-Torture Coalition. Research SAVE CONGO collects data on trauma symptom inventories and examines the correlation between torture survivors’ needs, quality of life and mental health. SAVE CONGO is conducting a project on medical-legal documentation of torture and sexual violence in the DRC. Treatment SAVE CONGO provides psychological assistance; medical services, including general examinations, diagnoses of physical and psychological symptoms; psychotherapy; physiotherapy; social welfare and legal assistance. SAVE CONGO treats about 800 clients a year. The first interview is carried out by the social workers and the applicants are directed to the physicians or psychologists. SAVE CONGO focuses on the following groups: () individuals who recently suffered torture; (2) traumatized refugees and internally displaced persons; () family members of torture survivors. Documentation SAVE CONGO has a library of publications and audiovisual material on torture and human rights. The centre documents and stores client intakes and other demographic/ background information. Funding SAVE CONGO receives funding from the EU, Third Millennium Foundation, OAK/Rausing Centre Grants and local churches. Future plans Increase staff numbers, including physiotherapists; develop mobile medical treatment units; establish an institute for scientific research and reporting. Prevention Activities include providing advice to medical and mental health institutions, schools, social workers and lawyers. Information and advocacy Centre staff support torture victims seeking asylum. Books and articles written by SAVE CONGO ad- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 4 Croatia International Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (IRCT Zagreb) 26 June commemoration Rebuilding life in a post-war community Primary objective(s) • Early identification of victims of torture • Treatment • Education and training • Research • Prevention of torture. Treatment Organised psycho-social and medical support has been given to victims of torture, refugees and displaced persons since 99. The existence of the centre has helped torture victims avoid stigmatization as psychiatric patients and aided their integration into society. Two hundred clients per year receive treatment and services including: psychological (crisis intervention, counselling, individual, family and group psychotherapy); medical (medical counselling, contact with medical institutions, physiotherapy); social (social security, accommodation, employment, contact with authorities); legal help and advocacy; and other activities (identification, home visits, counselling, follow-up). Two educational seminars about torture, rehabilitation and prevention are conducted every year. Special seminars have included: “Post-war community and healthy development of children”, “Volunteers and psychological support to witnesses/victims of war”, “Stress, crises and trauma - assistance to asylum seekers”. Networking IRCT Zagreb is a member of the Balkan Network, Medical Network for Social Reconstruction of Former Yugoslavia, and different professional associations in Croatia and abroad. Contact Draškovićeva 76/II 0000 Zagreb Croatia Phone: +85 49 2 025 Fax: +85 49 2 025
[email protected] www.irctzg.org Established 99 Director(s) Zdenka Pantić, Executive Director, Psychologist, Psychotherapist; Valentina Zeljak Božović, Administrative Director, Economist Contact person(s) Valentina Zeljak Božović Staff 2 psychiatrists/psychotherapists psychologist/psychotherapist 2 psychologists psychologist/researcher pedagogue - educator social worker supervisor medical doctor nurse administrative director secretary 2 volunteers Working language(s) Croatian Number of clients treated per year 8 primary torture victims 68 secondary torture victims 4 other clients Funding Funding comes from RCT/IRCT Copenhagen, the OAK Foundation, UNVFVT, Ministry of Health and Social Care of the Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Family, War Veterans and Intergenerational Solidarity, Royal Netherlands Embassy in Zagreb, City of Zagreb - Department of Social Welfare, Red Cross Croatia. Research IRCT Zagreb has conducted research on the mental health of children in war affected areas. Legal Support is given to refugees in getting legal status in Croatia. Documentation All cases have been documented and protected. Prevention Preventive activities include commemoration of 26 June, press releases, radio broadcasts and public events, public lessons, and dissemination of written materials. Training IRCT Zagreb offers lessons for professionals and the general public in war affected regions in Croatia. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Information and advocacy The centre continuously advocates for torture victims’ rights. 42 Denmark OASIS - Treatment and Counselling for Refugees Primary objective(s) • Offer treatment and counselling for traumatised refugees • Offer training, supervision and consultancy assistance • Evaluate rehabilitation services and contribute to research • Promote knowledge and experience within relevant subject fields by contributing to public debate • Run a library on OASIS relevant activities. rehabilitation centres for traumatised refugees, OASIS is working on implementing WHO’s International Classification on Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). ICF is focusing on monitoring the level of functioning rather than symptoms. of Torture and Human Rights Violations and the IRCT. Contact Nygade 4, 2nd fl. 64 Copenhagen K Denmark Phone: +45 5 26 57 26 Fax: +45 5 26 55
[email protected] www.oasis-rehab.dk Established 987 Director(s) Ulrik Jørgensen Contact person(s) Ulrik Jørgensen, Director; Erling Groth, Clinical Manager; Bettina Jensen, Secretary Staff director/psychologist clinical manager/psychologist accountant 4 secretaries 6 psychologists physiotherapist 2 psychomotor therapists social workers physician psychiatrist librarian coordinating interpreter 2 service employees 22 freelance interpreters IT consultant Working language(s) Danish Number of clients treated per year 45 primary torture victims 5 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Funding OASIS is mainly funded in accordance to a working agreement with the regions of Denmark. Special OASIS projects are financed by private funds. Prevention In the rehabilitation process OASIS is working on preventing deterioration of the health conditions of the traumatised refugees by seeking to improve the social conditions of the patients. Working with families is an important way of preventing trans-generational damages. Future plans From January 2009 OASIS will expand its activities with an additional rehabilitation team. We plan to employ five new staff members. Method development, clinical research and involvement in international projects are some of our most important priorities for the future. Treatment Individual, group, family and multifamily therapy is provided within an interdisciplinary framework. The rehabilitation process is in most cases long-term. In 2007, 95 patients were referered to OASIS. Our current capacity is 20 patients and the average rehabilitation time is approx. 5 months. Information and advocacy Advocacy occurs at an individual level by defending patients’ civil and social rights, improvement of the rehabilitation conditions for traumatised refugees, and by taking part in the public debate concerning traumatised refugees. Training OASIS offers training to health and social professionals in Denmark. Training manuals are produced, including information materials on the impact of torture, war trauma, civil war, persecution, etc. Networking OASIS takes part in the Danish network of centres working with traumatised refugees in Denmark. OASIS also takes part in the European Network for Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres for Victims Documentation In collaboration with other Danish Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Psychomotoric treatment 4 Denmark Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) The context of torture RCT advocacy in practice Primary objective(s) • To be a global knowledge centre on torture and its consequences through research and documentation • To assess and develop rehabilitation methods for torture victims and to make these globally accessible • To use experience in epidemiology, documentation, law, training and information to abolish torture • To administer projects at centres and programmes involved in rehabilitation and torture prevention • To rehabilitate torture survivors and their families using interdisciplinary teams and best practice. combined with a “Pain School” programme. Treatment methods include cognitive psychotherapy, physiotherapy, social counselling and medical treatment. society in the South the strategies aim at strengthening the capacity to engage in critical dialogue with relevant authorities and to take part in policy formulation. Contact Borgergade PO Box 207 04 Copenhagen K Denmark Phone: +45 76 06 00 Fax: +45 76 05 0
[email protected] www.rct.dk Established 982 Director(s) Bengt Sjölund, Professor, Director General Contact person(s) Bengt Sjölund, Professor, Director General; Jan Ole Haagensen, Director International Department Staff director general 4 directors executive secretary 4 senior researchers postdoctoral researchers 7 PhD students 2 research assistants 2 health programme managers 2 prevention programme managers prevention coordinator 4 regional programme managers programme assistants 2 physicians physiotherapists 4 psychologists psychotherapist family therapist social counsellors 4 secretaries 6 interpreters (2 full-time, 4 freelance) librarians administrative staff 2 communication co-ordinators advocacy co-ordinator Working language(s) Danish/English Number of clients treated per year 92 primary torture victims 98 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Training Training is provided for professionals and students from health, social, judicial and armed services. A Field Manual on Rehabilitation for lay persons has recently been developed. International Development Programme RCT co-operates with partner organisations in the South on rehabilitation, prevention and on capacity development, impact studies and surveys and with other organisations on humanitarian assistance, development aid and studies. Research Four major areas: improving methods for rehabilitating torture survivors; improving approaches to prevention; improving community interventions on TOV in developing countries; and supporting integration of torture survivors into Danish society. Information and advocacy Annual reports, newsletters, campaigns and publications on torture are published at a national and international level. RCT comments regularly on torture-related issues in the public domain. Treatment The target group for rehabilitation comprises refugees who have been exposed to torture or organised violence (TOV). The number of patients referred to rehabilitation during 2007 was 85. Almost all survivors treated at the RCT have experienced very severe and prolonged torture, physical as well as psychological. RCT offers teamoriented interdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes for torture survivors in Danish exile on an individual, family or group basis, Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation Worldwide library services are available through the RCT documentation centre, including electronic access to literature and information. Networking RCT collaborates with an inter-institutional Danish network and with partners in nine developing countries, with APT, Geneva and CVT, USA. RCT is a member of WHO’s Violence Prevention Alliance. Prevention Activities include capacity building and advocacy work, including implementation of UNCAT and the National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT. In relation to civil Funding Funding comes from the Danish Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Health Affairs, the Danish Research Councils and private foundations. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: research; training of professionals in police, military and health sectors 44 Denmark Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims – Jutland (RCT-Jutland) Primary objective(s) • Providing multidisciplinary, comprehensive examination, treatment and rehabilitation for torture victims, traumatized refugees and their relatives • Educational activities • Information and advocacy • Monitoring and research. Documentation The many years’ experience gained by RCT-Jutland staff has been described in articles and videos. Case stories are also available. Contact Storegade 82 600 Haderslev Denmark Phone: +45 74 5 25 5 Mobile: +45 5 50 0 7 Fax: +45 74 5 26 24 rctj@post2.tele.dk;
[email protected] www.rct-jylland.dk Established 985 Director(s) Niels Krustrup Contact person(s) Niels Krustrup Staff 4 psychologists physiotherapists social workers 2 psychiatrists orthopaedist interpreters and administrative staff Working language(s) Danish, with use of interpreters of various languages Number of clients treated per year 80 primary torture victims 20 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Information and advocacy RCT-Jutland conducts information and advocacy activities. Treatment Multidisciplinary, comprehensive therapy and rehabilitation is offered on an out-patient basis. The treatment programme consists of psychotherapy, physiotherapy and social counselling, often supplemented with medical and psychiatric consultations. Therapeutic and psycho-educational activities are offered to individuals and groups. Networking The centre collaborates with the IRCT on a global, European and national level. Future plans The centre is planning to establish a new department of the centre in the very southern part of Denmark. Training Training and education on torture, traumatised refugees, identification of this group, and other treatment topics are offered mainly to health professionals. Research The centre participates in research and monitoring activities in collaboration with other centres. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 45 East Timor International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) Primary objective(s) • To strengthen the capacities of local partners in the delivery of appropriate interventions • To provide program partners with training and technical assistance in service programming for SOT • To facilitate direct services and advocacy work of partners for SOT through the provision of small grant • To promote collaborative activities/projects between NGO and government partners • To strengthen the networks of NGO service providers, through training, technical and projects grant assistance. Research The centre conducts client improvement monitoring and analysis. Documentation Client improvement analysis with SPSS. the institutional and technical capacity of grassroots NGOs to rehabilitate torture survivors and sensitizing government health care providers on the special needs of torture survivors in Indonesia, Nepal, and Timor Leste. Contact Orchard Offices No. 2E Rua Belarmino Lobo, Dili Timor Leste PO Box 68, Dili Timor Leste Phone: +670 2 2098 Fax: + 670 2962 Mobile: +670 724 5967
[email protected]; suplido@icmc. net www.icmc.net Established 2002 Director(s) Charles Davy, ICMC Regional Director for Indonesia & Timor Leste Contact person(s) Maria Lourdes Suplido, ICMC SOT Timor Leste Program Manager Staff 2 social workers psychologist administration workers driver Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 54 primary, secondary and other clients Prevention Prison visit as part of the June 26 Commemorative Activities organized by Committee of local NGOs and key government offices. Information and advocacy Campaign materials i.e. posters, stickers, booklets as part of the June 26 Commemorative Activities. Treatment The center offers treatment through counselling. Networking Boston University School of Public Health - Dept. of International Health for technical assistance on Program Design, Monitoring & Evaluation. Training Training programs for ICMC local partners include: torture awareness, psychosocial counseling for torture survivors, client improvement monitoring, stress management, training of trainers, writing project proposal and community resource identification & mobilization. Funding Victims of Torture Fund (VTF) – USAID. Future plans To enable torture survivors to regain their health both physically and psychologically by improving Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 46 East Timor Timor Aid – Tulun Rai Practising Capacitar movements Practising Capacitar movements Primary objective(s) • Increase mental health among the entire population of East Timor • Improve an emotional healing of past traumatic events from the Indonesian occupation • Improve the learning of practices to come to peace with the rapid pace of change in the country. between past trauma and current symptoms in order to increase their sense of control that they need to manage their current lives. Trainers are trained to transfer their knowledge to the local communities in a powerful multiplier effect to increase the overall quality of life. Referrals We use a system of referrals to address the health needs of patients which can not be met by Timor Aid itself. It has been developed for referrals between Servisu Hamutuk members and aims to improve the process of working together to assist families in need. Contact P.O. Box 45 Avenida dos Direitos Humanos Lecidere Dili East Timor Phone: +670 2260 Fax: +670 245
[email protected] www.timoraid.org Established 998 Director(s) Maria do Céu Federer, CEO; Mr Albino Amaral, Deputy CEO Contact person(s) Rosalia Soares, Programs Coordinator; Dillyana Ximenes-Daten, Trauma Project Manager Staff psychologist 2 social workers 7 general staff Working language Tetum, Bahasa Indonesia, English Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and advocacy We develop and provide our own training materials. The materials are distributed to all trainees for use in their own trauma healing activities. To further promote healthy trauma practices to the greater population, the book “Bere Barani” (“Brave Bart”) was produced. The story teaches recognition of trauma symptoms, and ways to build and enhance mental health. The book is donated to libraries, schools and social organisations. Emergency activities Timor Aid is playing a key role in assisting the coordination of a trauma response team to address the needs of many refugees in the country. We are visiting the refugee camps on a daily basis, teaching trauma alleviating methods. Treatment Due to the shortage of counselling services in the country, Timor Aid chose the modern Capacitar methodology that does not require participants to undergo years of academic study, but rather one that is a popular education method. Capacitar practices can be shared and spread easily, thereby increasing sustainability, and has already been used successfully in at least 9 countries. The Capacitar methodology uses innovative and creative practices of healing, teambuilding and self-development to heal and transform participants, their families and communities. Funding Funding for the Trauma Healing Programs is received through HORIZONT000 from the European Commission, ADA and DKA in Austria. Networking We are a member of the “Servisu Hamutuk” network that consists of governmental and non-governmental organisations which are working together to aid the broad mental health needs of Timorese people. Training Grassroots training allows trauma victims to talk about what has happened and make the connection Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 47 Ecuador Foundation for Integral Rehabilitation of Violence Victims (PRIVA) Some views of PRIVA’s latest training events Primary objective(s) • Integral rehabilitation of torture victims • Training penal justice, penitentiary system, health and legal professionals on torture prevention • Documentation • Investigation of incidence, prevalence and geographical distribution of torture • Implementation of the Istanbul Protocol and Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture. Research In the past years, PRIVA completed a study called “Map of Torture in Ecuador” and has worked on a study of institutionalised violence. with popular organisations, prohuman rights governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations, and in a critical dialogue with institutions representing the sources of torture. Contact Avenida 0 de Agosto N2 8 y Jerónimo Carrión Edif. Casa Baca - Dpt. 02 P.O. Box 7 646 Quito Ecuador Phone: +59 2 25 25 46 Fax: +59 2 25 25 46
[email protected] Established 996 Director(s) Yadira Narváez, MD Contact person(s) Margarita González Staff 2 medical doctors psychologists social worker accountant administrator general service worker Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 60 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 70 other clients Legal PRIVA has developed seminars and training activities with the penal justice system and penitentiary system, but does not offer legal support to victims of torture. Funding In 2008, PRIVA has been funded by the IRCT/EC, RCT-Denmark, OAK Foundation/Sigrid Rausing Trust and United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Documentation PRIVA documents every case of torture among victims that attend its rehabilitation programme. Future plans PRIVA will continue providing care to torture victims and working in prevention. Treatment The Foundation PRIVA offers integral rehabilitation treatment for torture victims, especially those in conflict with the law, and their families. Prevention Since 997, PRIVA has developed prevention activities through training programmes directed at the penal justice system (judges, prosecutors, defenders, police), penitentiary system (directors, health professionals, prison guards), prisoners, and health and legal professionals coming from human rights groups (medical doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, lawyers) and university students. Training In 2008, ,200 students (medicine, law, psychology) of the Central University of Ecuador attended seminars on the Istanbul Protocol. Fifty-six health and law professionals attended a 5 month training for national experts on the Istanbul Protocol; 400 legal and health professionals of NGOs, government institutions and human rights organisations attended seminars on OPCAT. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Networking PRIVA works in close cooperation Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 48 Egypt El Nadim Center for the Management and Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence 26 June event Primary objective(s) • Provision of free short- and longterm medical and psychological treatment and rehabilitation for men, women and children who have been subject to any form of violence or torture • Provision of free legal aid and counselling to survivors of torture and their family members • Documentation and updating of torture related data in Egypt • Organising national, regional and international campaigns concerning torture cases and practice in Egypt • Lobbying for the amendment of Egyptian legislation regarding torture to be consistent with international law. advice on social support and/or helps survivors to access employment. It works both in-house and through an outreach programme to other governorates in Egypt. Information and advocacy Website, the internet, publications are used to share information and advocate on behalf of survivors. Contact Contact A Soliman El Halabi Street from Rasmis Street Cairo Egypt Phone: +202 25 78 70 89; +202 25 76 44 09 Mobile: +2 06 400 40 Fax: +202 25 77 67 92
[email protected] www.elnadeem.org Established 99 Director(s) Dr. Magda Adly, Overall Director; Dr. Mona Hamed, Director of Clinic Contact person(s) Dr. Aida Seif El Dawla Staff 6 psychiatrists 2 physicians lawyers 2 administration support Working language(s) Arabic, English Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 50 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking Training Training is provided on listening and counselling skills to survivors of trauma, development of psychotherapeutic skills and prevention through documentation (using the Istanbul Protocol). Locally the centre works with Egyptians against Torture. Regionally we have close collaboration with the AMAN network, and internationally with IRCT, Amnesty, HRW and FIDH. Funding Research An annual report is produced describing centre activities and patterns of torture, and the impact of therapy on quality of life of survivors. Current funding comes from the EU and OAK Foundation. Treatment Rehabilitation includes psychological assessment of survivors and their families, provision of psychotherapy and psychiatric assistance as well as legal counselling and aid and campaigning on behalf of survivors when needed. Survivors who need other medical interventions are referred to a network of specialists who provide them with the needed investigations, treatments and sometimes hospital admissions. The centre also provides Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Legal The centre offers legal counselling and aid to survivors. Documentation A database is currently being upgraded; documentation is also provided in the annual report. Prevention Prevention activities include advocacy for mainstreaming the Istanbul Protocol and campaigning through media and other NGOs. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: campaigning on behalf of survivors 49 Ethiopia Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture in Ethiopia (RCVTE) Staff of the RCVTE Primary objective(s) • Provide medical and psychosocial treatment to victims of torture • Create awareness about torture and advocate against it to the general public • Provide vocational and technical training for victims and professional training for centre staff. Documentation The documentation process includes: the victims’ biography, including details of abuse and the kinds of assistance required, and a medical report consisting of the type of trauma and the assistance offered. Funding RCVTE receives funding from the EU, CVT, IRCT and BftW. Future plans The centre’s future plans include expanding its clinic, providing vocational training to our clients and emphasising our torture prevention activities from the grassroots level. Information and advocacy The Executive Board Chairman and the Executive Director have given interviews to private and governmental media regarding the centre’s aims and objectives. The centre has produced and disseminated information, education and communication materials on torture-related issues. Contact Bole Road PO Box 268 Addis Ababa Ethiopia ----Yeka Subcity Kebele /4 House No. 60 Haile Gebreselassie Road (Megenagna) Near Lem Hotel and next to Andenet Hotel Addis Ababa Ethiopia Phone: +25 66 78 Mobile +25 9 22 776 Fax: +25 66 784
[email protected];
[email protected] Established 99 Director(s) Tadele Bitule Kibrat, Executive Board Chairman and Dr. Yared Tilahun, Executive Director Contact person(s) Dr. Yared Tilahun, Executive and Medical Director Staff executive director administration and finance head 2 psychiatric nurses project officers public relations officer administrative assistant and executive secretary cashier accountant 2 guards janitor Working language(s) English, Amharic Treatment RCVTE provides medical and psychosocial counselling to victims of torture. Training The centre has organised and conducted various training sessions for judiciary and legislative bodies, police and prison officers, legal professionals, law students and teachers. It also provides vocational training for victims of torture. Networking RCVTE is a member of the Eastern Africa and Great Lakes Network and Sub-Saharan African Network for Torture Victims (SSANTOV). The centre is also a member of the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) USA. Locally, the centre is an associate member of the Christian Relief and Development Organization (CRDA), which embraces more than 280 local and international member NGOs. RCVTE also has links with local human rights organisations and concerned governmental bodies. Research In 997, RCVTE conducted research dealing with the setting up the centre and establishing the causes and consequences of torture. In 2002, a needs assessment study was conducted to identify the needs of victims of torture. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: vocational training Number of clients treated per year 600 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients 50 Finland Centre for Torture Survivors in Finland (CTSF) Primary objective(s) • Offer nationwide psychotherapeutic services to victims of torture and their families • Increase knowledge and skills related to rehabilitation • Ensure that the knowledge and skills developed are adopted into general health care • Act in close collaboration with similar centres worldwide. training sessions are organised for employees at the Directorate of Immigration. received training courses regarding torture and transcultural issues. Contact Mäkelänkatu 58-60 (4th floor) 0050 Helsinki Finland Phone: +58 9 7750 4584 Mobile: +58 50 5 67 Fax: +58 9 7750 4502
[email protected];
[email protected] www.hdl.fi Established 99 Director(s) Pekka Tuomola, Director Contact person(s) Tuula Quarshie; Asko Rauta Staff 2 psychiatrists neurologist 2 psychologists psychiatric nurse physiotherapist art therapist administrator civil service 50+ interpreters from different nations Working language(s) Finnish, Swedish, English Number of clients treated per year 40 primary torture victims 5 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Research Our previous music therapist is currently finishing his scientific research on the effects of musical therapy on torture survivors. Networking CTSF has been a member of the IRCT network since 99. CTSF also has close contacts with the Human Rights Foundation. Other close partners include the European Network of Centres for Torture Survivors. In Finland, CTSF has contacts with all the main Medical Faculties, the Finnish Medical Association and the Finnish Psychiatric Association. Documentation Both paper and electronic patient files are kept. Diagnostics are based on ICD-0, and assessments are made following every visit. With asylum seekers, the normal procedure is to make a comprehensive medical statement, which acts as a “forensic statement”. Treatment The CTSF was the first transcultural psychiatric polyclinic in Finland. Almost all patients are refugees and asylum seekers. The centre provides individual, multidisciplinary, comprehensive therapy to victims of torture on an out-patient basis. Treatment methods include psychiatric assessment, psychological assessment and testing, medical and neurological evaluation, special consultation and referrals to hospitals, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and art therapy. Funding CTSF receives funding from the Finnish Slot Machine Association. The Slot Machine Association has a monopoly on gambling and the profits are shared with non-profit organisations like CTSF. Prevention Early treatment and psychosocial assessment of asylum seekers has proven to be a very effective means of prevention. CTSF participates in the 26 June campaign every year. Future plans The centre intends to increase its efforts in education, research and prevention. The national adoption of the Istanbul Protocol will be a main issue in future seminars and training sessions. Training CTSF, together with the Refugee Advice Centre, provides training activities for professionals working with refugees, medical students and doctors. Regular Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy CTSF has a very close relationship with the media. CTSF has been featured in several articles, interviews and TV and radio programmes. Journalists have also Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: neurological examinations, art therapy (individual/groups), and free internet access 5 France Parcours d’Exil Primary objective(s) • Care and rehabilitate, free of charge, any victim of human rights violations, in particular victims of torture and isolated foreign minors • Train professionals working with refugees and asylum seekers to recognise the symptoms of trauma and to give them tools to improve the treatment of victims • Inform the public and institutions about the reality of victims of torture’s life before and after coming to France and about their need for care and rehabilitation. tients received treatment during 2007. Among them, 467 were new patients. Training Parcours d’Exil organises training sessions either on the demand of organisations or in its premises. Training sessions can concern treatment of victims of torture, isolated foreign minors, PTSD, etc. These sessions are proposed to professionals (e.g. doctors, psychologists, social workers, educators, etc.) who work with refugees and asylum seekers in order to help them understand the characteristics of persons suffering post traumatic stress syndrome and thus provide them with tools to improve their daily and professional practice. torture and efficient rehabilitation possibilities. Targeted campaigns and actions (conferences, photo exhibition, concerts) are organised each year in order to attract public attention. The publication of a book by our Director, Dr Pierre Duterte, “Terres inhumaines” Editions Lattès, in November 2007 helped attract media attention on our work, and as such, to our patients’ fate. Contact Parcours d’Exil 26 rue de Cronstadt 7505 Paris France Phone: + 45 74 Fax: + 45 5 6
[email protected] www.parcours-exil.org Established 200 Director(s) Pierre Duterte Contact person(s) Hélène de Rengerve, Administrative and Financial Director Tel: + (0) 45 74 Mobile: + (0)6 4 8/+2 47 52 76 Staff 2 physicians 4 psychotherapists 2 family therapist physiotherapist art therapist administrative & financial director secretary communication officer 2 heads of project Working language(s) French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German Number of clients treated per year 404 primary torture victims 49 secondary torture victims 2 other clients Networking Parcours d’Exil is a member of the CCVT-EL and in France, “La Voix de l’Enfant”, a federation of NGOs concerned with children’s rights. On the local level, Parcours d’Exil works with NGOs completing our competencies in order to provide our patients with full and specialised assistance: social, legal and/ or medical specialised care. Treatment The centre offers both individual and family therapy. Individual therapy sessions may comprise medical, psychological or physiological interventions. Each patient is seen primarily by a physician, and depending on need, is oriented toward other therapists. In addition to treatment, language courses and cultural initiation are also provided, according to the individual needs of the patient. Since 2007, individual and group sessions of art therapy are available every week. In total, 897 paServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research In 2008-2009, Parcours d’Exil is organising joint research with social workers in order to determine a protocol on the early recognition of victims of torture. Funding Funding comes from the EU (EIDHR), UNVFVT, French Office of the Prime Minister, private foundations, French social security and private donors. Information and advocacy Parcours d’Exil regularly appeals to French, European and international institutions in order to advocate for the interests of victims of Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 52 Georgia EMPATHY, The International Psycho-Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, Violence and Pronounced Stress Impact (RCT, EMPATHY/Georgia) The EMPATHY staff Primary objective(s) • Medical and psychosocial treatment and rehabilitation for torture and mass violence victims and their family • Prevention of torture and implementation of international guidelines on prevention of torture • Development of the traumatic stress management and treatment, rehabilitation system in Georgia • Forensic psychiatry and prisons’ psychiatry and health system reform on the country level • Training, educational and research activities. cialists on torture prevention and MDT treatment and rehabilitation. Several training manuals are published by the centre. Research The centre researches case studies, collects statistical data and provides analysis using statistical scientific methods. Several publications are published and presented during professional conferences and on the web. tions and through press conferences, roundtables and 26 June events. The centre submits recommendations to State agencies for protection of victims, prevention, implementation of international standards and prison health care reform. Contact (Legal Address:) Saburtalo Str. Block, Apt. 26 Tbilisi 094 Georgia (Contact) 2 Kandelaki Str Tbilisi Georgia Phone: +995 2 8 0 5; (hotline) +995 2 48 2 5 Fax: +995 2 8 0
[email protected];
[email protected] www.empathy.ge Established 996 Director(s) Dr Mariam Jishkariani Contact person(s) Dr Mariam Jishkariani, Centre Director; Dr George Berulava, Deputy Director Staff 2 project directors/managers financial manager database secretary 2 psychiatrists general doctor 2 psychotherapists psychologist art therapist physiotherapist .5 social workers .5 lawyers driver neurologist (part-time) orthopaedist/traumatologist (part-time) nurse (part-time) psychiatrist/narcologist/acu puncture specialist (part-time) 7 partner organisation staff 2 permanent consultants 5 volunteers from Tbilisi State Medical University Working language(s) Georgian, Russian, English Number of clients treated per year 470 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking EMPATHY is a member of the European Network of the Torture Victims Rehabilitation Centres and the team created for prison monitoring by the President of Georgia. It networks with departments within the Ministries of Justice and Health and with PRI, Georgian Medical Association, Article 42 of Constitution, Crisis Intervention Centre in Gali Region, Society of Georgian Psychiatrists and the WPA Section “Torture Psychological Consequences and Persecution”. Legal EMPATHY provides legal assistance for victims and family members in local and international courts, as well as client advocacy, legal consultations and forensic reports according to the Istanbul Protocol. Treatment Diagnostic and treatment methods are based on international standards and guidelines: ICD–0, the Istanbul Protocol, experts’ consensus guidelines on traumatic stress, etc. Treatment methods are based on MDT work with client oriented individual approach. Documentation The centre collects clinical, psychological and statistical data using clinical and psychological questionnaires. Funding Main donors are the EU, UNVFVT and OAK Foundation. Prevention Training EMPATHY provides national and international training/educational programmes, conferences and seminars with international and national partner organisations for prison doctors, forensic doctors, psychiatrists and health care speServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: travel and accommodation outreach, if required The centre is providing strong activities on prevention of torture and implementation of international standards on prevention. Future plans Projects on: prison psychiatry reform; training; monitoring pretrial detention facilities; centre institutional development; traumatic stress; and rehabilitation for victims of the Russian-Georgian conflict in 2008. Information and advocacy EMPATHY conducts advocacy through distribution of publica- 5 Georgia The Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (GCRT) A candle action in support of victims of torture on June the 26th Primary objective(s) • Provision of effective psychological, medical, social and legal assistance to torture survivors and their family members • Contributing to the prevention of torture • Raising public awareness • Strengthening capacities. doctors; torture trauma sequelae for prison doctors; support of resocialization for persons under probation for probation officers; crisis intervention for psychologists, doctors, social workers, etc.; prevention of burnout for professionals working with traumatized persons; and prohibition of torture for law enforcement personnel. Rights Center conducts trainings for law enforcement officials. GCRT participates in monitoring of places of detention and psychiatric institutions. Contact 079 V. Anjaparidze str. #9 Tbilisi Georgia Phone: +995 2 22 06 89; +995 2 22 54 02
[email protected]; ltsiskarishvili@ gcrt.ge Established 2000 Director(s) Lela Tsiskarishvili, Executive Director; Erekle Natadze, Financial/ Administrative Director; Zurab Beberashvili, Medical Director Contact person(s) Lela Tsiskarishvili, Executive Director Staff 6 medical doctors 4 psychologists 4 psychotherapists 4 social workers 2 child psychologists lawyers 4 psychiatrists nurse Working language(s) Georgian, Russian, English Number of clients treated per year 250 primary torture victims 70 secondary torture victims 40 other clients Information and advocacy GCRT organises events on 26 June, distributes leaflets and other publications, participates in television/radio shows and propagates the prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment. Treatment Treatment schemas are based on the bio-psycho-social paradigm. The work of GCRT is based on multidisciplinary and systemic approaches, involving work with clients’ families and empowering clients at the community level. GCRT provides medical, psychological, psychotherapeutic, psychiatric, legal and social assistance. Psychological work is conducted on individual, family and group levels. GCRT uses supportive and trauma focused therapies. If requested, GCRT provides records for asylum seeking procedures or re-settlement issues. Special emphasis is made on working with children and adolescents. Research GCRT has conducted two large surveys on public perception of human rights abuses and torture, and clinical research on the psychosocial profile of traumatized persons and efficiency of proposed interventions. Networking GCRT is the founding member of Georgian Society of Psychotrauma. Members of GCRT are affiliated with European Society of Traumatic Stress Studies. GCRT is a member of the Public Defender’s Council for monitoring human rights violations in psychiatric institutions and of the Georgian NGOs Coalition. Legal GCRT provides legal assistance to clients, ranging from domestic and social issues to protection of human rights. GCRT cooperates with the Ombudsman’s office and human rights NGOs. Funding Funding comes from the EC, UNVFVT, OAK Foundation and UNHCR. Documentation The GCRT operates a library accessible to centre staff, volunteers and students. Future plans GCRT has 4 centres in Georgia, with plans to establish a new centre. Training Various trainings are conducted regularly on: trauma identification and treatment for primary care Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Prevention GCRT together with the Human Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 54 Germany Berlin Center for the Treatment of Torture Victims (bzfo) Meeting with EU project partners from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia in Berlin Pain research study with biofeedback equipment Primary objective(s) • Providing medical, psychological and social care and rehabilitation to torture victims • Documenting the physical, psychological and emotional aftereffects of torture • Informing the public about torture and its consequences • Organising teaching and training on socio-medical aspects of torture • Conducting scientific research on the causes and consequences of trauma. supervision to lawyers, judges, physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers and civil servants in order to train them in the care and treatment of traumatised persons and to make them aware of the special problems and symptoms that our clients face. Research Research focuses on computerbased diagnostics (MultiCASI) and optimization of treatment for torture survivors, such as pain management and internet-based treatment for conflict zones and older survivors of war. In addition, concepts such as retraumatisation and reconciliation in the context of human rights violations are investigated. duces press information and hosts conferences informing the media and the public about the situation of our patients. Regular lobbying efforts are also carried out with politicians, presenting them with our patients’ problems both in Germany and in their countries of origin. Fundraising events include an annual art auction, benefit concerts and public readings. Contact Turmstrasse 2 0559 Berlin Germany Phone: +49 0 0 9 06 0 Fax: +49 0 0 6 4 7
[email protected];
[email protected] www.bzfo.de Established 992 Director(s) Richard Grünberg, Mercedes Hillen Contact person(s) Britta Jenkins, Public Relations Staff 4 medical doctors 2 psychiatrist 9 psychologists 2 child/youth psychotherapists 8 social workers physiotherapist biologist medical assistant nurse 2 public relations officers 2 project managers librarian 5 administrative staff 4 freelance therapists 0 interns 8 graduate students 27 freelance interpreters 2 freelance teachers 0 volunteers Working language(s) German, English Number of clients treated per year 500 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 2000 other clients Networking The bzfo collaborates with the IRCT, ESTSS and ISTSS, and is a member of a nation-wide network of health professionals monitoring the situation of refugees in Germany. It is a member of the Network of European Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers for Victims of Torture and Human Rights Violations. Treatment The bzfo treats approx. 500 torture survivors per year. Clients come from 60 countries, mostly from Turkey, the Balkans, the Middle East and Africa. Approximately 45% are female; 5% are children and adolescents. Apart from medical, psychosomatic and psychiatric care, the bzfo offers a wide spectrum of psychotherapies as well as social counselling. In addition, clients have access to a day clinic, an intercultural healing garden, a patients’ workshop, vocational training opportunities and language courses. Documentation The bzfo research library has more than ,000 items and provides users with background information on the political, social and cultural situation in the clients’ countries of origin, as well as on torture and extreme traumatisation. Funding Funding is received from the EU; UNVFVT; Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth; foundations; corporations; and private donors. Information and advocacy Publications include annual reports, newsletters, books and scientific articles. The bzfo also pro- Training The bzfo provides seminars and Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Professional training 55 Germany Exilio - Help for Migrants, Refugees and Victims of Torture e.v. Primary objective(s) Holistic help for traumatized refugees and victims of torture through: psychological support in the form of psychological expertises and trauma therapy, individual social counselling and special assistance for refugees living in the home for asylum seekers in Lindau as well as special therapeutic and social offers for child refugees, measures of integration for migrants and fostering dialogue between migrants and locals in our intercultural centre “Kuturbrücke”, and legal assistance, country research and awareness-raising regarding asylum policy and torture. Research Our country research comprises the investigation of special questions concerning countries of origins. and Human Rights or the Ministry of State of Bavaria as well as from foundations, private donors and membership fees. Contact Reutiner Straße 5 D-88 Lindau Germany Phone: +49 882 40 94 50 Fax: +49 882 40 94 54
[email protected] www.exilio.de Established 995 Director(s) Gisela von Maltitz Contact person(s) Gisela von Maltitz Staff 8 social care professionals 4 psychologists and therapists 4 employees in charge of organisation, public communication, fundraising and administration Working language(s) German Number of clients treated 5 primary torture victims 40 secondary torture victims 700 other clients Information and advocacy In addition to a number of reports in local and regional newspapers and radio programmes, we publish “Infopunkt”, which is sent to nearly 2,000 subscribers. Networking Exilio collaborates with local NGOs (including Amnesty International and contact groups for asylum seekers) and the Advisory Board for Foreigners of Lindau, and is a member of the German organisation of psychosocial centres “BAFF” and “Der Paritätische”. In the context of project meetings we furthermore work constructively together with organisations of other countries as RADAR (Netherlands) and ZEBRA (Austria) as well as with our partner organisation “Refugio Villingen-Schwenningen”. Treatment Treatment offered at the centre includes different types of therapy, mainly client-centred therapy and (cognitive-behavioural) Gestalt therapy. Children are offered game therapy and kinesiology individually and in groups. In the course of the last year 5 therapies and 00 expertises were realised. Training Training activities include practical training for students of social work, psychology, law and public communication. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Funding Funding is received from national and European public sources as the European Refugee Fund, the European Instrument for Democracy Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: expertise on traumatisation and PTSD 56 Germany Medical Care Service for Refugees Bochum (MFH) Event on 26th of June including movie screening, speech and discussion about torture and its consequences Primary objective(s) • Medical support • Psycho-social support • Political support to refugees in Germany • Providing the aforementioned support especially to refugees without papers and survivors of severe human rights violations • Human rights activities via the campaign “Justice heals”. ings on the application of the Istanbul Protocol. Networking MFH is a member of BAFF and collaborates with other treatment centres across Germany. MFH’s campaign “Justice heals” runs an international network against impunity, involving human rights organisations/activists, lawyers’ associations and groups of survivors/family members of forcibly disappeared victims. Research In 2005 and 2006 MFH realised a study on the positive impact of the fight against impunity on survivors’ stabilisation. In October 2008 the campaign “Justice Heals” published the results of a study (2004-2006) on the fight against impunity in countries. Contact Engelsburger Str. 68, D-4479 Bochum Germany Phone: +49 24 904 80 Fax: +49 24 904 8
[email protected] www.mfh-bochum.de; www. gerechtigkeit-heilt.de Established 997 Director(s) Marjan Aghaie, Lennart Peters, Georg Eberwein, Knut Rauchfuss, Christoph Quick Contact person(s) Georg Eberwein and Knut Rauchfuss Staff behavior- and traumatherapist 7 psychotherapists paid by fee social worker human rights activist administration/accountant fundraiser Working language(s) German, English, French, Spanish, Farsi, Turkish Number of clients treated per year 46 primary torture victims ~50 secondary and other clients Treatment The MFH offers psychotherapy and psychological counselling for survivors of torture. Since our clients are regularly under risk of deportation, our social work aims at stabilising their legal status. The medical treatment and the social work with refugees cover not only survivors of torture. Refugees consult MFH with all kinds of health or social problems, which are often not related to possible traumatic experiences, even if they survived torture or other severe atrocities. Funding Documentation Documentation occurs through annual reports, internal evaluation procedures and reports for foundations. In 2007 MFH received funding from the EU/European Refugee Fund, State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Town of Bochum, German Foundation for UN-Refugee-Aid, GLS Bank, Misereor and Lottery “Glücksspirale”. Prevention Public awareness activities, media campaigns and publications make up MFH’s prevention activities. Future plans MFH wants to extend its staff, especially concerning provision of psychotherapy for survivors. In a joint project with the World Coalition Against Torturers we intend to strengthen the network “Justice heals” and try to bring perpetrators and authors of severe human rights violations to court. Information and advocacy The centre carries out activities focused on the fight against impunity for severe human rights violations via the campaign “Justice heals”. MFH also publishes publications, calls for demonstrations, launches campaigns to support refugees, organises seminars and participates in international fora. Training In 200 we offered a training programme for pedagogues on psychotrauma, to deepen their understanding of refugee torture survivors (especially children). For the future we intend to offer trainServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 57 Germany REFUGIO – Centre for Treatment, Counselling and Psychotherapy for Victims of Torture, Expulsion and Violence in SchleswigHolstein Inc. Behjat Moaali, LLM, head of REFUGIO team Primary objective(s) • Psychotherapy, medical and social care, treatment and rehabilitation for torture survivors, politically motivated violence and expulsion • Special attention is paid to: children, adolescents and women who have suffered severe traumatization • Elucidation to the public about violation of human rights, racism, violence and its aftermath • Organisation of trainings about social and medical aspects of human rights violations and rehabilitation. Research REFUGIO is developing a “good practice” in receiving victims of torture and politically motivated violence in rural areas, which involves early detection of trauma by sensitizing immigration officers, immigration health services and relevant administrative courts. draw attention to the problem of torture. Networking REFUGIO has close professional associations with: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, Kreisverband Neumünster in Neumünster; Diakonieverein Migration - Beratung für Ausländer, Flüchtlinge und Aussiedler in Pinneberg; BAFF e.V. Working Group for Psychosocial Centers for refugees and torture victims in Berlin. REFUGIO works with: Diakonisches Werk Schleswig-Holstein, Rendsburg, and regional branches of Social-Migration-Counselling and co-operates with UNHCR-Deutschland, Amnesty International and the German Red Cross (DRK). Contact Schaßstraße 5 D-240 Kiel Germany Phone: +49 4 5 02 5 00 Fax: +49 4 50 25 0 5
[email protected] www.refugio-kiel.de Established 997 Director(s) Marijana Rakuljic, Anita Gruber, Ulrich Kruse Contact person(s) Peter Keune Staff lawyer psychologists 2 social workers administration staff 2 volunteers Working language(s) German Number of clients treated per year 40 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Legal The centre offers support during the asylum procedure. REFUGIO has developed guidelines for conclusive psychotherapeutic responses and psychiatric reports. Documentation Treatment Therapists within the network of REFUGIO employ a wide range of common treatment methods. Most of the therapies are carried out by residential psychotherapists in the Bundesland Schleswig-Holstein. For children and adolescents, most of the therapies are accomplished by REFUGIO psychotherapists. The centre documents all major activities and offers information and access to documentation via its website. Funding REFUGIO receives funding from AKTION MENSCH – Deutsche Behindertenhilfe e.V., the state government of the Bundesland SchleswigHolstein, the European Refugee Fund, donations and Der Paritätische Schleswig-Holstein. Prevention Prevention is provided by the centre’s information and advocacy activities. Information and advocacy Training REFUGIO offers supervision and training to psychotherapists and interpreters working with traumatized refugees and training to general practitioners, immigration officers, administrative court judges and public health authorities. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: specialized project for children and young adults REFUGIO puts pressure on political and administrative officials to fulfil their obligations under international conventions and relevant EU directives. On 4 February, REFUGIO celebrates the Day against Torture in the Bundesland Schleswig-Holstein with public activities that Future plans Improving services; employing a psychiatrist/psychotherapist to work with emergency crisis interventions. . 58 Greece Medical Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (MRCT) Primary objective(s) • To rehabilitate and provide advice to persons who have been subjected to torture • To train professionals in the assessment and management of torture sequelae • To raise public awareness of torture methods used and the possibility of rehabilitating victims • To contribute to torture-related research and the prevention of torture • To maintain a documentation centre. Officer, in order to train the police officers who are the first to receive illegal immigrants in Greece. MRCT staff members regularly participate in different training activities for both professionals and non-professionals, in Greece and abroad. in both English and Greek. Numerous articles have been published in newspapers and magazines. Contact 9, Lycabettous Street 06 72 Athens Greece Phone: +0 20 6 46 807; +0 20 6 4 792; +0 20 6 04 967 Fax: +0 20 6 44 66
[email protected] www.mrct.org Established 989 Director(s) Maria Piniou-Kalli, MD, PhD, Medical Director Contact person(s) Dimocritos Sarantidis, MD; Marina Maisouradze, Executive Secretary Staff medical director legal counsellor psychiatrist psychologist social workers administrative director accountant 2 secretaries office assistant Working language(s) English, Greek Number of clients treated (not available) Networking The Balkan Network for the Prevention of Torture and the Rehabilitation of the Victims (BAN) has expanded to include centres from almost all Balkan countries. The MRCT is elected as the network secretariat. Research Several instruments (psychological scales and self-ratings) are used for diagnostic and research purposes. Various research projects are carried out according to growing needs and resources available. Results are published and presented at conferences. Funding The MRCT receives funding from the EU, the UNVFVT, the Greek parliament and the Greek Ministry. Treatment The target groups are survivors of torture and secondary victims. The majority of MRCT’s clients come from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan and Congo. Documentation An MS Access database has been used for registering client data since 997. Training Since 995, MRCT has been an accredited training centre for students from the School of Social Work. Training seminars for police officers working with the asylum authorities are organised regularly. The MRCT legal counsellor has gone on several missions to border areas as co-trainer together with the UNHCR Legal Protection Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Prevention Various events, such as conferences, interviews and TV appearances, have been organised to increase awareness among the general public and authorities and to generate public pressure. Information and advocacy The MRCT publication “TA ANTHROPHINA” is published annually Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 59 Guatemala Office of Human Rights of the Archbishop of Guatemala (ODHAG) Activities of the ODHAG, Guatemala Activities of the ODHAG, Guatemala Primary objective(s) • To address human rights violations against the most vulnerable parts of the population • To work in accordance with the ecclesiastical and universal mandate of human rights • To facilitate the process of individual, family and group reconciliation • To contribute and strengthen attention to the damages caused by the internal armed conflict and other human rights violations. Research ODHAG conducts research into violence prevention in the Chorti area and Momostenango, and on pain and suffering management in the prison context. The centre has also developed an approach guide for elderly people. Networking ODHAG is networked with the: National Network of Mental Health; Mesoamerican network/IRCT; Latin American network against torture, impunity and other violations of human rights; Human Rights Board; Network of the Penitentiary System; and the network for the abolition of the death penalty. It has an agreement with the doctoral programme in psychology at the University of San Carlos Guatemala. Contact 6th Street 7-70 Zone Guatemala Phone: +502 22 85 04 56; +502 22 2 8 84
[email protected] www.odhag.org.gt Established 989 Director(s) Nery Rodenas Contact person(s) Ronald Solis Staff 6 psychologists lawyers anthropologist social communicator economist social worker translator physiotherapist Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 44 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims other clients Legal Some of ODHAG’s legal work has included: three prisoner cases for penalty redemption (elderly people), two cases for prisoners with terminal diseases, four psycho-legal follow-up on torture victim cases, 2 abuse and bad treatment cases and two torture cases in San Juan Sacatepequez, self-help groups and 2 advocacy measures, and Istanbul Protocol incidence. ODHAG has done four consultancies on prisoner women with children, an intervention on jail conflict requesting better treatment conditions, and penitentiary pastoral consultancy. Funding Funding comes from DANIDA. Treatment In 2008, attention and follow-up in mental health promotion was given to 50 persons, 8 people were attended to in the exhumation and interment process, nine were attended to for individual violence, three received psychosocial accompaniment for missing childhood due to internal conflict and 5 elderly prisoners were given alternative therapy. Future plans A mental health project running from 2007-200 involves 2 professionals, three administration workers and integral development based on human rights. A project on torture in 2008 utilised one lawyer and one professional working on political incidents. Documentation Training Training is conducted around mental health promoters, political incidence and citizenship participation. Documentation goes hand in hand with communitarian groups, psychosocial work experiences with reflection groups, the psycho-legal approach manual, incidence manual, and jail visits manual. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 60 Honduras Centre for Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and their Relatives (CPTRT) Counselling session. Client with Arely Alvarado, psychologist (left) Counselling session. Client with Carmen Martínez, psychologist (right) Primary objective(s) • Protection of Human Rights of honduran people exposed to torture and organized violence and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatments (TOV-CIDT) • Prevention of violence and promotion of a peace culture trough educational and informative diffusion • Research, documentation and political incidence. Legal We offer advice and legal aid to prisoners and their relatives. Future plans Increase the prevention work with students of public schools, rehabilitation work with people in prison retired of gangs, continue with the work on human rights and impunity, police training in order to make changes on their culture, research on epidemiology of violence, continue with the medical and psychological prevention, assistance and torture documentation. Create a work-link with people from universities in order to achieve the goals. Documentation Cases of torture and organized violence. Contact Contact Col. La Reforma Calle Principal Nº 09 Contiguo a Centro IDEAL Tegucigalpa M.D.C. Honduras C.A. Phone: +504 28 0 8 Mobile: +504 99 6 29 57 Fax: +504 28 40 27
[email protected];
[email protected] www.cptrt.org Established 995 Director(s) Dr. Juan Almendares Bonilla; Alba Mejía, Subdirector Contact person(s) Dr. Juan Almendares Bonilla, Executive Director; Alba Mejía, Subdirector; Francisco Pavón, Information Officer Staff social workers lawyers 5 health and human rights promoters 4 medical doctors clinical psychologist sociologist information officer administration and accountant personnel 2 drivers janitor cleaning lady watch man Working language(s) Spanish, English Prevention Prevention through educational activities in a poor community and as a member of regional coalition at a central america level. Treatment To improve physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual health of the target groups trough medical, alternative and psychological treatment to individuals and their relatives Information and advocacy Information is given through radio, tv, conferences, website and advocacy campaigns in order to make legal changes and public policies. Training CPTRT offers training in human rights to prevention police, penitentiary police, attorneys and public defense lawyer. We also offer training in peace culture to teachers and students of public high schools in a poor community. Networking CPTRT is part of Latin American Network on Health and Torture Issues and Regional Coalition for Prevention of Violence to Young People; IRCT Network and RCT, ODHAG, CPTRT network for prevention of violence. Research Violence and community. Funding RCT, IRCT, Holland Embassy Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Information consultancy Number of clients treated per year 56 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 9 other clients 6 Hungary Cordelia Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims Dr Lilla Hárdi, Medical Director of the Foundation, receives a prize called Sozial Marie for social innovation Accessories of the non-verbal group therapy Primary objective(s) • Provision of psychiatric and psychosocial care for torture survivors • Training medical and legal professionals, and government officials in charge of traumatized refugees • Elaborate new therapeutic methods for victims of torture • Supervision of caregivers • Prevention and documentation of torture, awareness raising. Training Cordelia Foundation has offered training programmes and supervision to professionals dedicated to working with torture survivors and to professionals and officials involved in the asylum process. als coming from different cultural backgrounds. Networking Cordelia Foundation closely cooperates with several European torture centres (e.g. MRCT, IRCT-Zagreb, CVPP), with the local UNHCR office, and local NGOs, such as the Helsinki Committee, the Asylum Association, etc. Contact (postal) Balzac u. 7 6 Budapest Hungary (office) Kárpát street /B Budapest Hungary Phone: +6 49 450 Mobile: +6 0 280 25 Fax: +6 29 2
[email protected]; lilhardi@ gmail.com www.cordelia.hu Established 996 Director(s) Dr. Lilla Hárdi, Medical Director Contact person(s) Dr. Lilla Hárdi, Medical Director; Szilvia Káplány, Programme Coordinator; Gábor Király, Project Coordinator Staff medical director/psychiatrist adult psychiatrists child psychiatrist 2 psychologists non-verbal therapist social worker/interpreter 2 programme coordinators financial controller/accountant medical administrator/ac countant assistant interpreters volunteers Working language(s) Hungarian, English and native languages in therapies Number of clients treated per year 89 primary torture victims 40 secondary torture victims 5 Number of other clients Research The Foundation’s therapists continuously elaborate their working methods and have developed new psychotherapeutic group methods, including animation therapy, station group therapy and symbol therapy. Research is aimed at the adaptation of other therapeutic methods to the treatment of torture survivors. Funding The international funds and organisations supporting our activities are the ERF and EIDHR programmes of the European Commission, the UNVFVT, the OAK Foundation, the IRCT, and the Norwegian Mechanism’s Civil Supporting Grant. On a national level our activities are supported by the National Civil Fund and the Ministry of Justice and Law Enforcement. Treatment The Foundation’s core activity is to provide direct assistance to victims of torture residing as asylum seekers at reception centres in Hungary. Annually we treat 00 to 50 clients. Rehabilitation services are provided in the refugee camps. Therapies are a special combination of verbal and non-verbal methods, either on an individual or group level, according to the specific needs of clients. Rehabilitation services are multilevel and multilateral. Family members receive treatment and care from a psychiatrist, non-verbal therapist, psychologist and social worker, both individually as well as among members of the family. Legal/Documentation Psychiatrists prepare medico-legal reports for the asylum process based on the guidelines of the Istanbul Protocol and other relevant international instruments. Future plans From 2009 we will launch a Pre-integration Unit at the Bicske Refugee Centre offering intensified treatment for torture survivors and preparing them for life after leaving the reception centre. Prevention Our public awareness activities are aimed at informing the wider public on the relevance of torture issues and the conditions of refugees, and to replace stereotyping with tolerance toward individu- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 62 India Centre for Care of Torture Victims (CCTV) CCTV officials along with dignitaries commemorating the 26 June, UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture CCTV’s representation (along with TOP Centre, India) before the Prime Minister of India regarding the appeal for ratification of UNCAT Primary objective(s) • Extend medical and psychosocial relief and rehabilitation services to primary, secondary and tertiary torture survivors, along with legal redress • Spread awareness regarding individuals’ rights in order to protect democracy • Train professionals about treatment, psychological/legal counselling of torture victims and documentation • Network amongst NGOs in reaching out to the multitudes • Carry out research related to torture victims and disseminate information on this subject. taking care of hospitalisation and/ or surgery, if needed. and torture, legal aspects and torture, human rights and torture. Training Training is offered to professionals (doctors and lawyers). Information and advocacy CCTV presented before the Prime Minister of India the appeal regarding ratification of UNCAT. Contact P 50, Keyatala Road Kolkata -700 029 West Bengal India Phone: +9 24 65 79 7 Mobile: +98 4 0 02 Fax: +9 24 65 79 8
[email protected]; cctv@cal2. vsnl.net.in www.cctv.org.in Established 997 Director(s) Dr. Mrs. Arati Basu Sengupta, President; Dr. Sibadatta Chaudhuri, Vice-President; Mr. Jayjit Ganguly, Hon. Secretary; Dr. Mihir Banerjee, Hon. Joint Secretary; Mr. Asoke Ghosh, Hon. Treasurer Contact person(s) Mr. Jayjit Ganguly; Ms. Minakshi Chaudhuri Staff executive secretary project director project coordinator legal advisor medical officer 2 physicians gynaecologist counsellor psychiatrist orthopaedic physiotherapist accounts consultant accountant office secretary office attendant 2 social workers 2 field survey workers 0 volunteers Working language(s) English, Bengali, Hindi Research CCTV has conducted a survey on patterns of torture in selected districts of West Bengal, and preparation of a questionnaire on patterns of torture (the first of its kind in India). Networking Collaboration is undertaken with international, national and local human rights bodies/NGOs. Funding CCTV receives funding from UNVFVT, IRCT and OCSG. Legal Legal counselling is provided to victims of torture. Future plans More treatment of torture victims other than prisoners; more workshops, particularly with professionals; more surveys; awareness campaigns (at a grassroots level) regarding torture and the prevention of torture; setting up own building including short stay facilities; expanding the library/documentation unit; more prison visits including surveys and treatment. Treatment CCTV provides physical and psychological treatment/counselling to primary, secondary and tertiary victims of torture. The centre has its own clinic and also a mobile medical unit. CCTV provides treatment at jails, destitute homes, short stay homes and political sufferers’ homes (all these are run by the State Government) following requests by the concerned authority. CCTV also provides medical assistance to the below poverty level (BPL) groups. Along with treatment/counselling, CCTV bears the responsibility for Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation Medical documentation occurs as per the Istanbul Protocol. The centre maintains library and information services and also monitors alleged and reported cases of torture (in general, and in West Bengal in particular). Prevention Awareness campaigns for the prevention of torture are launched through workshops, seminars, training, surveys, etc. among different target groups in the society on topics such as medical ethics Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Number of clients treated per year 985 primary torture victims 5 secondary torture victims 5 other clients 6 India Centre for Organisation Research & Education - Community Programme for Young Survivors of Torture (CORE) Primary objective(s) To publicly address the issue of torture, and initiate and develop a sustainable programme of identification of young survivors of torture, including women and children, and provide appropriate support services for their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health needs for their therapeutic recovery, rehabilitation and re-integration into family and community. Descriptions of services • Medical: primary care of injuries and follow-up as required • Counselling: in a clinical setting or through visits to a psychiatrist counsellor • Family visits: family involvement is a focus in the approach • Financial assistance: Monetary aid is not available but some medication is provided free of charge • Referrals • Family- or home-based treatment • Psychological: involvement in the campaign for human rights forms another part of psychological support • Legal: provided pro bono as far as possible through a network of lawyers • Research and documentation of reported torture cases • Urgent action appeals: the programme has an urgent response service that is national and international in scope • Capacity enhancement and sharing: the capacity of health and legal professionals, as well as that of human rights defenders, is shared across the referral network. The Istanbul Protocol was printed and published locally for use by professionals. A systematic training programme is being planned for implementation in the near future. There are proposals to introduce torture in the medical and legal curricula of local institutions • Networking and advocacy: the International Day in Support of Torture Victims is the core activity to build public opinion and support. Contact Loisanglen Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek Imphal 79500 Manipur India Phone: +9 85 244 48 45; 244 9 Fax: +9 85 222 8 69
[email protected] Established 200 Director(s) Dr Debabrata Roy Laifungbam Contact person(s) Namdithiu Pamei; Dr D Roy Laifungbam Staff 2 administrative 2 documentation 2 doctors ( psychiatrist) with several referral clinic based doctors coordinator 2 field staff Variable number of volunteers (community aided) Working language(s) English, Meiteilon, Rongmei and other indigenous languages Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Treatment The programme functions in a very high incidence area of torture and arbitrary detention. The main methods of torture encountered are immersion in cold water, rendering a person partially or totally nude for questioning, trussing, blindfolding and mock executions, electric shocks, beatings and other forms of physical and verbal abuse sometimes of a sexual nature, introduction of sticks and other blunt instruments into the anus, hanging and rolling over the legs with a blunt heavy roller. The programme works on building a strong referral network of services, both legal and health. The programme has a primary focus on prevention, and often involves survivors in its work as an empowering rehabilitation tool. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Funding The programme presently does not receive funding from external sources. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 64 India Shubhodaya Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture and Violence (SCRVTV) – Society for Social Research, Art and Culture (SOSRAC) Participants in 26th June Community Programme Staff of Shubhodaya celebrating 26th June activity Primary objective(s) • Providing comprehensive rehabilitation to torture victims • Providing medical and psychological services for proper physical and psychological rehabilitation • Providing physiotherapy and occupational therapy services for the proper physical rehabilitation • Creating awareness among law enforcement agencies and sensitising them to the problems of detainees • Strengthening and sensitising NGOs and the public through technical assistance and awareness raising. hensive rehabilitation of torture victims and creating resources in Asia. This programme is funded by EU (EIDHR) and involves two centres in Bangladesh and Srilanka. Information and advocacy The centre organises regular meetings to raise awareness among, and sensitise, the public and professionals. Our centre participates in national and international meetings organised by various professional organisations. Contact (Medical Center) Basti Vikas Kendra, Near Hanuman Mandir Private Colony, Srinivaspuri New Delhi – 0065 India (Project Office) TA/9, Tughlakabad Extension Main Okhla Road New Delhi – 009 India (Registered Office) C-29, Saraswati Kunj Society 25 I.P. Extension, Patparganj Delhi - 0092 India Phone: +9 26 526; +9 26086694 Mobile: +9 98 0 26694 Fax: +9 26086694
[email protected]; sosrac@ hotmail.com www.sosrac.org Established 2000 Director(s) Dr Pradeep Agrawal, Director; Mr H K Agarwal, Manager Contact person(s) Dr Pradeep Agrawal, Director; Mr H K Agarwal, Manager Staff manager 2 medical officer 2 psychiatrists manager 2 psychologists 2 counsellors 5 social workers physiotherapist nurse office assistant 2 accountant project coordinator 2 language teachers helper 2 guards Working language(s) English, Hindi Number of clients treated per year 50 primary torture victims 50 secondary torture victims 90 other clients Training SCRVTV organises regular training seminars to improve the clinical skills of its staff. We have organised several training seminars in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association for Doctors. We have organised programmes for professionals such as lawyers, social workers, nurses, psychologists, volunteers and the media. Our centre recently developed a manual for professionals working with torture victim in India. Networking We collaborate with the IRCT and its centres. We are part of the Center for Victims of Torture, Minnesota USA network. We also have contacts with the UNVFVT, UNHCR, British Council, National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Indian Law Institute, Indian Medical Association, Indian Psychiatric Society and Delhi Psychiatric Society. Treatment The centre provides comprehensive rehabilitation treatment to torture victims, including medical, psychological, social and physiotherapeutic assistance. A nurse assists the medical doctor in making detailed assessments of client’s health status. The social workers try to help the torture victims get back to a normal life and integrate into their surroundings. The physiotherapist provides home visits to clients who have difficulty reaching the centre. SOSRAC is leading a three year project in compreServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Research Our centre is active in conducting scientific studies which have helped us provide improved services to torture victims. We have completed a study on female torture and domestic violence in Delhi slums. Funding We have received funding from the EU, UNVFVT and CVT (through USAID), OAK Foundation through IRCT, The Royal Netherland Embassy, British Council, UNHCR and local donations. Documentation We maintain records of torture victims attending our centre, as well as occurrences of torture in the community. Future plans Future plans include the expansion of services to torture victims and to work on the regional level with neighbouring countries. 65 India Tibetan Torture Survivors’ Program (TTSP) Kalsang Tsering, social worker, and Kalsang Lhamo, project officer (three and four from left) attending a workshop on rehabilitation of torture victims in New Delhi Primary objective(s) • • • • To rehabilitate torture victims To give holistic treatment To give financial support To give special opportunities for livelihood training to young torture victims • To create awareness on mental health problems. Documentation On the very first day of enrolment into our programme, we fill out the Hopkins checklist and assessment form. We ask clients to bring their life story on how they were brought up and what inspired them to raise their voice against the rule of Chinese in Tibet, how they were tortured in and out of prison and finally how they escaped into exile. They bring this information in Tibetan and we translate into English. We keep personal files of every client. Contact Department of Health Central Tibetan Administration Gangchen Kyishong P.O. Dharamsala 7625 Distt. Kangra H.P. India Phone: + 892 22 408 Fax: + 892 222 78
[email protected]; health@gov. tibet.net Established 996 Director(s) Health Kalon (Minister) and Secretary look after all the sections of the Department of Health; TTSP is one section Contact person(s) Health Secretary and Project Officer of TTSP Staff project officer social workers allopathic doctor traditional Tibetan doctor (part-time) physiotherapist (part-time) Working language(s) Tibetan, English Number of clients treated per year 67 primary torture victims 24 secondary torture victims other clients Treatment At first our clients go to primary health centres run by the Department of Health and Tibetan Medical Institute for treatment. If they cannot be cured or treated there, the doctors refer them to bigger Indian hospitals. The Department bears all the medical and travelling expenses and also gives daily allowance. Our clients can take helpers to whom we give incentives besides bearing other expenses. Information and advocacy These are done through media. Networking TTSP is a member of the IRCT network. Funding Training We give trainings to our health workers from time to time. Funding comes mainly from the US Agency for International Development. We are also getting some help from organisations and individuals. Research Research is done by the Department of Security on the overall Tibetan affairs and especially torture in Tibet. Future plans We have plans to give more livelihood trainings and create better contacts with other such centres to learn from their work. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: livelihood training 66 India Torture Prevention Center India Trust (TOP India Trust) Training for doctors on “torture medicine” Observation of 26 June 2008 with school children Primary objective(s) • Protection, promotion and preservation of human rights • Persuade government of India to ratify the UN Convention against Torture • Strengthen Indian democracy • Erase torture from India • Work within Indian legal framework. Research Our research aims to identify and analyse torture and thereby utilise the information to prevent torture. chures and appear in local newspapers and television talk shows. Networking We have a local network of centre staff, professionals and NGOs from 4 districts; a national network with other centres and NGOs; a regional network with the other Asian IRCT members; and an international network with more than 00 High Commissions and Embassies whose representatives are in India. Contact Indira Nagar Kadavanthra P.O. Cochin 682 020 Kerala State India Phone: +9 484 2 7790 Mobile: +94 470 5 649 / +94 465 89 880
[email protected];
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[email protected] www.torturepreventionindia.org Established 998 Director(s) Ms. Malini Menon, Acting Managing Trustee Contact person(s) Ms. Malini Menon, Acting Managing Trustee; Ms. Daisy Jacob, Co-opted trainee Trustee Staff honorary director part time medical team coordinator nurse/front office staff panel of hospitals for treating victims clinical psychologist on call 2 trained full time counsellors 42 trained district core group members (lawyers, doctors, NGO representatives) accountant office assistant/stenographer driver cleaner/helper, part time Working language(s) English, Malayalam Number of clients treated per year 50 primary torture victims 50 secondary torture victims 50 other clients Legal We have a panel of legal advisors to whom we refer cases, who support the victims and our project activities. Treatment We mainly look into the physical, medical, psychological and social problems of victims and provide a detailed medical testimonial with which victims are able to fight for justice. Medical treatment, counselling, physiotherapy and group counselling sessions for victims and their relatives are main activities related to our treatment programmes. Documentation We have developed user friendly software for the documentation of victims. Documentation of community activities is regularly entered and we keep event reports including photographs separately. Funding We have received support from the EC, OAK grant, IRCT, UNVFVT, TOP India Trust and the National Human Rights Commission. Our trustees, associates, well wishers and some victims provide liberal financial support for our activities. Prevention Prevention of torture is the primary objective of our organisation. Support, assistance and leadership of the government are essential for implementing prevention programmes thus we correspond and meet relevant persons in the administration. Future plans We plan to continue extending treatment and rehabilitation, impart training to support torture victims and prevent impunity, issue publications based on surveys and research, and establish decentralised multiple sustainable programmes/centres all over the state. Training The Indian Medical Association Kerala State Branch, Kerala Government Medical Officers Association and Qualified Private Medical Practitioners Association have joined us to train medical professionals. The message of “torture medicine” is reaching 20,000 doctors. Information and advocacy Through our District Core Groups we reach the population with the theme “Prevent Torture, Resist Torture and Help Victims of Torture”. We have developed two e-bro- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 67 India Vasavya Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (VRCT) Primary objective(s) • Identifying victims of torture in accordance with the UN definition of torture • Identifying perpetrators • Providing rehabilitation, counselling, vocational training, income-generating support, medical aid, psychiatric care, physiotherapy and referrals to government and non-government agencies • Promoting legal awareness. Documentation These are examples of documents maintained in victim files, which are coded: basic data collection, including name, address, age, gender, occupation, income status and educational qualification; case history in detail; counselling; type of torture, etc. state level, and NGOs working in the field of torture rehabilitation through the India Network at the national level. Contact Door No: 40-9/-6 Vasavya Nagar Vijayawada - 52000 Andhra Pradesh India Phone: +9 866 472 94 Mobile: +9 984 98 7 Fax: +9 866 47 056; +9 866 247 0 56
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[email protected] www.vasavya.com Established 2000 Director(s) Goparaju Rashmi, Honorary Project Director Contact person(s) Goparaju Rashimi, Honorary Project Director; Dr P. Deeksha, Medical Director Staff honorary director project manager 2 social workers 2 counsellors administrative officer documentation officer 0 outreach workers physiotherapist 2 nurses psychiatrist 0 instructors in vocational training driver Working language(s) English, Telugu Number of clients treated per year 20 primary torture victims 240 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Funding Funding is received from the UNVFVT, philanthropists, voluntary action groups such as the Rotary Club, Innerwheel and Lions Club, and doctors. Prevention Prevention activities include sensitising the police by meeting and discussing torture directly with them, and prison visits to counsel prison inmates and sensitise prison staff regarding torture. Future plans Providing more vocational training and income-generating support; increasing awareness of human rights; reducing the alcohol dependency and drug addiction of victims; improving victims’ personalities through an integrated approach; providing counselling, workshops and seminars on torture for perpetrators; and developing better networking with low-cadre police personnel, with the help of their superior officers. Training Training activities include a peer education system, which is very successful in focus groups and which educates peer groups in self-reporting, treatment, physiotherapy and moral support. Information and advocacy Media activities include positive coverage in the media of all of the VRCT’s activities and a documentary and telecast on local television channels about the activities of the VRCT. The VRCT also campaigns for human rights and against torture at different levels in the community. Research VRCT conducts surveys and assessments through participatory workshops with victims of torture. The following assessments are conducted: victims’ problems; their role in alleviating these problems; their expectations of governmental and non-governmental organisations; children’s view of the problems; and children’s own assessment of their situation. Networking Networking activities include liaising with local NGOs and other governmental offices and service providers at the local level, with government offices and legislators and service providers at the Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: vocational training; skills development 68 Indonesia Alliance of Democracy for Papua (ALDP) Staff of the ALDP Primary objective(s) • To struggle for democracy for the Papuan people • To contribute to justice and dignity for the Papuan people • To improve the collaboration between the government and the citizens • To work for justice in processes for survivors of torture and their families. building in Papua and completed a social analysis in conflict areas in Demta and Waris. Documentation In addition to documenting torture cases in Papua, ALDP produced a documentary film on the women’s movement in regions in Papua (Mimika, Biak and Jayapura). ing and CSPS-UGM and the Human Rights NGOs Coalition in Papua and networks with many national and international human rights organisations. Contact Jl. Raya Sentani Padang Bulan Abepura Jayapura 995 Indonesia Phone: +62 967 587890 Fax: +62 967 587890
[email protected] Established 2000 Director(s) Latifah Anum Siregar, SH Staff 4 counsellors 2 lawyers accountant administration 0 local counsellors Working language(s) Indonesian Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Funding Funding comes from ICMC Indonesia, PIKUL and Cordaid. Future plans Prevention ALDP does awareness raising of human rights issues for the local government, police and military, lawyers, and NGO activists in Papua. Community assistance for local people in conflict area; publications and campaign on human rights issues; litigation for structural violence cases in the communities; counselling services in conflict areas especially for survivors of torture and their families; provide medical services to torture victims when required; advocate for an anti-torture bill; organisational capacity building. Treatment Methods include legal assistance, individual and group counselling and referrals for medical treatment. Training ALDP has conducted human rights training for student activists in Jayapura and for local communities in 5 regions in Papua (Jayapura, Biak, Manokwari, Merauke and Wamena). It also has done social analysis training for the lay people in the community (District Demta and Waris) and conducted awareness raising workshops on torture issues in Papua. Information and advocacy Activities include: a report of separatists’ conflict in Papua, updating the recent social and political situation in Papua, commemoration of International Peace Day, commemoration of 26 June, and conducting press conferences about the human rights situation in Papua. Networking ALDP collaborates with the National Human Rights Commission (KOMNAS HAM) in investigating human rights violations cases in Wamena and Manokwari. It is a member of South East Asia Conflict Network- Research ALDP has researched human rights violations in 5 districts in Papua, separatists’ conflict and peace Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: community organising, human rights promotion and campaign, public awareness raising 69 Indonesia International Catholic Migration Commission/Survivors of Torture (ICMC/SOT) Activities of the ICMC, Indonesia Primary objective(s) • To raise public awareness on the issues of torture • To work with NGOs and to promote awareness raising and advocacy on torture issues • To provide technical assistance to increase the professional skills of relevant NGO staff members • To monitor the effectiveness of the psychosocial counselling services of partner organisations • To provide organisational capacity training to ensure the sustainability of the NGO networks. Research The programme has undertaken research in 5 detention centers in Jakarta and designed culturally applied tools to measure emotional or psychological difficulties, functioning and coping methods in Aceh, Jakarta and Papua. ICMC/SOT also has developed questionnaires to measure level of understanding on torture issues before and after torture awareness activities. workshops for lawyers, assisting with the Alternative Country Report for CAT and hosting focus group discussions with police, detention centre officers, the National Human Rights Institution, the House of Representatives and the Department of Justice and Human Rights. Contact Jl. Terusan Hang LekirI No.5 Kebayoran Baru Jakarta Selatan - 2220 Indonesia Phone: +62 2 720 90 Fax: +62 2 726 98
[email protected] www.icmc.net Established 2002 Director(s) Kevin Byrne, Regional Director for South East Asia Contact person(s) Bhava Poudyal, Pogram Manager Staff clinical psychologists psychologist social worker administrative support Working language(s) Bahasa Indonesia, English Number of clients treated per year 2,0 primary, secondary and other clients Networking ICMC/SOT is a member of the Anti Torture Coalition in Jakarta and networks with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The Victoria Foundation for Survivors of Torture in Australia, The Medical Center for Victims of Torture in London, The Minneapolis Center for Victims of Torture and the Nepal Center for Victims of Torture. Documentation ICMC/SOT documents client improvement analysis using SPSS, counselling sessions, torture cases in Jakarta and torture awareness in communities in Medan (North Sumatra). Treatment Treatment is delivered through individual and group counselling, mobile clinics and livelihood programmes. Prevention Prevention takes place through torture awareness in the community (e.g. radio talkshows, supporting NGO networks), especially promoting public awareness on the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Funding ICMC/SOT receives funding from USAID and UNVFVT. Training ICMC/SOT provides training in psychosocial counselling for torture survivors, somatic psychotherapy, dance/movement therapy, client improvement measurement and data analysis, research methodology on documentation and care for caregivers. Future plans Capacity building of grassroots NGOs to provide comprehensive care to survivors of torture and their families. Information and advocacy ICMC/SOT has produced campaign materials (posters, T-shirts, etc.) and supported NGOs with commemorating 26 June. Other activities include torture awareness Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Organisational capacity building; technical assistance and supervision on providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of torture; networking; providing operational grants to local NGOs; program and financial monitoring of local NGOs receiving the grants; research. 70 Indonesia Rehabilitation Action for Torture Victims in Aceh (RATA) The commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 26 June 2008 Community organisation training for the post conflict community Primary objective(s) • Providing medical services and psychosocial support to primary and secondary victims of torture • Empowering community-based networks, health professionals, government and NGOs • Training general practitioners and health professionals in identifying and treating torture and trauma • Raising torture/violence awareness among the Indonesian public • Providing livelihood services for primary and secondary victims of torture in post conflict population. RATA has provided training on UNCAT, counselling skills, detection of mental health difficulties for village carers, community mobilization and organisation, educational childhood development, financial management and health policy analysis. Information and advocacy RATA has appeared on a radio talk show on torture and conducted public discussions on torture prevention issues. Contact Lorong Damai Dusun Barat Desa Gelangang Teugoh Bireuen Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Indonesia 242 Phone : +62 644 24 92 Mobile phone : +62 82 690 59
[email protected] Established 999 Director(s) Junaidi Contact person(s) Junaidi (Director) Sumaidar (Program Coordinator) Staff 2 doctors nurses 27 counsellors administrator 4 social workers 2 finance staff accountant 2 volunteers Working language(s) Acehnese, Bahasa Indonesia, English Number of clients treated per year 085 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking RATA collaborates with local NGOs in Aceh through client referrals, as well as through joint activities. RATA also collaborates with government agencies and other INGOs, such as ICMC regarding torture, and ICCO in the Netherlands regarding traumatized victims of the tsunami. Research In collaboration with ICMC South East Asia and Johns Hopkins University, RATA had conducted research on the effectiveness of its Counselling Program for Adults in the Post Conflict Population. Legal RATA was involved in the NGO coalition forming the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Aceh. Funding Funding comes from ICMC, OAK centre grants, Coffey International Development (AUSAID). Treatment Since October 999 RATA has provided rehabilitation services for victims of torture, including those with mental disorders. During 2007, RATA provided ,085 clients with psychosocial and medical treatment and income generation. We found that using this method, victims could recover their mental condition to a level where they could lead good social lives within their communities. Documentation RATA documents all the data for the victims or families that have received services. Future plans RATA will expand its psychosocial and medical rehabilitation services area to other post conflict populations in Aceh. RATA also plans to add more focus on capacity building of post conflict communities. RATA with other NGOs will encourage the government to revise the law based on the Convention Against Torture. Prevention RATA regularly conducts awareness raising activities for governance officers, community leaders, the law apparatus, law practitioners, and healthcare providers. Training Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Healthy nutrition for children and families, income generation 7 Iran Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV) 11th Session of AMAN Network in Iran 26 June in Iran Primary objective(s) • Prevention of domestic violence and torture • Providing psychological treatment to domestic violence and torture victims • Strengthening the scientific knowledge of rehabilitation experts. labour rights, juvenile criminal justice and freedom of expression. Information and advocacy The ODVV has published a number of books and bulletins in Farsi and English. Some of these include a monthly bulletin, a “defender’s” newsletter and a human rights fact sheet. The ODVV commemorates the UN International Refugee Day, the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Racial Discrimination. Legal Six lawyers in the centre provide needed consultation for those who refer to the centre. Meanwhile, in 2006 a telephone hotline system was set up in cooperation with UNDP. In the near future the centre will provide online legal advice. Contact st & 2nd Floor, No. Mirsarabi Alley North Palestine Keshavarz Blvd. Valiasr Sq. Tehran Iran P.O. Box 6765-9 Tehran Iran Phone/Fax: +98 2 88 96 0 9; +98 2 88 95 49 8; +98 2 88 96 49 4; +98 2 88 95 49 28 Established 999 Director(s) Alireza Taheri, Head of Board of ODVV Directors; Dr. Leila Behnam, Director Contact person(s) Mr. Yadollah Mohammadi; Ms. Fahimeh Okhovat (International Relations Department) Staff director 2 secretaries 2 psychologists 2 psychiatrists social worker 6 lawyers Working language(s) Farsi Number of clients treated per year 249 primary, secondary and other clients Treatment The centre provides services to those that need them (particularly victims of domestic violence), including psychotherapy, physiotherapy, family therapy, psychiatric therapy, group therapy and psychoanalysis (in some cases where we lack equipment we refer them to a public hospital in which we have an agreement). Confidential case files are set up for all those that are referred to the centre. Documentation About 55 subjects on different issues have been published by the centre as booklets, as well as the reports of all workshops and training courses have been prepared in CDs. Also ODVV has translated and published the book “Psychotherapy with Torture Survivors”. Networking The ODVV collaborates systematically with other NGOs under an NGO umbrella (PNGO). Programmes have also been developed for various international NGOs and universities. The ODVV also intends to enter into a dialogue with the Government of Iran. Prevention The Rehabilitation Department conducts activities on prevention of domestic violence and provides education workshops for groups vulnerable to violence and social damages. Since 999, the ODVV has held a series of public meetings, workshops and seminars attended by persons from primary care centres, community leaders and the general public. Funding Funding sources include membership fees, international aid and project funding. Training ODVV organises short- and longterm training courses for experts as well as university students. Future plans Set up an online consultancy system. Research For the purpose of the development of research and study the ODVV has published reference books on the torture ban, women’s rights, Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Referrals to public hospital for serious cases or for physiotherapy 72 Iraq Bahjat Al Fuad Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (BFRCT) Primary objective(s) • Increase awareness amonst the public • Enforce nonviolence and democratic ways of conflict solving • Lobby to issue non-torturing laws. in close collaboration with us as well as with trauma survivors. Research An article about the centre has been published in Torture Journal by the former medical consultant at IRCT doctor Suad Al Saffar, now we are preparing for research about our work depending on the database we have in the centre and in collaboration with Basra University. BFRCT sometimes makes prision visits and is able to monnitor conditions and speak with prisoners and staff. Contact Carpenters Street Brayhaa city Basra Iraq Phone: +964780422452
[email protected];
[email protected] www.bahjatalfuad.org Established 2005 Director(s) Dr. Hassan Khalaty Nasif, Executive Director Contact person(s) Dr. Hassan Khalaty Nasif, Executive Director Staff 4 medical doctor 2 psychiatrists physiotherapists psychologists 2 psychotherapists counsellors lawyer social workers secretary accountant administration IT 2 service worker driver 5 guards 20 volunteers Working language(s) Arabic and English Number of clients treated per year 67 primary torture victims 27 secondary torture victims 45 other clients Information and advocacy The centre is usually visited by media, interviews made with the staff about their work with clients and then published. Treatment The treatment methods include primary interview with a GP and psychosocial workers and psychiatrist consultation and psychotherapy programme addopted by psychiatrist/psychologist. We also offer rhematologist consultation, psychotheraphy, gynecological consultation, plastic surgery for ear amputees, prescribe medication and referal for other medical specialities if required. Networking BFRCT works in close collaboration with IRCT and MENA network. It also works closely with the Iraqy Ministry of Health and Human Rights as well as the Basra Teaching University to begun introducing topics such as human rights and clinical psychology to the students cyllabuses. Documentation BFRCT has a system of medicolegal documentation; this means that BFRCT documents all cases of victims that we receive in a proper medical manner, that will be legally accepted in courts if the victim choses to seek legal redress. BFRCT documentation system also surves the purposes pf monitoring the statistics of cases that we receive for informational and research purposes. Training BFRCT provides trainings for health professionals in a wide spectrum of fields to raise awareness against torture, to help identify victims of both primary and secondary trauma, to develop new methods of treatments for victims, to reenforce medical ethics and to introduce the concept of care for caregivers for those working inside our centre and those working Funding DMFA, UNOPS, Olof Palme Centre. Prevention BFRXCT has an integral role in training police in human rights issues as well as CAT. It also trains all prison staff about prisoners rights while in prison or detention. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 7 Ireland SPIRASI Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture (CCST) Staff and volunteers collecting petition signatures on UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 2008 South African Ambassador to Ireland, Priscilla Jana, lights a candle for survivors of torture Primary objective(s) • To rehabilitate survivors of torture living in Ireland and to promote their recovery so that they can eventually integrate as active members of Irish society • To complement the care provided by other statutory and nonstatutory services rather than to duplicate existing services • To meet the needs of each client through assessment and appropriate treatment decisions. helping clients to cope with the stress of living in direct provision. dents about refuge seekers in Ireland and the trauma and persecution they flee from. Legal CCST physicians produce medicolegal reports in accordance with the Istanbul Protocol guidelines, which are used in clients’ asylum applications. A pilot legal clinic service was completed in 2007; it is being considered whether such a service is best delivered by SPIRASI or outsourced to a partner organisation. Contact 2 North Circular Road Phibsboro Dublin 7 Ireland Phone: +5 88 9664
[email protected] www.spirasi.ie/torture Established 200 Director(s) Michael Begley Contact person(s) Maura Connolly, CCST Manager Staff 7 staff (5 full-time, 2 part-time) who co-ordinate service delivery and handle admini/ strative work 9 session staff (half are physi cians; half provide a range of therapies) many outreach volunteers Working language(s) English (interpreters are used for all other languages) Number of clients treated per year 900 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The CCST liaises with the Irish health services provider; the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for Ireland; the Irish Reception and Integration Agency; the Refugee Legal Service; UNHCR in Ireland; and other charities/ NGOs. The CCST at SPIRASI is a member of the European Network of Rehabilitation Centres for Survivors of Torture. Treatment The CCST at SPIRASI provides free multi-disciplinary and holistic health care to survivors of torture: medical assessments, medico-legal reports, cross-cultural counselling/psychotherapy, psychosocial and integration support, art psychotherapy, complementary therapies (reflexology, Chinese massage, mindfulness, etc.), group psychotherapy, support groups and outreach support. Documentation Records are kept of the services provided to clients in a database and statistical analysis is carried out at the end of each year. Funding In the past, the CCST received funding from the EC. Currently the primary source of funds is the Health Services Executive. Other sources include the UNVFVT, the Family Support Agency (for bereavement counselling) and the World Mercy Fund. Prevention Providing medico-legal reports helps prevent clients from being returned to their country of origin where there is a likelihood of them being tortured again. Future plans Information and advocacy Each year, 26 June is marked with a special event. Information about the centre is regularly published online, as is a quarterly newsletter. When funding allows, a public awareness officer educates stuThe CCST is based in Dublin. It plans to open clinics in other urban centres in Ireland so that torture care services can be more effectively provided to clients and in conjunction with other local services. Training The CCST provides training to other health professionals on issues such as understanding cultural differences; dealing with trauma, grief, loss and bereavement; and Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: computer training 74 Italy NAGA - HAR Centre for Refugees and Torture Victims Staff of NAGA-HAR. Dr Siena, director, is at the top left corner of the table Primary objective(s) • Welcome asylum seekers and direct them to existing public resources and other organisations in Italy • Provide medical assistance (primary care and psychiatric help) to torture victims and refugees • Give legal and administrative support to asylum seekers in obtaining political asylum • Promote the social rehabilitation for torture survivors • Raise public awareness on issues related to refugee rights and torture practices. throughout Italy to educate psychosocial operators dealing with asylum seekers and torture victims. Legal The NAGA-HAR Centre offers free legal counselling to all torture victims who require it. The service is ensured by two lawyers and is available five days a week; it is extremely important to provide an almost daily legal service since in certain cases the deadline for appeals can be as short as 5 days. The service can be provided also on Saturday in order to make it available to working people. di asilo in Italia”, ICS (Consorzio Italiano Solidarietà). The Director regularly participates in national and international conferences. Every year NAGA-HAR celebrates the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June. Contact Via Grigna 24 2055 Milano Italy Phone: +9 02 92 5466 Fax: +9 02 92 5466
[email protected]; italo.
[email protected]; alessandro.finzi@ fastwebnet.it www.naga.it Established 200 Director(s) Italo Siena Contact person(s) Italo Siena, Alessandro Finzi Contini Staff general doctor psychiatrist 2 psychologists 2 lawyers centre manager activities coordinator secretary 5 welcome staff art therapist music therapist PC teacher 5 Italian language and culture teachers Working language(s) Italian, English, French Number of clients treated per year 82 primary torture victims 0 secondary victims 0 other clients Networking NAGA-HAR is a member of the Italian Network for Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (sponsored by the EU) and CCVT-EL (Coalition des Centres pour Victimes de Torture – Europe Latine). NAGA-HAR has joined the Network of European Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres for Victims of Torture and Human Rights Violations. Treatment Between 200 and 2007, NAGA-HAR welcomed more than 2,000 asylum seekers and torture victims. About 90% of them were men. Recent countries of origin include Eritrea, Nigeria, Turkish Kurdistan, Bangladesh and Togo. HAR Centre staff provide medical and psychological help and legal and administrative support. Several activities are conducted to increase the socialising capabilities of torture victims and their recovery of self-esteem and confidence in people. Documentation Files are maintained on the social and political conditions in asylum seekers’ countries of origin. Documentation is also kept regarding Italian legislation on refugees and immigrants. Funding The centre’s main sources of funding are private foundations and the UNVFVT. Future plans Information and advocacy Several publications were written by staff on various issues related to asylum seekers and torture victims, including “Silenziose storie. Percorsi con i richiedenti asilo e vittime di tortura” by F. Moiraghi and “Rifugiati in Italia: la protezione negata, Primo rapporto sul diritto Lately there has been a dramatic increase in the number of clients. NAGA-HAR’s aim now is to cope with the large number of torture victims, while still providing them the best quality therapy and rehabilitation support. Training Numerous courses have been held Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 75 Italy VI.TO – Hospitality and Care for Victims of Torture, Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) Members of theatre group on 26 June 2008 Vi.To. staff and beneficiaries on 26 June 2008 Primary objective(s) • The early identification of torture survivors • Providing adequate care, avoiding re-traumatization • Providing medical, psychological, legal and social assistance • Awarenessraising, mainstreaming and training. of the project. Training courses are offered at many levels and to different audiences, including medical, psychological, legal and social staff of other organisations working with refugees, National Health Service staff at various levels and members of Eligibility Commissions. Information and advocacy CIR is responsible for a website created for Eligibility Commissions about the political situation and the impact of torture in the countries of origin. A collection of relevant documentation is made available for consultation on the CIR premises in Rome. Contact Via del Velabro 5/a 0086 Rome Italy Phone: +9 06 69 200 4 Mobile: +9 2 89 45 (Fiorella Rathaus) Fax: +9 06 69 200 6
[email protected] www.cir-onlus.org Established 996 Director(s) Christopher Hein, Director; Fiorella Rathaus, Project Manager Contact persons Fiorella Rathaus, Project Manager; Elisabetta Tuccinardi, Focal Point Staff general coordinator project manager focal point 2 psychologists legal operator 2 social operators vocational operator 5 trainers informatics research operator accountant 6 cultural mediators San Giovanni Hospital medical staff Working language(s) Italian, English, French Number of clients treated per year 98 primary torture victims 26 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Treatment Since 2002 Vi.To. developed a close cooperation with the “Ambulatorio for the Study and Treatment of Post Traumatic Syndrome” of San Giovanni Hospital. Support therapies, analytic therapies and pharmacological therapies are provided both at the hospital and by external consultants. A crucial aspect of the project is the promotion of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Workshops (PSRWs). Special emphasis is given to the theatre workshop experience. All gynaecological examinations are carried out by “Artemide” Centre, a private Association which adopts a gender approach with particular attention to women’s diseases and where only women medical staff are involved. Research Research focuses on torture sequelae and treatment verifying at the clinical level, and evidence from numerous studies in neurobiological and experimental fields. The research investigates psychopathological disturbances and psychosomatic pathologies connected with torture, including their development and response to therapeutic interventions. Networking At a national level, Vi.To. cooperates with public services in charge of health care in the area, i.e. the ASL (local Health Units). It also maintains contacts and information exchanges with organisations working with torture survivors and with UNHCR. Funding VI.To. had benefited from EU contribution from 996 to July 2008. The project is presently supported by UNVFVT and some private foundations. Legal Legal protection and orientation is provided throughout the procedure, and in case of appeals against status denials. Prevention Our main commitment is rehabilitation, yet we support public awareness campaigns on torture issues, and we always organise campaign events on 26 June. Training Training is one of the core activities Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Training courses, psychosocial rehabilitation workshop, work orientation 76 Kenya Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) IMLU staff members IMLU staff members in a workshop Primary objective(s) • Documentation and rehabilitation of torture victims in Kenya • Psychological treatment of torture survivors • Seeking redress of torture cases in Kenya • Advocacy against torture in Kenya • Research of torture prevalence in Kenya. Training IMLU conducts capacity building on torture and human rights targeting health care practitioners, lawyers, counselors, journalists, civil society, paralegals and students. In 2007 the Law Society of Kenya accredited IMLU as an authorised provider of Continuing Legal Education. police and prison officers, and visits to prisons and police cells when persons have been held longer than the required statutory period. Information and advocacy IMLU advocates for a torture free society, providing commentary to local and international media. IMLU has produced materials to empower the public to know their rights and advocate for these in the community. Contact Independent Medico-Legal Unit David Osieli Rd, Off Old Waiyaki Way, Westlands P.O. Box 27 - 0606 Sarit Centre Nairobi Kenya Tel: +254 44 50 598 Fax: +254 020 44 45 755 Email:
[email protected] www.imlu.org Established 995 Director(s) Moses Njenga Chege, Kakai Kissinger, Dr Ling Kituyi, Pheroze Nowrojee, Dr Muhamud Said, Pravin Bowry, Father Gabriel Dolan Contact person(s) Mr. Samwel Mohochi, Executive Director Staff 2 lawyers doctor research 2 accountants pyschologist 2 social workers journalist secretary Working language(s) English and Kiswahili Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 200 secondary torture victims 00 other clients Research Treatment Torture survivors undergo intake procedures as per IMLU’s case management protocol. This is followed by a physical and psychological examination by the doctor and psychiatrist/counselling psychologist. After the documentation comprehensive medical treatment is provided. Where indicated the client is referred to specialized in/ outpatient care. Further sessions evaluate progress and the need for psychological therapy (minimum 6 sessions). A report of medical and psychological findings is compiled at the end of each client’s rehabilitation. For the deceased, post-mortems are conducted via the IMLU pathologists network to provide forensic evidence to support legal redress initiatives. IMLU materials have been utilised by postgraduate students and forensic pathologists to produce relevant papers. Networking IMLU is a member of Kenyans for Peace Truth and Justice network, formed after the post-election violence; the IRCT; and the World Organization Against Torture. IMLU also features in other local and international networks that champion human rights. Legal IMLU provides legal advice to all clients based on forensic medical evidence available, co-ordinating representation of clients in court by lawyers in the IMLU legal network and referrals to relevant organisations for further assistance such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Funding Donors include the European Commission, Norwegian Embassy, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Open Society Initiative, KIOS, UNVFVT and Amnesty International–Germany. Documentation IMLU continues to document all cases of torture using the Istanbul Protocol. Future plans To start up an endowment fund. Prevention IMLU has conducted trainings for Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 77 Kenya Mwatikho Torture Survivors Organization (MATESO) MATESO directors Torture survivors screening and treatment Primary objective(s) • Improve the health status of torture survivors and their families through the provision of integral treatment and, where necessary, referrals • Raise awareness of mental health issues and contribute to the prevention of torture in Kenya • Seek reparations for torture survivors by strengthening litigation activities for survivors to get justice • Generate information about torture through research, monitoring, documentation and inspection visits to detention camps and prisons. ing sessions and public meetings. MATESO has trained staff, health professionals and social workers on the Istanbul Protocol, relationship skills, counselling and traumatized client handling. papers and on radio stations and written reports violence against women and children. Networking Locally we have been/are working in collaboration with: Catholic Peace and Justice Commission, Peace-Net Kenya, Release Political Prisoners, People Against Torture, Independent Medico Legal Unit, Kenya Medical Association and Health Partners. Health professionals were sent to us from Moi Teaching and Referrals Hospital-Eldoret and from United States International University and Health Partners-Kenya. Contact Kitinda Factory Road opposite Ministry of Works offices 50 metres from Bungoma Post offices P.O. Box 2269-50200 Bungoma Kenya Phone: +254 7 862 688 Fax: +254 55 0248
[email protected] Established 997 Director(s) Dr. Peter Wilbur Marumbu, Director; Kraido Majune, Lawyer; Taiga Wanyanja, Coordinator; Samuel Ngeti, Chairman; Francis Namayengo, Treasurer; George Walukhu and Mrs. Alice Wanjusi. Contact person(s) Taiga Wanyanja; Dr. Peter Wilbur Marumbu Staff centre director (treatment and counselling) psychologist (part-time) psychiatrist (part-time) head nurse clinical officer - paediatrics counsellor coordinator/centre administrator accountant social worker/advocacy officer (gender) monitor monitor - gender aspect Working language(s) English, Kiswahili, local languages: Bukusu, Saboat, Kikiyu, Teso Number of clients treated per year 650 primary torture victims 550 secondary torture victims 200 other clients Research Research has been carried out on reparations for victims of torture in Kenya, bringing the international prohibition of torture home, postelection violence, and the atrocities committed in Mt. Elgon. Documentation MATESO carries out routine statistical registration of reported cases of torture and our treatment activities. Data are synthesised, analysed and stored in reports, memos and questionnaires. We maintain a small library of books, files, articles and newspaper clippings. Funding Funding sources include membership, local/individual donors, IRCT and other donors, i.e. OSIEA, HRW, Frontline-Amnesty Uganda Chapter. Treatment MATESO’s treatment programme includes: psychotherapy, physiotherapy and somatic treatment. Treatment of psychological conditions directly relates to traumatization. The multi-disciplinary treatment of torture survivors must run parallel with other services, including nursing and social counselling. Prevention Since 997, MATESO has been involved in a series of lobbying activities and has engaged in campaigns and advocacy against torture using public processions, meetings, theatre, workshops and seminars. Future plans MATESO intends to offer activities in other parts of Kenya, establish mobile clinical centres, start a publication entitled Survivors after Trauma in Africa and begin a litigation fund and other socio-economic programmes that will benefit the torture survivors. Training Since 200, with the support of UNVFVT, we conducted over 50 workshops, two conferences, debriefServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy MATESO has been featured in news- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 78 Kosovo Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) KRCT Staff Activity with children Primary objective(s) • Improving the overall social and psychological functioning of torture and trauma victims and their families in the most affected areas of Kosovo • Building capacities of health system, psychology students and NGOs to manage trauma and torture • Advocating for the prevention of torture and promotion of human rights, including lobbying for legislation to protect the rights of victims • Torture prevention training for the general public, political decision-makers and Kosovo Police Service and through detention monitoring. tation with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the capacities of the primary health sector, social workers, NGOs, police services, etc. KRCT also trains its staff on management and psychosocial intervention. Information and advocacy Through conferences, seminars, media campaigns, commemoration of 26 June, advocacy for CAT and OPCAT ratification, KRCT aims to raise the public’s awareness on torture rehabilitation and prevention. Contact Bregu i Diellit 2 Bedri Shala 5/A 0000 Prishtina Republic of Kosovo Phone: +8 8 24 707; +8 8 24 708 Fax: +8 8 24 707
[email protected]; info@ krct.org www.krct.org Established 999 Director(s) Feride Rushiti, MD, Executive Director Contact persons Feride Rushiti, Executive Director; Sebahate Pacolli, Head of Rehabilitation Sector Staff executive director 4 heads of sector psychiatrists 2 medical doctor psychologist social worker 2 legal advisors accountant 2 administrative assistants 2 drivers Working language(s) Albanian, English, Serbian Number of clients treated per year 480 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 49 other clients Research The research sector systematically acquires and develops tools and methods that reflect international standards. Networking KRCT maintains links with CVT, the Balkan Network, the South East European Refugee Assistance Network and the OSCE. Legal The Legal Adviser supports KRCT’s clients with legal advice on social aid, pensions and employment. Funding KRCT receives funds from ECHO, RCT/DANIDA, the EC/Europe Aid Co-operation Office, CORDAIDNetherlands; UNVFVT, Danish Refugee Council; CVT/USAID; Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare/Kosovo; SEE-RAN, the Swedish Helsinki Committee, Antares Foundation, Post Telecom Kosovo and local businessmen. Documentation Research and documentation of torture and trauma experiences from KRCT’s clients, the media and other sources are an important aspect of rehabilitation and are used to improve the quality of services and to remind society about torture’s consequences. Treatment KRCT offers multidisciplinary services to traumatized and tortured clients through rehabilitation in three spheres: psychological-psychiatric, physical and socio-legal. Treatment is offered in centres that are integrated within family medicine centres in the cities where KRCT is active (Prishtina, Podujevo, Gllogovc, Skenderaj, Suhareka, Decani, Klina and Shtimje). Future plans KRCT aims to inform and educate the state, NGOs and civil society on torture consequences and best practices related to the care and rehabilitation of torture victims and victims of war, defence and promotion of victims’ rights, and prevention of torture. Prevention Prevention of torture and promotion of human rights, including lobbying for legislation to protect victims’ rights, is a continuous effort. KRCT launched an activity monitoring the implementation of international standards and national law in Kosovo’s detention centres and prisons. Training Through training KRCT shares best practices and raises awareness on torture consequences and rehabiliServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 79 Lebanon Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (KRC) Primary objective(s) • Document cases of the survivors of the prisons and their conditions • Establish centres for treatment and social rehabilitation and vocational training • Organise conferences about torture, rehabilitation and defending human rights • Edit documents and books about the psychological and social effects of torture • Organise reintegration activities for victims of torture and follow up on families of the disappeared. niques, monitoring and documentation and economic empowerment of survivors. Research We participate in surveys, assessments and questionnaires such as Baseline Survey about PsychoSocial/ Mental Health Care by the Arab Resource Collective and Evaluating Corporate Strategy by The Non-Profit Sector in Lebanon. lets. KRC advocates in international forums such as at the UN High Commission for Human Rights and International Symposium against Torture. Contact Cornishe Al-Mazraa Behind Gallery Chour Zreik Center Bldg. - rd & 5th floor P.O. Box: 4-584 Beirut Lebanon Phone: +96 02 6 Mobile: +96 79 62 Fax: +96 70 692
[email protected]; khiam_
[email protected] www.khiamcenter.org Established 999 Director(s) Mohammed Safa Contact person(s) Mohammed Safa, Secretary General/Center Director; Ghina Nahfawi, Project Assistant – Internet & Media Unit Coordinator Staff medical doctors psychiatrist psychologist 5 social workers accountant 2 secretaries administration media/public relations project manager project assistant 50 volunteers (unpaid) We have a network of different specialists: translators, lawyers, doctors, lab workers, counsellors, etc. Working language(s) Arabic, English Number of clients treated per year 5 primary torture victims 87 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking KRC holds the Secretariat post for the AMAN Network. KRC is also a member of SOS TORTURE and the Lebanese Coalition for the International Criminal Court. Documentation The KRC has a library of documents about rehabilitation, torture, law, human rights conventions, as well as on all KRC clients, reported cases, testimonies, conferences and reports on arbitrary disappearances and discrimination, etc. Funding Funding comes from the UNVFVT, OAK Foundation, Canadian Embassy in Beirut, Council for Development & Reconstruction and local fundraising. In addition, KRC is implementing the Medical, Social & Psychological Assistance for Victims of Torture Project funded by the EIDHR. Treatment Treatment occurs in both victims’ home and in centres. Medical treatment includes: clinical examination and consultation, lab tests and simple surgical operations or hospital admittance if needed, with follow-up. Psychological treatment includes a range of meetings, discussion groups, and encouraging participating in activities such as sports, entertainment, tea parties, training courses, art, etc. Prevention KRC marks June 26 the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture and December 0, the International Day for Human Rights. KRC has organised workshops on the UN Convention against Torture, its Optional Protocol and held a school contest “Draw Your Rights”. Future plans Plans include organising an international conference against torture; establishing an Arab Network Against Torture, Arab Organisation for Defending Detainees, Arab Convention Against Torture and Lebanese Center for Human Rights; and pressuring Arab Governments to sign CAT, OPCAT and the International Criminal Court Protocol. Training KRC organises training sessions on empowering activists working against torture, listening techServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy KRC publishes books, reports and press releases and its activities are featured in a variety of media out- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Rehabilitation for victims of violence and torture as well as their families physically, psychologically, financially and socially. 80 Lebanon Restart Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture Restart team with lawyers and health profession- The director, the psychotherapist and the psyals and internal security forces holding a BA in law, chologist of Restart center during the training of November 2007 the officials held in Kalamoun, Lebanon, April 2008 Primary objective(s) • Providing free rehabilitation services to torture survivors and their family members • Building the professional capacity of service providers in relation to rehabilitation of survivors • Upgrading the social integration of torture survivors • Creating a central source of information and statistics on torture survivors in Lebanon • Establishing networks/collaboration for lobbying purposes and training to prison officials. als and to lawyers and human rights activists. Modules are developed in a comprehensive way while focusing on all necessary aspects leading to effective legal and social interventions. survivors are seeking the services of Restart and more volunteers are expressing their interest in participating in activities conducted by Restart for torture survivors. Contact Boulevard El Saraya Fattal Tower 7th floor P.O. Box 04 Tripoli, Lebanon Phone: +96 6 40 577 Fax: +96 6 40 577
[email protected];
[email protected] 2nd floor, Audi Bank Building (Ghattas) Badaro Street Beirut, Lebanon Phone: +96 85 58 Fax: +96 85 58 Established 996 Director(s) Suzanne Jabbour Contact person(s) Suzanne Jabbour; Sana Hamzeh Staff director/clinical psychologist psychotherapist 2 psychiatrists neurologist psychologist physiotherapist 5 social workers special educator system developer translator 2 administrative staff orthopaedist 2 legal advisors psychomotor therapist speech therapist accountant Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 600 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 75 other clients Networking The main activity achieved is a working group for torture prevention (WGTP) that lobbies for torture issues. Documentation In view of the lack of information on torture victims in Lebanon, Restart initiated a process of documentation about torture issues and victims. A documentation unit was established at the centre whereby a database will be created and made available to all concerned stakeholders. This database will help to establish a structured and operational system of referral and follow-up of torture survivors and concerned family members to quality services. Restart also relies on rehabilitation organisations and service providers to provide the unit with relevant data and information. Funding Funding comes from the EC, Afkar II-Omsar (Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform), UNHCR, UNVFVT, OAK, the IRCT and local donors. Treatment Restart Center provides rehabilitation to torture survivors from all over Lebanon using an interdisciplinary approach. Restart address survivors’ physical, psychological, social and legal needs through psychotherapy, including psychiatric services; physical and medical services; physiotherapy; social counselling and reintegration; legal assistance; and monitoring and follow-up activities. Information and advocacy Each year Restart conducts a number of awareness and lobbying activities including TV interviews, seminars, workshops and development of posters and brochures. As a result of these activities, additional Training Restart provides training to physical and mental health professionServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 8 Liberia Prisoners Assistance Program Torture Victims’ Rehabilitation Center (PAP) Primary objective(s) • To restore the dignity of the human person • To perform as the anti-torture and victims’ rehabilitation program of PAP • To provide direct and/or indirect mental health treatment to victims of torture, their families and communities. survey and assessment to identify the relevance and need for the torture victims’ program. Victims of Torture, spearheaded by the IRCT. Networking Documentation PAP monitors cases of torture at prisons, detention centers and communities. All clients information are documented at the center. The documentation system and processing at PAP’s centers take into consideration confidentiality of clients’ information. PAP is a founding member of several networks and coalitons in Liberia. PAP is a member of the Coaltion of Human Rights Defenders of Liberia, National Coaltion of Civil Society Organizations of Liberia, etc. PAP is in collaboration with IRCT. PAP is working with Liberia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Medical and Nursing Associations in Liberia. Contact P. O. Box 5705 Monrovia Liberia st Floor Apt. Eid Building Benson Street Monrovia Liberia Phone: +2 0 77524956; +2 06524956; +2 058542; +2 06524958
[email protected];
[email protected] www.pap.kabissa.org Established 2004 Director(s) R. Jarwlee Tweh Geegbe, Executive Director, PAP Contact person(s) R. Jarwlee Tweh Geegbe, Executive Director and Daniel D. Valentine, Director of Community Empowerment & Torture Rehabilitation, PAP Staff 24 counsellors 2 social workers secretary documentation officer 2 psychosocial agent media relations officer 20 volunteers Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 20 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 2 other clients Treatment PAP cares for about 50 primary and over 200 secondary clients yearly, who are survivors of the Liberian civil war and aggressive human rights violations, including torture. PAP services are on an out-patient basis and is organized to meet the needs of clients. The treatment services that PAP provide are trauma healing, social therapy, psychosocial and assistance for referrals in securing medical and indepth mental health treatment. Treatment usually go from four to twelve months. PAP clients are mostly males (up to 80%) between the ages of and 6 years. All PAP’s clients are Liberians, who are suffering the effects some common forms of torture. Prevention PAP is involved with regular monitoring visits to places of detention around the country. In the prevention of torture in Liberia, PAP lobbied for the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) and its Optional Protocol (OPCAT) in 2004 by the Government of Liberia. PAP is currently working on demesticating the UNCAT and its OPCAT. Funding Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Fund for Children (GFC), and Fund for Global Human Rights (FGHR). Future plans Information and advocacy PAP joins national and international campaigns in lobbying with Governments to stamp out torture. PAP is a regular and annual campaigner with other organizations around the world on 26 June for the UN International Day in Support of Improve services and care for more clients; orgainze trainings for health care providers, prison and police officers, etc.; cultivate partnership with other treatment centers in Africa and the world; and improve staff capacities. Research In 2004, PAP conducted a program Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 82 Mexico Collective against Torture and Impunity (CCTI) Working groups during the training workshop “Documentation of torture” for health professionals, University of Acapulco, Guerrero, June 2005 Community workshop in Guerrero - “CCTI for Human Dignity” Primary objective(s) • Medical, psychological and legal assistance for survivors of torture and their families • Psychosocial assistance for communities affected by torture and political violence • Documentation, denunciation and follow-up or torture cases • Training for health and human rights professionals and community workers • Research about torture and its impact. fessionals, lawyers, human rights activists (detection and documentation of torture, treatment for torture survivors) and communities affected by torture (torture and its impact, strategies for prevention, confronting the impacts of torture). CCTI has designed and implemented the university diploma course “Documentation and Investigation of Torture”. Information and advocacy Activities include reports on torture cases, publications on issues related to torture, participation in conferences, seminars, campaigns, lobbying (Istanbul Protocol, Facultative Protocol, 26 June), public presence in media. Contact Contact Pitágoras 20-6 Col. Del Valle 000 México DF Mexico Phone: +52 55 56 04 56 42 Fax: +52 55 56 04 56 42
[email protected] www.contralatortura.org Calle Campeche 20 depto. 20 Col. Progreso 9550 Acapulco, Guerrero Mexico Phone: +52 744 485 6088
[email protected] Established 2004 Director(s) Dr. Javier Enríquez Sam Contact person(s) Dr. Javier Enríquez Sam, Technical Coordinator; Dr. Raymundo Díaz Taboada, Coordinator (Guerrero) Staff medical doctors 2 psychiatrists 4 psychologists/psychotherapists legal counsellor accountant secretary Working language(s) Spanish, English Number of clients treated per year 80 primary torture victims 20 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking CCTI is a member of the Latin-American Network (Red Salud DH). It has collaboration agreements with universities in the capital and the state of Guerrero and with medical associations. Research Research projects have been conducted about the practice of torture in Mexico and its impact on survivors and their frame of reference and the impact of psychotherapy on survivors. Treatment CCTI has provided medical and psychological assistance to an average of 00 clients per year. Different psychological treatment methods, depending on the clients’ needs and the specific settings, are used. The staff offers individual and group psychotherapy (psychoanalytic, behavioural, Gestalt) and family based treatment. In prison a group approach (with some individual assistance) is adopted. In communities the approach is psycho-educational, including some cases of individual and family based crisis intervention. Funding CCTI receives funding from UNVFVT, OAK Foundation, EU Commission, Medico International Schweiz, Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED). Documentation CCTI performs medical and psychological documentation of individual cases, monitoring of reported cases of torture, information services and elaborates expert reports (using the Istanbul Protocol) to prove acts of torture. Future plans Strengthen the legal services for our clients and improve our services for women who have suffered sexual torture. Prevention CCTI provides training for health professionals on the documentation of torture. Training materials for different levels of training have been developed. Training Training is offered for health proServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Psychosocial assistance for communities affected by torture; medical/psychological reports (Istanbul Protocol) to prove acts of torture 8 Moldova (Republic of) Medical Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims – “Memoria” (RCTV “Memoria”) RCTV “Memoria” team Primary objective(s) • Provide continuous rehabilitation services to victims of torture • Improve the health status and the life quality of the clients assisted • Strengthen institutional capacity and sustainability of RCTV “Memoria” • Contribute efficiently to torture prevention in the Republic of Moldova • Collaborate with similar centres and persons involved in the rehabilitation of torture survivors. eficiaries; and decision-makers involved in torture-related issues. through press conferences, meetings, talk shows, Open House Day, roundtables and other events. Research RCTV “Memoria” seeks interested research partners from rehabilitation centres abroad. Topics could include: multi-aspect treatment of PTSD, epidemiology of torture, PTSD and cardiac pathology, consequences of torture on 2nd generations and burn-out syndrome. Contact 26/2 Frumoasa str. Chisinau, MD-2009 Republic of Moldova Phone: +7 22 28 7 49 Mobile: +7 79 50 48 09 Fax: +7 22 28 7 49
[email protected];
[email protected] www.memoria.md Established 999 Director(s) Ludmila Popovici, Executive Director Contact person(s) Ludmila Popovici, Executive Director Staff medical director 2 general practitioners cardiologist psychotherapist psychologist legal councillor 2 social workers project assistant administrator accountant documentalist housekeeper Working language(s) Romanian, Russian, English, French Number of clients treated 490 primary torture victims 57 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Information and advocacy Journalists are informed about victims’ problems and issues related to torture in Moldova. Our beneficiaries are encouraged to publish their memoirs: e.g. the 2005 book “Shattered destinies”. In 2007, with other NGOs, our team members contributed to the creation and implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism (according to OPCAT). Legal Legal assistance is focused on beneficiaries, the organisation, other institutions and lawyers. The centre was involved in a case at the European Court for Human Rights in 2007 resulting in condemnation of the government’s failure to prevent torture and awards to the victim. Treatment RCTV “Memoria” provides rehabilitation to tortured former political prisoners and their families; tortured refugees/asylum seekers and their families; and recent native victims and their families. Assistance includes medical consultation and treatment of physical and psychological pathologies related to torture using different types of therapy, counseling and psychotherapy (individual, family, group). Networking RCTV “Memoria” is a member of the Medico-Social Alliance from Moldova, Moldovan Network of the NGOs active in the Social Field and European Network of Centres and Rehabilitation Programs for Torture Victims. Documentation We have a library with books and an archive with photo, audio and video materials. We also have a data bank with medical, psychological and legal documents and a Client Monitoring Program maintained by our documentalist. Funding RCTV “Memoria” received funding from the EU, UNVFVT, OAK Foundation, IRCT, AI London and others. Future plans Training Training focuses on our team; students and medical, legal, social professionals dealing with our benServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Prevention RCTV “Memoria” hosts events in Moldova on 26 June and spreads leaflets, activity reports, etc. Plans focus on team strengthening, acquiring a new office, increasing services to victims, and increasing prevention and outreach. 84 Morocco Forum for Truth and Justice – Reception and Orientation Center for Victims of Torture in Morocco (CAOVT) CAOVT commemorates the 26 June Primary objective(s) • To receive victims, identify their needs and document their cases in an attempt to preserve memories • To guide victims towards a network of doctors, friends of the centre, to diagnose and treat their cases • To diagnose and list the physical and psychological after-effects of torture and other inhumane and degrading treatment • To help victims obtain medical reports and certificates • To devise awareness-raising programmes on human rights in line with international standards, and to contribute to antitorture campaigns • To cooperate and coordinate action with national and international human rights associations • To assist and psychologically support victims of torture. work of CAOVT affiliated doctors. Diagnoses often include: • Rheumatoid arthritis (knees, shoulders, backbone) - primary treatment is provided directly by CAOVT, (relaxing massages, provision of medicine, for example) • Psychiatric diseases: patients are systematically referred to psychiatric hospitals • Urologic troubles (prostate, external genital organs, sterility) and gastro-intestinal problems (ulcers) - patients are generally referred to the centre’s affiliated therapists specialized in after-effects of torture • ORL, dermatological, ophthalmologic, oral and dental diseases - patients are referred to specialists affiliated to the centre or to hospitals. Contact 6 A, Khadija ben Khouailide Street Casablanca Morocco Phone: +22 22 48 70 Mobile: +22 069 97 89 4 Fax: +22 22 48 70
[email protected] Established 200 Director(s) Dr. Omar Jbiha, Staff Supervisor Contact persons(s) Dr. Omar Jbiha, Staff Supervisor Staff 4 doctors permanent assistant Working language(s) French, Arabic Number of clients treated per year 750 primary, secondary and other clients Treatment Victims, together with their spouses and children, benefit from free medical advice, radiological services and laboratories for biological analysis. They may be advised either to go to a hospital or to a net- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 85 Morocco Medical Association for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (AMRVT) Primary objectives • Psychological treatment, social rehabilitation and vocational training • Documenting the cases of exprison detainees and their conditions • Organising conferences and colloquia about torture and rehabilitation • Organising activities for the victims of torture to help them reintegrate in society • Defending human rights and fighting torture • Providing social work support and physiotherapy. in the field of trauma recognition in victims of torture and violence. Training courses include the AMAN Local Training Programme and seminars. collaboration with the syndicate of torture victims. Every 26 June, we celebrate the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Contact 20, rue d’Alger Casablanca Morocco Phone: +22 22 22 6 27 Mobile: +22 6 44 42 Fax: +22 22 22 6 27
[email protected] Established 2005 Director(s) Dr Abdelkrim El Elmanouzi, President; Louzi Mustapha, Administrative Director Contact person(s) Dr Abdelkrim El Elmanouzi Staff psychiatrist 5 medical doctors social worker administrator 2 receptionists/secretaries re-education doctor psychologist nurse physiotherapist Working language(s) Arabic, French Number of clients treated per year 7 primary torture victims 26 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking Research Research activities include testimonies about torture and about the psychological and social conditions of liberated detainees and their families. AMRVT is a member of the AMAN Network of centres for rehabilitation of violence and torture in the MENA region. We also collaborate with local NGOs in Morocco and organise several activities in coordination with them. AMRVT has relationships with international institutions and NGOs such as Medecins Du Monde, Amnesty International and France Libertés. Documentation We maintain documentation on cases of torture in addition to legal, medical, psychological and social documentation and books on the subject of torture. In addition, we have conducted research in collaboration with institutions and NGOs dealing with torture victims. Treatment Following assessment, AMRVT offers medical treatment including psycho-pharmacotherapy, treatment of psychological disorders, orientation for other specialists and follow-up, and psychotherapeutic treatment such as individual psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, family and systemic therapy, supportive psychotherapy, physiotherapy, and debriefing group psychotherapy. Funding Funding is received from the European Union, UNVFVT, OAK Foundation (through the IRCT), Medecins Du Monde, Advisory Council on Human Rights, Instance Equité et Réconciliation of Morocco. Prevention Every year, AMRVT organises several conferences and public meetings. We have a full programme of visits in villages throughout Morocco. Future plans Multidisciplinary rehabilitation including judicial assistance; sharing information about torture for health and social professionals; social and professional integration of victims of torture; training of health and social professionals and volunteers in how to detect, work with and refer victims of torture. Information and advocacy Campaigning and lobbying constitute an important part of the activities of AMRVT. We participate in interviews on national and international television and radio stations and organise conferences in Training AMRVT organises an annual training programme for different target groups, including lawyers, social workers and professionals working Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: social work, re-education physiotherapy 86 Nepal Centre for Victims of Torture Nepal (CVICT) Staff of the CVICT Primary objective(s) • To increase victims’ and families’ access of comprehensive medical, psychosocial and legal services • To raise public awareness about human rights, torture and social violence • To advocate for policy and structural reform for prevention of torture and human rights violations • To develop/strengthen the knowledge, attitude and skills of staff, volunteers and other stakeholders • To conduct research/studies in the field of torture and psychosocial rehabilitation. cial training and services to those in need. It has trained over 200 paraprofessional psychosocial counsellors through 4-6 month intensive trainings. Training is also offered to health professionals in forensic documentation and rehabilitation, and to lawyers in human rights instruments and penal reform. ing of alleged and reported cases of torture. Prevention Prevention activities include police custody and prison visits and training of police officials, prison officials, health professionals, lawmakers and human rights defenders. Contact P.O. Box 589 Bansbari Kathmandu Nepal Phone: +977 47 902/47 900 Fax: +977 47 020
[email protected] www.cvict.org.np Established 990 Director(s) Shailendra Guragain, Ganga Laxmi Awal Contact person(s) Shailendra Guragain, Ganga Laxmi Awal, Jamuna Poudyal Staff physicians 2 nurses 0 counsellors psychologists 2 sociologists/anthropologists lawyers IT officer 2 researchers 4 research assistants 2 psychosocial workers advocacy officer 4 accountants/assistants 6 administration staff psychiatrist 5 volunteers Working language(s) Nepali, English Number of clients treated per year ,095* primary torture victims *CVICT provided medical and psychosocial services to 1,095 torture survivors through clinic based and mobile health clinics between July 2007 and June 2008 Research CVICT research aims at developing and evaluating culturally appropriate interventions for traumarelated symptoms and disorders at the individual and collective levels. It also aims at knowledge translation addressing culturally shaped modes of expressing and coping with the impact of political violence. Information and advocacy CVICT has organised two types of advocacy activities, focused on making people aware of their rights and on arranging training for professionals to make them aware of the consequences of torture and how to rehabilitate survivors. CVICT information activities include publications, media, campaigns, fundraising, government lobbying and participation in international forums. Treatment Nearly 7,000 torture survivors were provided rehabilitation services from 990 to 2007 at CVICT’s centre and mobile health clinic. Clients are offered psychosocial counselling and medical treatment, with legal advice where necessary. The variety of treatments and therapies used enables the team to respond effectively to the individual needs and circumstances of clients. Legal CVICT provides free legal support to torture victims and helps file complaints in the National Human Rights Commission and for protection of public interest as Public Interest Litigation on torture related issues. Funding Funding is received from Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation, The Netherlands, Humanist Action for Human Rights in Developing Countries HAMU/NORAD Norway, Save the Children Norway, DFID, ESP, UNICEF, Canadian Cooperation Office-Nepal/Canadian International Development Agency and EU, Care Nepal and Plan Nepal. Documentation CVICT documentation activities include medical documentation; legal documentation; library and information services; and monitor- Training CVICT is the only organisation in Nepal that has provided psychosoServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 87 Netherlands De Evenaar, Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry North Netherlands Department of GGZDrenthe, Community Mental Health Organization Primary objective(s) • Provision of culturally sensitive medico-psychiatric diagnostic assessments • Provision of mental health care for migrants, especially asylum seekers and refugees • Services to general mental health workers: consultation, second opinion and advices about referrals • Preventive mental health services to migrants, especially asylum seekers and refugees • Performing scientific research in the field of transcultural psychiatry and cultural anthropology. Training De Evenaar has provided training for medical and nursing professionals as well as for health workers in the asylum seekers’ centres. De Evenaar offers an internship for psychiatrists in training. A unique training in cultural interviews is provided by the cultural anthropologist. problems and how to handle these problems. De Evenaar provides preventive services in asylum centres and schools. Contact Altingerweg 94 PA Beilen Postbox 0000 940 RA Beilen The Netherlands Phone: + 59 5 58 42 Fax: + 59 5 58 5
[email protected] www.ggzdrenthe.nl/evenaar Established 2002 Director(s) C.J. Laban, MD, Psychiatrist/ Medical Director; C. Bilstra, Administrative Director Contact person(s) C.J. Laban, MD, Psychiatrist/ Medical Director; C. Bilstra, Administrative Director Staff psychiatrist psychiatrist in training psychologist 5 psychiatric nurses family therapist cultural anthropologist drama therapist art therapist occupational therapist movement therapist general physician physiotherapist language teacher 2 secretaries administrator Working language(s) Dutch, interpretive services available Number of clients treated per year 0 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Information and advocacy Health workers contribute to lectures and presentations in symposia, meetings with government officials, etc. We participate in government lobbying, especially about the adverse impact of a long asylum procedure on health. Research De Evenaar has implemented research projects on Iraqi asylum seekers and cultural interviews based on the DSM-IV cultural formulation. Clinical research is implemented through questionnaires and aims to study the results of treatment (Routine Outcome Assessment). Networking De Evenaar participates in national (e.g. Dutch psychiatric association – section Transcultural Psychiatry) and international (e.g. WPATranscultural Psychiatry Section, ESTSS) associations and conferences. We will join the newly set up Dutch Association for Traumatic Stress. Treatment The centre offers: psycho-somaeducation, counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, EMDR, resilience oriented psychotherapy, pharmacological therapy, creative therapy, drama therapy, psychomotor therapy, occupational therapy, courses in cultural identity and intercultural communication, language courses, physiotherapy, medical screening etc. There are day treatment and outpatient programmes. The treatment model is resilience-oriented and its goal is to reduce stress and vulnerability and to promote social support and the resilience of the patients. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Legal De Evenaar provides reports to lawyers and the medical department of Immigration Services in relation to the legal procedures of asylum seekers. Funding Almost all expenses are covered by the insurance companies. For the research project on the cultural formulation we received a grant from Stichting Open Ankh. Documentation De Evenaar operates a small library and has a wide variety of psychosoma-educational materials. Future plans We are extending our outpatient facilities, especially for children and youth and their families. Prevention We have translated materials with information about mental health Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: cultural anthropological advice 88 Netherlands Foundation Centrum ‘45 The Centrum ‘45 Primary objective(s) Centrum ’45 is the Dutch national expert centre for specialised psychological and psychiatric treatment to victims of torture, persecution and other forms of organised violence. Centrum ’45 aims to broaden the knowledge of the effects of traumatic events and the expertise in trauma treatment by research and education in the field of psychotraumatology. matic experiences and cope with problems associated with living in exile, uncertainty about the future, lack of familiarity with life in the Netherlands, a foreign language, culture shock and a different way of perceiving psychological problems and symptoms of illness. as in other countries. Information and advocacy Numerous publications addressing the issues involved in treating trauma victims are produced, a list is available and key publications are on the website. Contact Rijnzichtweg 5 242 AX Oegstgeest The Netherlands Phone: + 7 59 500; + 7 59 56 Mobile phone: + 644 507 907 Fax: + 7 55 722
[email protected] www.centrum45.nl Established 97 Director(s) J.W. Reerds, MA, MBA, chairman; J. Schaart, MA, MHA Contact person(s) Drs. Jan Schaart, member of the board Staff 2 medical doctors (psychiatrists) 26 psychotherapists 5 art therapists/psychomotor therapists 5 social workers 4 sociotherapists (mainly with a background in psychiatric nursing) Working language(s) Dutch, English Number of clients treated per year 250 primary, secondary and other clients Training Training is conducted on trauma psychiatry, trauma psychotherapy, specialised art therapy and specialised psychomotor therapy. Foundation Centrum ‘45 has its own academy, ArQ Academy. Networking Foundation Centrum ’45 is part of ArQ Foundation – a Dutch holding on psychotrauma organisations – and conducts training and research in collaboration with the Universities of Utrecht, Amsterdam and Leiden. Foundation Centrum ’45 participates in the IRCT and collaborates with Antares foundation and War Trauma Foundation. Treatment Treatment is offered to those who suffer from the effects of repeated and/or enduring (organised) traumatic events. The physical settings include a clinic for 48 inpatients, two day care centres accommodating 200-220 patients per week, and outpatient facilities for 050 patients annually. Treatment offered includes medical and psychiatric methods, psychotherapy (individual, couples, group and family), art therapy, psychomotor therapy and sociotherapy. Centrum ’45 has a special unit for refugees and asylum seekers suffering from recent traumatic experiences and in need of specialist treatment. Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment concentrates on helping patients to deal with their trauServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research Research activities are focused on epidemiology and treatment of trauma and immigration-related symptoms. Main projects include: intervention studies; study of posttraumatic nightmares; study of work stress in trauma therapists; attachment in behaviour and personality. Foundation Centrum ‘45 has its own research staff and is working closely with universities and research institutions. Prevention Foundation Centrum ’45 conducts training sessions for health professionals in the Netherlands as well Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 89 Netherlands Psychotrauma Centrum Zuid Nederland The centre is part of the large mental health facility Reinier van Arkel groep Primary objective(s) • Offer out-patient and day treatment to traumatised asylum seekers, refugees, victims of war and torture • Offer contextual/systemic treatment in a culturally sensitive way, using a bio-psychosocial approach • Provide treatment to trauma victims who are still in process of applying for asylum (“early treatment”) • Carry out prevention and education activities at the regional and national level • Develop an adequate model/ network for regional out-patient help. Training Centre staff organise conferences and conduct training sessions and workshops on a regular basis on issues such as PTSD, forced migration, vicarious traumatisation and intercultural trauma therapy, in the Netherlands and abroad. Research Ongoing projects include evaluating the results of different treatment approaches. tional publications. These address epidemiological and theoretical issues, different approaches to the treatment of torture survivors, and issues of intercultural trauma treatment. In terms of advocacy, centre staff support clients during the procedure of seeking asylum with written medical/psychological expertise. Contact Bethaniestraat 0 52 LJ’s-Hertogenbosch The Netherlands Phone: + 7 658 6400 Fax: + 7 658 6455
[email protected] www.reiniervanarkelgroep.nl Established 996 Director(s) Ben Nijmeijer, General Director; Boris Drožćek, MD, MA, Psychiatrist, Medical Director Contact person(s) Boris Drožćek, MD, MA, Psychiatrist Staff psychiatrists 6 psychologists/psychotherapists 9 social psychiatric nurses 6 nurses creative/art therapists music therapist psychomotor therapist 4 secretaries 2 residents in psychiatry psychology student Working language(s) Dutch and different others with the help of professional interpreters Number of clients treated per year 500 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 200 other clients Networking Contacts exist with different partners on the regional and national level, and the centre is actively promoted in the media and in publications. The centre is also a member of ESTSS/ISTSS and ISHHR. Documentation Documentation is carried out via correspondence with lawyers and asylum authorities. Prevention Treatment The centre offers specialist mental health services for children, adolescents and adults. The outpatient unit offers individual and group psychotherapy, while the day treatment facility offers several eclectic and multidisciplinary treatment programmes, including individual and group psychotherapy, creative/art therapy, psychomotor and music therapy, as well as social orientation. Hospital admissions are organised in cooperation with different partners. Primary prevention activities include providing advice to the medical services of asylum centres in the region and other relevant partners, schools, social workers, medical and mental health institutions, and lawyers. Tertiary prevention activities include social and occupational rehabilitation, and a network of self help groups. Funding Treatment is paid for on a declaration basis by medical insurance companies. Future plans Future plans include further development of treatment services for traumatised asylum seekers and refugees, development of a better coordination of services for different age categories, including systemic and family approach, and coordination of other regional community-oriented centres in the southern part of the country. Information and advocacy Several scientific articles and book chapters written by centre staff have been published or are under way in national and interna- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 90 New Zealand Wellington Refugees as Survivors Trust Primary objective(s) • Specialised mental health services for tortured and traumatised refugees • The provision of advocacy services • Capacity building to enable other NGO and government services to provide support to refugees. Documentation We work closely with the Family Reunification Trust to enable refugees who are our clients to get some of their family out to live in New Zealand. Contact PO Box 687 Marion Square Wellington 64 New Zealand Phone: +64 4 84 7279 Fax: +64 4 84 7278
[email protected] www.wellington-ras.org.nz Established 997 Director(s) Jeff Thomas Contact person(s) Jeff Thomas Staff psychiatrist psychologists 2 psychotherapists 2 counsellors social worker Working language(s) English, with interpreters for all clinical therapeutic sessions Number of clients treated per year 50 primary torture victims 60 secondary torture victims 40 other clients Information and advocacy Advocacy covers immigration (helping with family reunification)m housing, benefit entitlement and education matters. Treatment For refugee individuals, couples and families - screening, assessment, treatment, advocacy and onward referral plus cross-cultural consultation and liaison are provided. Networking We work from the same building as five other organisations who also work with and for refugees in: learning English, housing and furniture set-up, employment, community development and interpreting. Training We provide over 20 training sessions per year to health and social service organisations who have persons with refugee backgrounds as clients. Funding Funding for 4.5 full-time employees is received from the Capital and Coast District Health Board (within the Ministry of Health Government funding). Research Currently we are setting up a research project to look at neuropsychological assessment of refugees – victims of torture who have experienced traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from torture. This is being undertaken with Massey University, Wellington. Future plans Expand services for refugees who come through family reunification, as these people do not receive the same services as those who come through the government’s quota system. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: projects e.g. Home safety programme; youth stories writing 9 Nigeria Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) Contact (Enugu) 04 Upper Chime Avenue New Haven, Enugu P.O. Box 550 Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria Primary objective(s) • Provide treatment/rehabilitation and support to torture victims, prisoners, youths-at-risk and families • Provide training and capacity development for health professionals, lawyers, criminal justice agents, journalists and other relevant stakeholders • Carry out research and advocacy on issues of torture, justice, prisons and security sector reform • Carry out human rights monitoring and encourage other internal and external oversight mechanisms. agents, journalists, legislators and NGOs. The topics range from torture documentation, reporting, treatment and redress mechanisms to international and regional human rights standards for treatment of prisoners. From 2008-20 these training will include a component aimed at integrating the Istanbul Protocol into medical and law school curricula. through awareness, training and promotion of reporting, documentation and redress. An innovative tracking mechanism utilising telephone MMS/SMS on reporting torture will be launched in November 2008. Phone & Fax: +24 48 48 60 57 Mobile: +24 80 6 87 7 66; +24 80 5 50 48 60
[email protected]; info@ prawa.org; prawanigeria@yahoo. com (Lagos) Bode Thomas Street Bode Thomas Road Palmgroove, Lagos P.O. Box 2060 Sabo, Lagos Nigeria Phone & Fax: +24 74 869 Mobile: +24 80 6 87 7 66; +24 80 5 50 48 60
[email protected]; prawanigeria@ yahoo.com Established 994 Director(s) Dr Ndeh-Cheh, Prof.; Yemi Oshinbajo, Prof.; Chiso Okafor; Uche Ohadugha; Fatima Kwaku, Barr.; Peter Eze, Gen.; Owoeye Azazi; G.T. Tobi; S. Ashimole; Morenike Nedum Contact person(s) Dr Uju Agomoh, Executive Director; Chigozie Nwafor, Head, Psychological Unit Staff 2 psychologists nurse 2 lawyers (full-time) and 0 part-time 2 secretaries/documentalists 2 programme administrators 2 accountants/financial controllers 0 medical practitioners and psychiatrists (part-time) 2 cleaners security Working language(s) English, Pidgin English, Ibo, Yoruba Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 226 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Information and advocacy PRAWA has a one-hour weekly radio programme and through the TDRS, it runs newspaper serialisation of the OPCAT. It is currently promoting the ratification and implementation of OPCAT. Research PRAWA collects of baseline data on torture prevalence and reporting, documentation and redress in Nigeria and prison decongestion and re-entry in Enugu State. Networking PRAWA is linked to several networks including the African Security Sector Network and Association for SSR Education and Training. Treatment The treatment programme includes individual, group and family counselling; psychotherapy; arts therapy; and facilitation of selfhelp groups. PRAWA also provides social and economic support to its clients. In addition, it has a referral arrangement for clients on medical, psychiatric and physiotherapy treatment. Legal A project on Torture Documentation & Redress Scheme (TDRS) includes a legal component which involves training of 0 legal practitioners on providing legal redress/remedy for torture victims. Funding PRAWA’s main funding is from BHC/FCO Global Fund (2008-20) and SJGP/DFID 2008-2009. Other income is generated from sale of publications and products. Documentation PRAWA has produced over 5 publications, 5 training manuals and audio-visuals torture, the death penalty and prisoners’ rights. Future plans Promote the integration of rehabilitation of torture victims into the health delivery service; increase the sustainability of activities and funding. Training PRAWA carries out training activities for medical practitioners, legal practitioners, law enforcement Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Prevention TDRS focuses on prevention Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 92 Pakistan SACH – Struggle for change EU Ambassador to Pakistan, 26 June 2008 Sensitization workshop with lawyers Primary Objective(s) • We work on consciousness building agaisnt torture, inhuman treatment or punishment • To develop a network of professionals and to provide multidisciplinary services to torture survivors • To raise awareness on the subject of torture, through seminars and public meetings • To work as a research and documentation forum on the subject of torture, rehabilitation and reintegration of torture survivors • To make SACH into a forum which striving to brain storm for alternate strategies for development and growth. although other researches have benefited from our experience. Legal Advice snd legal aid programme to address torture victims living in Afghan community. project repoets and reports on speciel issues). All events organized by SACH (including meetings, seminars, workshops and training courses)are widely covered in the printed and electronic media. Contact House 27 Main park road -8/ Islamabad 44-000 Pakistan Phone: +92 5 4 860 698; +92 54 860 699; +925 4 444 767 Mobile: +45 50 05 52 Fax: +92 54 447 400
[email protected] www.rahnumai.com Established 994 Director(s) Khalida Salimi,Executine Director Contact person(s) Khalida Salimi, Executive Director Staff medical doctors 6 legal experts 5 psychologists 7 counsellors physiotherapists 8 management/administration personnel 4 finance personnel 2 social workers Working language(s) Urdu, English Number of clients treated per year 85 primary torture victims 820 secondary torture victims 200 other clients Networking Documentation Individual cases against torture and violent practices are registered, and these records are kept confidential. Legal documentation on these cases, notes on court proceedings and other files are also maintained. SACH also maintains a small information unit. SACH networks regularly with the IRCT network and is a member of the Asia Net, OMCT and CVT. SACH has a strang local network of organizations working on human rights issues with an emphasis on torture and violence. Funding Funding is received from UN agencies such as UNVFT, CVT, EC, BHC, UNHCR and IRCT through (OAK) grant center. Prevention SACH liases closely with lacal police and prison officials. SACH provides the services of a doctor to the prison department in Lahore(Punjab) on a regular basis.the doctor also interacts with prison authorities and informs them on prevention.Similarlly, SACH is in touch with thew local police station(in Islamabad)and provides information on how to deal with torture/violence victims and prevent the occurrence of torture and violence. Training SACH has in the past innitiated a programme for care givers and organized regional care for care givers training in Islamabad. Future plans Continuation of existing work and institutionalising it in a more professional manner. Development of: different departments, such as physiotherapy, psychlogy,etc.; a core group to provide care for care givers; a database for registering victims of torture and for refugee services in Afghanistan. Our goal is also to train health professionals in Afghanistan and ensure access to justice in Pakistan and Afganistan. Research SACH is a service delivery organization providing direct services to the survivors of torture and violence and is the only organization in the area whicn provide full services programmes. There fore we have not been able to prioritise research activities aswell, Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy SACH produces posters, leafllets, brochures and reports (including Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 9 Palestinian Territory (Occupied) Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) Poster of children Primary objective(s) • Empower vulnerable groups in the society, especially women, children and torture survivors • Develop local human resources through mental health training programs • Provide humane and high quality community-based mental health services • Promote democracy and human rights and combat the stigma of mental illness in Palestinian society • Influence the political/legal environment to respect Palestinian human rights and promote wellbeing. Training GCMHP offers, in cooperation with Islamic University in Gaza and seven international universities, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Community Mental Health. Courses about mental health and human rights are held for police and security officers, professionals working in schools and primary health care centres. oners with mental health needs and those suffering addiction. Information and advocacy GCMHP conducts workshops, media meetings, exhibitions and art work on relevant issues, particularly regarding prisoners and victims of torture and violence against children and women. Contact Sheikh Ejleen-El Rasheed St. P.O. Box 049 Gaza City Gaza Strip Palestinian Territory (Occupied) Phone: +972 8 282 5700; +972 8 282 57; +972 8 282 407 Fax: +972 8 28 24 072
[email protected]; diabmarwan@ yahoo.ca; pr@gcmhp.net; pr2@ gcmhp.net www.gcmhp.net Established 990 Director(s) Eyad El Sarraj, President; Ahmed Abu Tawahina, Director General Contact person(s) Husam El-Nounou, Director of Public Relations; Rana Ayyad, Director Assistant, Administrative and Financial Affairs Staff 0 psychiatric nurses 2 physiotherapists psychologists 9 psychiatrists 6 social workers pharmacist occupational therapist EEG technician Working language(s) Arabic, English Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 50 other clients Networking Research Over 50 research studies on children, women and human rights issues have been conducted - many deal with the impact of torture on mental health. GCMHP has strategic relations with many local organisations including ministries, human rights groups, women’s centres, etc. GCMHP has a wide professional network including membership in the Network of Centers of Rehabilitation of Victims of Violence and Torture in the Middle East and North Africa, the United Against Torture Coalition and the Women World Summit Foundation. Treatment From its inception as a single clinic, GCMHP has expanded to include three community centres with 6 professionals, an occupational therapy unit, an EEG unit, a pharmacy and a physiotherapy unit. With a combination of psychological, family and community interventions, the GCMHP clinical teams provide a supportive environment in which healing can take place. GCMHP firmly roots its therapy in a culturally sensitive, communitybased approach, adapting Western approaches to the needs of Palestinian society. Legal GCMHP appeals to the Israeli courts on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails as well as to the Supreme Court. Funding Documentation Case histories and courses of treatment are documented in patient files; data are used as a reference for professional and medical reports. In 2007, GCMHP received funds from a wide range of governments, foundations, associations, institutes and multi-lateral organisations. Future plans Develop GCMHP as knowledgebased institution to enhance the capacity of the community to deal with mental health problems. Build the Institute of Community Mental Health in Palestine. Prevention An agreement exists between the Programme and the Rehabilitation and Correction Centers which allows the Programme to treat pris- Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 94 Palestinian Territory (Occupied) Jesoor for Trauma Recovery Jesoor activity Jesoor activity Primary objective(s) • Enhance social support network and community cohesion to trauma survivors • Provide professional counselling training skills for health and allied professions • Raise awareness about the psychosocial consequences of torture and human rights violations • Analyse the contextual application of health measurement tools used globally • Create a generation raised with respect for democracy, by fostering healthy child-parent relations. chodynamic and medical services and physiotherapy may be given. At the family level, group therapy and family therapy/counselling is offered in order to strengthen the client’s social network. der to improve the quality of mental health services offered to victims and their families. Information and advocacy Advocacy and networking activities are considered complementary in order to reach a violence-free environment and promote children’s and families’ mental health. Many meetings are held with Palestinian associations and figures in order to network and coordinate. Contact Gaza City El Jalah Sq, Zoroub Building P.O. Box 4 Gaza Strip Palestine Phone: +972 8 288472 Fax: +972 8 288472
[email protected] www.jesoor.org Established 200 Director(s) Mr. Ali Amer, Executive Director Ms. Mervat Mekbel, Team Coordinator Contact person(s) Mr. Ali Amer, Executive Director; Ms. Mervat Mekbel, Team Coordinator Staff trained psychiatrist 2 social workers 2 mental health professionals psychiatric nurse psychologist 2 mental health professionals administrative assistance secretarial support accountant project officer volunteers Working language(s) Arabic, English Number of clients treated per year 72 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 72 other clients Training Training of health and allied professions, community leaders, religious leaders and law-enforcement agents is one of the measures that Jesoor is executing to prevent torture and human rights violations. The aim of training is to maximise the knowledge and skills of health professionals to improve the quality of mental health services. The training curriculum is culturally sensitive and community oriented. It includes interview skills; the psychosocial consequences of torture on individuals, family and the community; the main therapeutic individual interventions; community interventions and other topics. Networking The centre collaborates with local organisations and signs partnership agreements with different organisations. Jesoor plans to strengthen its regional and international network and strengthen its cooperation with the IRCT network and members. Treatment Rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach that adopts community-based physical, mental and social interventions. Upon receiving a referral, a member of the multidisciplinary team conducts a comprehensive clinical interview. The overall assessment is then presented to the team, who make a preliminary diagnosis and treatment plan at the individual and family level. At the individual level, integrated individual therapy such as supportive, cognitive and behavioural therapy, short-term psyServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Funding Contributions come from regional and international donors in addition to professional contributions. Legal Clients needing legal services are referred to legal advice. Future plans More emphasis on social representation of trauma; widen the funding base; give more resources to community interventions and those living in marginalised areas. Prevention The aim of preventive activities is to maximize the knowledge and skills of health professionals in or- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 95 Palestinian Territory (Occupied) Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (TRC) Primary objective(s) • To promote a community that rejects torture, violence and impunity and to promote mental health and social welfare in the Palestinian community • To alleviate the suffering of survivors and families and facilitate their reintegration • To advocate and educate for de-stigmatization of torture in order to build public awareness and change • To capacitate the law enforcement system to insure the human rights of detained people. Territories is a severe lack of mental health professionals in the region. TRC has established a continuing education programme covering mental health, trauma and human rights. Courses are held regularly for health, education and social service professionals, as well as for university students and human rights workers. TRC also provides training in human rights to Palestinian law enforcement agencies. Information and advocacy Advocacy activities include newspaper articles, workshops, radio broadcasts and television spots. Contact Al-Ersal Street - Al-Masah building rd Floor PO Box 468 Ramallah Palestine Phone: +972 2 296 70 Fax: +972 2 298 92
[email protected]; sehwail@ trc-pal.org www.trc-pal.org Established 997 Director(s) Dr. Mahmud Sehwail, General Director Contact person(s) Dr. Mahmud Sehwail, General Director; Emile J. Makhlouf, Administrative Manager; Khader Rasras, Programme Manager Staff 5 psychiatrists 7 social workers 24 psychologists 5 administrative staff Working language(s) Arabic, English Number of clients treated per year 42 primary torture victims 648 secondary torture victims 8 other clients Networking TRC is a member of many local, regional and international coalitions and networks related to human rights and torture. Funding TRC receives funds from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, EC, United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, Norwegian Church Aid, Center for Victims of Torture, Rehabilitation and Research Center for Torture Victims, Representative Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Palestinian Authority and the IRCT. Research TRC gives great importance to documentation of cases and research projects related to torture, PTSD, and other closely related psychiatric and adjustment disorders. A general survey is conducted on a regular basis to assess the prevalence of common psychiatric disorders in the Palestinian community. Treatment Psychiatric, psychological, medical and social services are offered by TRC’s multi-disciplinary clinical team to victims of torture and organised violence and their families. Different treatment modalities are applied both at the centre and through TRC’s outreach programme, based on each client’s individual needs. TRC also works with traumatised school children and the injured in hospitals or in their homes. Future plans Prevention TRC organises and participates in a variety of workshops, seminars and conferences throughout the West Bank, regionally and abroad to elevate public awareness and to provide/receive training in a range of topics related to mental health and human rights. Further concentration on prevention measures and means; development of new treatment methodologies and staff; becoming a leading reference in the field; expanding our network base internationally. Training Compounding the problem of high levels of trauma in the Palestinian Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 96 Paraguay ATYHA Mental Health and Human Rights Primary objective(s) • The primary objectives of ATYHA are to ensure the mental health and human rights of people with mental disorders, especially those who suffer from human rights violations. Prevention Educational programmes have been developed for training prison officials, health professionals and lawyers. Contact Péru 90 Asunción Paraguay Phone: +595 2 206 76 Mobile: +595 2 97 224 69 Fax: +595 2 206 76
[email protected]; drjosevera@ hotmail.com www.atyha.org Established 988 Director(s) Dr. José Vera Gómez Contact person(s) Dr José Vera Gómez Staff psychiatrists 2 psychologists 2 secretaries A network of medical specialists: neurologists, surgeons, general practitioners, etc. Working language(s) Spanish, Guaraní Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and advocacy ATYHA produces publications, participates in international forums and in TV and radio programmes, and contributes to newspaper articles. Treatment ATYHA offers psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and medical treatment. Training Training courses are offered to medical and psychology students, medical doctors, lawyers and prison personnel. Networking ATYHA is a member of the Red latinamericana y del Caribe network and the Paraguayan network of human rights organisations, Coordinadora de Derechos Humanos del Paraguay. Research Research activities include assessments, questionnaires and evaluations of impact of treatment. Funding Funding is received from the UNVFVT. Legal ATYHA uses an Istanbul Protocol based evaluation for the justice system. Documentation Documentation activities include medical documentation, legal documentation, library services and a database. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 97 Peru Center of Psychosocial Attention (CAPS) Group dynamics with adults, Puno Children in the Huánuco jungle Primary objective(s) • Attend to the psychosocial after-effects of torture and violence on persons, groups and communities • Build the capacity around rehabilitation work, mental health promotion and torture prevention • Raise awareness regarding political violence and the importance of full respect for human rights • Advocate policies so those whose rights were violated can access services and exercise their rights • Create systemized, transferable knowledge of mental health treatment and promotion interventions. therapy, social work, psychiatry and physiotherapy. Documentation The psychological affidavits made for torture victims contribute to the legal strategy to visualize the effects of the suffered violence. The psychological assessment is particularly relevant on those cases where after several years torture would not show any signs of physical harm. Currently, CAPS is working with the Institute of Legal Medicine and a feminist organisation to develop an assessment protocol to appraise the psychological harm caused by torture, family and sexual violence. Training CAPS offers capacity building to strengthen mental health and human rights institutions in their work of rehabilitation, promotion of mental health and prevention of torture and other forms of violence. Training in mental health care is provided in marginal urban zones in Lima and in rural areas in six regions. It consists of training in: psychotherapy - individual (adults), play (children and adolescents), family and couple, and dynamic group; psychological counselling; therapeutic workshops; diagnostic and psychiatric treatment; physiotherapy; social work; participative situational diagnostics; psychosocial strengthening of affected organisations; training and accompaniment of community agents. Contact Calle Caracas 280 Jesus Maria Lima Peru Established 994 Director(s) Jacquely Fontela Salinas, Executive Director Contact person(s) Carlos Jibaja Zarate Staff 2 psychotherapists psychiatrist 2 psychologists 2 anthropologists social worker administrator executive assistant administrative assistant receptionist clerical assistant Working language(s) Spanish, Quechua (translator) Number of clients treated per year 60 primary torture victims 40 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Information and advocacy Within the National Coordinator of Human Rights from Peru, CAPS along with other human rights organisations forms various work groups that articulate their efforts and resources to prevent torture. The OPCAT National Mechanism implementation, the improvement of the Institute of Legal Medicine procedures and follow up of the Integral Reparation Plan are some of the focused actions. Treatment The psychosocial treatment model used by CAPS offers individuals, groups and communities the opportunity to re-elaborate their personal, social and historical story affected by political violence. All CAPS treatments are based on a therapeutic bond which works through and restores the damaged self and citizenship rights empowerment. CAPS uses an integral approach which involves psychoServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research The research team has gained experience and skills by incorporating monitoring and evaluation in CAPS activities. Currently research is occurring on the efficacy of psychosocial treatment on torture victims. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 98 Philippines BALAY Rehabilitation Center, Inc. Detention visit by a staff member Children with a call for peace Primary objective(s) • Promoting peace and human rights advocacy • Supporting social healing of communities affected by armed conflict and development aggression • Providing relief and rehabilitation services to victims of torture and other human rights violations • Promoting community empowerment for people’s protection, personal well-being and development • Training individuals, families and communities on health, human rights and community mobilization. medical and economic support; group, family and individual counselling; psycho-educational activities; self-help, educational and literacy support; legal assistance; lobbying and advocacy. civil-society groups. Balay conducts workshops on torture and human rights documentation, establishing reporting mechanisms in communities and detention centres. Contact 25 Maalindog Street UP Village Diliman Quezon City P. O. Box 075 Quezon City Philippines Phone: +62 426 825/44 027 Fax: +62 92 60; +62 428 825; +62 929 8054
[email protected] www.balayph.org Established 985 Director(s) Mr. Ernesto A. Anasarias, Acting Executive Director, Loreine B. dela Cruz, Chair of the Board of Balay Contact person(s) Brenda Escalante, Ernesto Anasarias, Program Coordinators Staff psychologists social workers community development specialists social enterprise development specialists 2 educational specialists 4 peace and human rights specialists 2 institutional management specialists 6 finance and administration Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and advocacy Training Several training courses and workshops for displaced communities, and torture survivors and their families were conducted during the last five years. BALAY also conducts training for other service providers. Balay is involved in a legislative campaign for the adoption of the Anti-Torture Bill and Internal Displacement Act. It has been at the forefront of the campaign for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the promotion of documentation standards. It supports peace and human rights promotion through various activities. Research Knowledge generation is inherent to Balay’s tradition. It conducts qualitative studies on the impact of social trauma among displaced communities and studies on coping and vulnerability among prisoner populations. Networking Balay is an active member of various thematic networks at the national and international levels. Treatment Since 200, Balay has been assisting and giving treatment to direct victims of torture and political persecution, focusing on fourteen (4) barangays (villages) of Pikit, Central Mindanao, utilising multidisciplinary, community and detentionbased psychosocial intervention, and the implementation of services to seek an end to coercive civilian displacement and reject torture and other forms of organised violence. This is generally achieved through psychosocial intervention with Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation Balay is continually documenting cases of torture, internal displacement events, summary executions, etc. It maintains a Resource Centre with a wide array of material sources. Funding Balay receives support from DANIDA through RCT and the UNVFVT. Future plans Balay is expanding its activities to new communities in Mindanao, i.e. among indigenous peoples and the Visayas to cater for torture survivors on the island. Prevention Prevention activities are undertaken through partnerships with state and Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: therapy, shelter assistance, livelihood assistance, home visits, peace and human rights 99 Philippines Medical Action Group, Inc. (MAG) Participants during the forensic training conducted by MAG Autopsy and exhumation conducted in Calbayog City in 1985 Primary objective(s) • Document cases of torture • Provide medical, psychological and rehabilitative services to torture victims and survivors as well as monitor their health conditions in jails where they are detained • Provide trainings to immediate relatives, peers, health professionals and other human rights advocates • Generate protest actions against torture along with other organisations. Research MAG has researched the psychosocial profile of Filipino political prisoners and health conditions inside prisons and the state of the right to health of prisoners in Metro Manila. Networking MAG liaises with human rights organisations, such as the Free Legal Assistance Group, BALAY Center and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines. MAG is an affiliate of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, a member of United Against Torture Coalition and convenor of the Philippine Network Against Torture. MAG collaborates with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in documenting torture and with the University of The Philippines and other health schools. Contact 29-D Matatag St., Brgy. Central Quezon City Philippines Phone: +6 2 4 974 Fax: +6 2 4 974
[email protected] Established 982 Director(s) Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN, Executive Director Contact person(s) Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN, Executive Director; Ms. Amarylis Ng-Abcede, DMD, Philippine Action Concerning Torture (PACT) Program Manager Staff executive director project managers psychologist campaign officer 2 regional coordinators organizer finance officer liaison/messenger nurse volunteers Working language(s) English, Filipino/Tagalog Number of clients treated per year 220 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 000 other clients Documentation MAG pioneered the medical documentation of torture using the Modified Istanbul Protocol, which was developed during trainings for government and jail health personnel. Documentation is used to provide evidence of physical abuse (we don’t have a national torture law) in court and in reporting to UN agencies. Treatment MAG provides medical, dental and psychological services to recently released political detainees and currently detained political prisoners, their families and relatives, and to IDPs, families of the disappeared and other torture survivors. In its services and treatment, MAG developed the bio-psychosocial approach to provide holistic health care. Funding Funding comes from the British Embassy-Manila, Terres De Hommes-Germany and Netherlands, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNVFVT, CH), Oxfam-Great Britain and MISERIOR. Prevention MAG’s prevention activities are trainings for prison and health professionals, developing health manuals and advocating policy change in relation to torture. Future plans Reprinting manual of torture documentation and posters against torture; “Eyewitness and Tracing Technique Training”; forensic training for municipal health doctors; lobbying for the ratification of the Philippine Anti-torture Bill. Information and advocacy Training MAG has trained medical professionals and students, jail wardens/personnel, municipal health officers, government agencies and human rights defenders in the recognition, documentation and reporting of torture. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: When needed, financial support or supplies for health treatment MAG produces various brochures and other materials, and has developed a manual for health professionals. Concurrently, MAG lobbies, with other local organisations, for the ratification of antitorture legislation. 00 Poland The Centre for Victims of Political Persecution, Chair in Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum (CVPP) Primary objective(s) • Provide victims of political persecution with psychological care and psychiatric support as well as general medical diagnosis and legal help • Conduct scientific statistical research based on collected data, diagnostic materials and treatment results • Provide training on clinical psychiatry and psychology • Draw public attention to the situation of victims of political persecution • Improve the social and medical conditions of persecution victims. nations consist of a wide range of physical, psychical, psychological and social condition analyses. Description of services • Legal analysis of documentation (survivor’s status confirmed by appropriate annulling sentence verdict), medical documentation (previous treatment, hospitalisations, etc.) and social documentation (confirmation of received welfare benefits, pensions, etc.) • Complex diagnosis of mental and social effects of trauma. Preliminary, general medical examination conducted by psychiatrists is followed by routine diagnostic psychiatric and psychological interviews, based on psychological diagnostic tests • Treatment is based mostly on pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy • General medical certificates describing health status are provided for each patient • Legal help with providing letters to the courts in compensation or pension cases • Legal medical certificates are provided by witness experts for the public courts • Scientific research based on collected data, diagnostic materials and treatment results is published regularly • CVPP conducts specialist training on clinical psychiatry and psychology. Doctor residents and psychologists are introduced to the problems resulting from torture, the specific character of contact with victims and methods of treatment. Contact Ul. Kopernika 2 -50 Kraków Poland Phone: +48-2-424877 Fax: +48-2-424879
[email protected] www.psych.cm-uj.krakow. pl/CVPP Established 996 Director(s) Dr Krzysztof Rutkowski, Coordinator Contact person(s) Dr Krzysztof Rutkowski; Renata Jedrzejowska ,MA (for patients) Staff 2 psychiatrists internist psychologist lawyer coordinator assistant accountant Working language Polish Number of clients treated per year (not available) Treatment All patients are victims of political persecution and torture, or direct family members of victims of torture who are also direct victims of persecution, i.e. children sent to concentration camps with their parents. The majority of those examined are members of social organisations for Stalin period exprisoners, prisoners of Nazi concentration camps and people deported to Siberia. They apply to the centre on their own initiative. The centre is the only institution of its kind in Poland. Diagnostic examiServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Training, research 0 Romania ICAR Foundation ICAR team members at the reception area Signing the Protocol of collaboration with UNHCR Romania Primary objective(s) • Contribute to the consolidation of democracy by assisting vulnerable, marginalised people, victims of gross human rights violations • Recognition of/gratitude for survivors through creation and access to comprehensive rehabilitation • Promotion of victims’ and families’ right to medical and psychological rehabilitation and to redress • Contribute to the life standard of primary and secondary victims among former political prisoners, refugees and asylum seekers through provision of comprehensive rehabilitation • Support activities preventing gross human rights violations and raising awareness of their consequences. urology and dentistry) and by other professionals as required (geriatrics, ophthalmology, ENT, laboratory, etc). For beneficiaries with temporary or permanent disabilities, support is provided at home, through home visits. Prevention Prevention activities include: press conferences, seminars and public debates on subjects in relation to the consequences of violence on victims; editing and distribution of publications on the study of, fight against and prevention of torture; national reconciliation activities. Contact 70, Unirii bd Bloc J5, Sector 0086 Bucharest Romania Phone: +4 02 2 22 2 Mobile: +4 0722 627 4 Fax: +4 02 27 54 74; +4 02 2 22 2
[email protected]; iuliana@ icarfoundation.ro Established 992 Director(s) Camelia Doru, Medical Director Contact person(s) Iuliana Florea, Project Coordinator Staff 6 health and legal professionals 7 project support staff Working language(s) Romanian, English, French Number of clients treated per year 89 primary torture victims 82 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Training Training courses are provided by ICAR to the other two rehabilitation centres in Romania, as well as to legal and health professionals who work with possible victims of torture. Information and advocacy ICAR organises a campaign every year on the 26 June. Also, ICAR produces and promotes documentaries on survivors of political violence in Romania (“So close to us” – Mihai Preda and Nicolae Margineanu, “Beyond Torture” – Alan Hartwick, USA). Research Research activities include: surveys on the prevalence of torture among asylum seekers in Romania, study and documentation on subjects like psychiatric abuse during the communist regime in Romania, consequences of torture and illtreatment on the individual and on the society, and trans-generational consequences of torture. Networking ICAR initiated and coordinates a working group on the implementation of the Istanbul Protocol in Romania that includes representatives of all relevant non-governmental organisations and public institutions. Treatment The services provided at the centre focus on medical, psychological, legal and social assistance for the physical, mental, legal and social consequences of serious human rights violations. Legal counselling services and the most needed medical services are offered at ICAR’s own cabinets by staff (general medicine, cardiology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, physiotherapy, Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Legal ICAR is involved in a strategic litigation project which aims to test the Romanian judiciary system in the implementation of national and international legislation concerning reparations for gross human rights violations. Funding Funding is received from EU, UNVFVT, National Health Insurance House and private donors. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 02 Romania Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims Craiova (MRCT Craiova) Massage session Physical consultation Primary objective(s) • Provide medical rehabilitation services to victims of torture and ill-treatment and their families • Contribute to the improvement of the health and social conditions of survivors and their families • Improve the rehabilitation capacity and institutional sustainability of health and managerial staff • Increase public awareness campaigns concerning torture and its long lasting health and social consequences. psychiatric counselling; medical visits and treatments at home for bedridden patients; biannual vitamin campaigns in spring and autumn; and a vaccination campaign with anti-flu vaccine (NovemberDecember). clients, as well as information on the long-term psychological and physical effects of torture. Contact 0 Amaradia St. 20057 Craiova Romania Phone: +40 25 595 96 Fax: +40 5 4 44
[email protected] www.icarfoundation.ro Established 997 Director(s) Simona Smarandache, Economist Contact person(s) Daniela Dinca, Medical Assistant/Medical Secretary Staff director medical coordinator with acupuncture competence internal practitioner with echography competence physiotherapist psychiatrist medical assistant/medical secretary nurse kinetotherapist accountant housekeeper Working language(s) Romanian Number of clients treated per year 66 primary torture victims 9 secondary torture victims 80 other clients Information and advocacy Our centre prepares and publicises information concerning torture practices to the general public through written and electronic media especially in connection with 26 June. Training The health professionals participate in scientific clinical seminars, workshops and conferences in order to have permanent professional updates. They share feedback through in-house meetings. The financial management staff participate in training and international professional events for updating their professional knowledge and skills. Networking The MRCT Craiova closely collaborates with the centres in Bucharest, Iasi and Chisinau. We also collaborate with the Association of Former Political Prisoners and the Health House of Insurance Dolj. Treatment At present 809 victims of torture benefit from consultations and treatments through: cabinets of general and internal medicine, psychiatry, physiotherapy, acupuncture; the treatment base for physiotherapy, where they are provided physical treatments through electrotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, therapeutic, prophylactic and curative massage and reflexotherapy; collaboration with other cabinets (laboratory, echography, urology, stomatology, endocrinology). We also provide supportive psychotherapeutic assistance and Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Funding Research MRCT Craiova gathers information and testimonies about torture during the communist regime to be able to put them in front of justice with the aim of offering moral and material compensation to the persons that suffered during that period. MRCT Craiova receives funding from the EC, UNVFVT and the OAK Foundation/Sigrid Rausing Trust. MRCT has contractual relations with the Health House of Insurance Dolj on covering some of the costs related to rehabilitation activities, e.g. provision of free basic medicines. Documentation The centre uses the client monitoring programme, which provides medical and social information on Future plans Diversification of current services; increasing the fundraising capacity. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: acupuncture, massage, reflexotherapy, aromatherapy 0 Romania Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims Iasi, Romania (MRCT Iasi) Patient visiting the dentist Clients at a 26th of June event Primary objective(s) • Offer rehabilitation services for victims of torture, violence, or other inhuman or degrading treatment • Promote social inclusion for victims of torture • Fight and prevent torture • Promote partnerships and network initiatives • Promote volunteering and citizenship. both students and professionals) organised so far are related to torture and methods of torture, late consequences of torture, medical and psychosocial aspects of torture and volunteers’ management. Leaflets and flyers are distributed among the local community as are different campaign materials related to the 26th of June. Contact 5 Nicolae Iorga Bd. bl. N2, ground floor Iasi, 700256 Romania Phone: +40 2 409 498 Fax: +40 22 2 760
[email protected];
[email protected] www.icarfoundation.ro Established 995 as a branch of ICAR foundation Bucharest 2000 as an independent association Director(s) Ciprian-Mihai Paius Contact person(s) Ciprian-Mihai Paius Staff general practitioner odontologist cardiologist massage therapist 2 nurses medical secretary social worker psychotherapist executive director accountant housekeeper guard Working language(s) Romanian, English Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 40 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking Our centre closely collaborates with the other two centres in Romania (Bucharest and Craiova) as well as with Memoria Center from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. We are actively involved in all networking activities related to the European centres of the IRCT. Research Detailed patient medical files are used to establish physical and psychological therapeutic methods and we conduct case studies and produce materials for future training sessions, workshops and reports. Treatment Our centre was founded in 995 at the initiative of ICAR Bucharest and with the financial support of IRCT. Over the past years we have offered rehabilitation services to more than 700 victims of torture, consisting of roughly 45,000 consultations, interventions and procedures. Our centre offers free medical treatment (internal medicine, cardiology, odontology), psychological treatment (individual counselling/psychotherapy and group psychotherapy) and social assistance (home visits, social counselling, meeting with patients and their families for improving inter-family relationships, socialization activities). Documentation Detailed private patient files include data about torture methods, the period during which the torture took place, the immediate and late consequences of torture, medical and anamnestic data about illnesses, types of treatment and development of the illnesses. Funding Our centre receives funding from the EU, UNVFVT, OAK Foundation and other national and international donors. Future plans Expanding and improving our medical and psychosocial methods; enlarging our client database by addressing recent victims of torture. Prevention Our centre strives to prevent the occurrence of torture by increasing professional knowledge and public awareness of its consequences. Information and advocacy Our centre produces quarterly and annual reports to be released to the press and the main local actors. Training Some of the trainings (attended by Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 04 Russia Interregional Non-governmental Organization “Committee Against Torture” (INGO CAT) The press interview Alexey Mikheyev, a torture victim whose story Distributing leaflets about torture in Russia was made into a documentary that was screened on 26 June Primary objective(s) • • • • Prevention of torture Rehabilitation of torture victims Human rights education Improvement of law enforcement practice. Research CAT completed research on citizen confidence in regional courts and torture in Russia. CAT is preparing research for regional police. Networking In 200 CAT created a network against torture in Nizhniy Novgorod. The network has five departments able to provide legal and medical rehabilitation, including one in the Chechen Republic. CAT also trains lawyers and NGO leaders how to operate and manage a network. Contact Kojevennaya Street, - 04 000, Nizhniy Novgorod Russia Phone: +7 8 4 404 Mobile phone of contact person: +7 95 902 484 Fax: +7 8 4 60
[email protected];
[email protected] www.pytkam.net Established 2000 Director(s) Igor Kalyapin, Chairperson Olga Sadovskaya, Vice-chairperson Contact person(s) Olga Sadovskaya Staff 5 lawyers 2 phisicians 2 psychologists psychiatrist Working language(s) Russian, English Number of clients treated per year 90 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Legal Treatment In 200 CAT created a rehabilitation department for torture victims as a special sub-division. The department offers professional medical, psychological and psychiatric help as well as rehabilitation to torture victims from Russian regions covered by CAT’s network and sometimes to victims from other regions. CAT has agreements with leading medical experts and hospitals in the region and can send victims to the best hospitals and supervise their treatment. In addition, the activities of the department allow CAT to collect medical evidence and provide torture victims with more effective legal rehabilitation. CAT also assists in the implementation of Istanbul Protocol in Russia. CAT works on restoration of victims’ rights nationally and internationally. CAT has won several hundred national cases and has more than 50 applications lodged at the European Court for Human Rights. Funding CAT has been successful using a clear and strict fundraising strategy – the organisation does not invent activities to get funding; it looks for funding to support only necessary activities. Documentation CAT publishes reports about torture use and prevention in Russia. Prevention Programmes include publication and distribution of the Istanbul Protocol, manuals for police officers, educating state agents, coalition building and improvement of law enforcement practice through case building. Future plans CAT plans to widen its network and give others the possibility to fulfil independent public investigation on cases. CAT also plans to establish a programme aimed at creating juvenile courts in Russia. Information and advocacy CAT’s website contains recommendations, analyses, research. CAT also organises press conferences, films, street actions to draw attention to the problem. Training CAT gives weekly lectures to police officers and organises practical lessons for students. CAT organises monthly trainings for lawyers, higher ranking police and judges. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 05 Rwanda Forum for Activists against Torture and Violence (FACT) The FACT team in Kigali with the chairman of the board of directors The FACT office Primary objective(s) • Awareness raising of the Rwandan population about torture and human rights • Holistic and integrated rehabilitation services to victims of violence and torture in Rwanda • Sharing our expertise with other human rights activists in Rwanda, the Great Lakes and East Africa regions, as well as internationally • Research, publication and documentation of causes of torture and the proposed ways of eradicating it. torture is offered to heads of district hospitals, police officers and prison wardens. Schoolchildren, community-based organisations, the Local Defence Force and prisoners are also offered training. Our EU project in the Great Lakes region is training up to 20 legal, medical and psychological professionals to assist victims of torture. Information and advocacy We have disseminated information on torture and violence, but realise we need to do this even more. Advocacy work in schools, prisons and with the police force has greatly raised awareness on the issue. Contact Kubaho Plaza Building, Kacyiru 729 Kigali Rwanda BP 4580 Kigali Rwanda Phone: +250 80 5707; +250 80 505 780 Fax: +250 5 8 fact@rwanda.com; factrwa@ yahoo.com www.fact.org.rw Established 999 Director(s) Board of Directors: Dr Davis Kashaka Karegeya (chairman), Metre Rutabigwa, Dr Ruduviko Ruhirwa Contact person(s) Dr Charles Ntare, Executive Secretary Staff executive secretary 2 advocacy workers accountant project manager 2 manager/cousellors social worker doctor (part-time) lawyer (part-time) psychiatrist (part-time) psychologist (part-time) and many volunteers Working language(s) English, French, Kinyarwanda Number of clients treated per year 2 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 50 other clients Networking We network with East African centres and participate in the new African Network initiative. FACT also works closely with partner SOPROP and AVRA. FACT also has offices in Burundi and Congo. Research We have conducted research on human right abuses in prisons and best practices on gender based violence in Rwanda. Funding Our main donors are ICCO Netherlands, Cordaid, CVT, IRCT, UNVFVT, American Embassy in Rwanda, IRC Rwanda, South African Embassy, NOVA-USA, UNIFEM, the EU and other member contributions. Treatment Since establishing its centre for rehabilitation and assistance for torture victims in 200, FACT has offered various treatments, including nursing wounds and post-traumatic pains. The majority of our clients are women and children. Victims are often severely emotionally and physically scarred. Each victim requires different help and we offer legal, medical, psychological and social assistance and treatment. Legal We provide legal assistance to victims of torture and violence, including sexual gender based violence. If we do not have the necessary expertise, we refer them to our appropriate partners. Future plans We are currently in the process of restructuring and reforming FACT: our staff, board, profile and structure and our communication strategy. We look forward to completing this process and continuing our work on the prevention and rehabilitation of victims of torture. Prevention Our awareness raising has informed thousands of people on issues of torture and violence, and their consequences, which works as a preventive method for future acts. A good example is the human rights clubs we have helped to establish in many schools. Training Training in the treatment and interrogation of suspects without using Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: community-based sensitization programmes 06 Senegal VIVRE/CAPREC – VIVRE (Rehabilitating Victims of Violence) is the health care centre of CAPREC (African Centre for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts) Staff at VIVRE Centre and participants at the Participants at a talk/debate on torture Sub-Saharan centres meeting in Senegal Primary objective(s) • Address the health care needs of victims of violence, conflict, and all forms of torture through medical and psychological care as well as financial, legal, and social service assistance • Educate the public about respecting human rights in Africa • Fight torture, violence and inhumane treatment • Reach out to victims of torture in prisons/police detention, refugees, and victims of social, political, racial persecution. Legal The centre provides legal assistance for asylum seekers. Networking VIVRE collaborates with local NGOs such as TOSTAN ONDH, RADI and RADDHO. Internationally, VIVRE is a member of Réseau Ouest Africain des professionnels de Santé contre la Torture, and collaborates with both the ICAR Foundation - Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (Romania) and AVRE - Association for the Victims of Repression in Exile (France). VIVRE also coordinate activities and services with human rights and rehabilitation organisations and has links with institutions working for women, children, prisoners, etc. Documentation All information concerning clients (name, nationality, age, gender, status) is recorded. A routine statistical registration of treatment activities has been developed, and the file is routinely updated by the doctor. Contact Quartier Grand Standing Rte de Sofraco Thiès Sénégal ----Quartier Grand Standing Boite Postale 589 Thies Senegal Phone: +22 952 8 00; +22 95 2 40 Mobile: +22 77 569 4 9 Fax: +22 95 2 40; +22 952 8 00
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[email protected] Established 200 Director(s) Dr Bamba Diop, Directeur Executif et Medical; Me. Sidiki Kaba, President du Conseil d’Administration; Mme. Dieynaba Dieng Ndoye, Chargee de Programme; Pr. Mabassa Fall, Responsable du Center de Formation Contact person(s) Dr Bamba Diop, Directeur Executif et Medical; Me. Sidiki Kaba, President du Conseil d’Administration; Mme. Dieynaba Dieng Ndoye, Chargee de Programme; Pr. Mabassa Fall, Responsable du Center de Formation Staff 2 physicians psychiatrist nurse medical secretary 2 social workers/welfare officers programme officer accountant cleaner 2 guards lawyer legal trainer Working language(s) French, Wolof Number of clients treated per year 50 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 250 other clients Prevention VIVRE’s activities in the field of prevention include raising awareness, organising protest marches, celebrating 0 December and 26 June, as well as training sessions for the military, local officials and trade unions. Since 200, the centre has been responsible for a series of public meetings, workshops and seminars. It has developed a dissemination programme for the Istanbul Protocol targeting the general population, military, police and prison personnel. Treatment Since 2000, VIVRE has reached more than ,500 torture victims, survivors of war and other forms of systematic violence. Clients referred to the centre are examined by the general practitioner and medication is given or prescribed. Sometimes clients are referred to specialists in gynaecology, psychiatry or radiology. Every week a therapy group is organised for 20 clients by the psychologist, the social worker and the general practitioner, at which they discuss psychological, social, medical and legal problems with the clients. Funding Funding is received from the UNVFVT and OAK Foundation, OIF and KIOS. Future plans Continuation of medical, social and legal services; open another centre in West Africa; establish an information centre for the general public, schools, etc.; and translate the Istanbul Protocol into the six national languages of Senegal. Information and advocacy VIVRE has organised various public meeting and seminars. Staff have written articles for local newspapers and organised press conferences, in order to draw attention to human rights violations. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 07 Serbia IAN Centre for Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (IAN CRTV) Press conference 26 June 2008 Performance 26 June 2008 Primary objective(s) • To improve the quality of life, mental health and physical well being of torture survivors and their families in Serbia and the region • To contribute to the prevention of torture, ill treatment and impunity through a concerted action of civil society actors and public institutions • To provide comprehensive rehabilitation services for torture survivors and their family members, including psychotherapeutic, medical and legal support and vocational skills training. tion and treatment; () legal assistance - legal advice and in-court representation, help with personal documents and status; (4) educational assistance including English and IT courses. Training Vulnerable persons may receive free IT courses for acquiring internationally recognised ECDL certificates (Office, web and graphic design) and free courses in English, life skills and entrepreneurship. The work of IAN’s educational team includes treatment approaches to stress, trauma and PTSD. programmes have been followed by highly standardised assessment and research. Comprehensive data on the effects of war related trauma and consequences on mental health have been collected; databases contain valuable information for more than ,000 war affected persons. Contact Admirala Geprata Street no. 0 000 Belgrade Serbia Phone: +8 67 97; +8 67 205 Mobile: + 8 6 264 49(2) Fax: +8 67 24
[email protected] www.ian.org.yu Established 2000 Director(s) Vladimir Jovic MD, PhD, Psychoanalyst, IAN Executive Director; Branko Vujadinovic, Psychologist, IAN CRTV Director Contact person(s) Branko Vujadinovic, Psychologist, IAN CRTV Director; Jelena Bakalic, Psychologist, Psychodrama psychotherapist, IAN CRTV Programme Coordinator Staff psychiatrists 6 psychologists special pedagogues lawyers medical doctor field worker economists Working language(s) Serbian, English Number of clients treated per year 90 primary torture victims 66 secondary torture victims 9 other clients Information and advocacy Raising public awareness about the reality of torture and advocacy involves organising public campaigns and publication of data regarding torture and its consequences in professional journals, as well as in newspapers for public use, and commemoration of the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Efforts are focused also on promotion of OPCAT importance in Serbia and advocacy for ratification of OPCAT in BiH. Research Treatment Main activities include comprehensive rehabilitation of war-traumatized people, torture survivors and family members, and other vulnerable groups through provision of: () psychotherapeutic assistance – psychological and psychiatric diagnostic and treatment - individual, group, family psychotherapy (supported with free-of-charge medicaments) in the centre or during mobile team visit, and SOS counselling; (2) medical assistance - diagnostic, general medical, internist and cardiologic examinaServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: educational assistance, IT courses IAN conducts scientific research through: analysis of the data collected in daily work with traumatised clients and inter-disciplinary studies within a consortium of institutions in Serbia and abroad. Current active research projects are: () STOP – Treatment seeking and outcomes in people suffering from PTSD following war and migration in the Balkans; (2) PBPTSD – Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress Disorders. Networking IAN is a member of the Balkan Network (BAN) and is involved in the European Network of Rehabilitation Centers for Survivors of Torture. Funding Documentation Since the early beginning of IAN, all Funding comes from CAFOD, the EU and UNVFVT. 08 Sierra Leone Community Association for Psychosocial Services (CAPS) CAPS staff CAPS clients during the commemoration of the 26 June, the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Primary objective(s) • To identify, organise and implement needed educational and psycho-social activities • To organise and deliver professional training in psycho-social activities • To promote and improve upon the human rights environment of the population of Sierra Leone • To collaborate with other psychosocial agencies in facilitating the reintegration of vulnerable peoples • To improve the general welfare and socio-cultural development of our target communities. thorities and youth on the definition and effects of torture, where it happens, who perpetrates torture, war trauma and its effects, and the work of CAPS in general. Contact 29 Bona Street Koidu Kono Sierra Leone 26 Mofindor Road Panguma Section – Kailahun Sierra Leone c/o CVT, 7 Sir Samuel Lewis Road Freetown Sierra Leone Phone: +22 76 70 80; +22 77 58 425; +22 76 65 222; +22 76 66 542
[email protected] Established 2005 Director(s) N/A Contact person(s) Frederick S. Samm-Kumbaka, Program Coordinator; Edward M. Bockarie, Chairperson, Board of Directors; Joseph Sam, Public Relations Officer Staff program coordinator finance manager logistics manager database officer 2 clinical supervisors office manager 9 psychosocial counsellors 8 security guards driver Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 02 primary torture victims 57 secondary torture victims 457 other clients Information and advocacy CAPS participates in 26 June activities and airs anti-torture programmes over the local radio. Networking CAPS collaborates with other nongovernmental organisations and government line ministries, child protection agencies and human rights organisations. Funding Documentation CAPS documents clients’ information for future research using one-, three-, six- and twelve-month assessment forms to help determine the symptoms’ reduction level in the clients. CAPS has received funding from the UNVFVT, the OAK Foundation, RCT, IRCT, CVT, PLAN West African Regional Office (PLAN WARO) and local membership contributions. Future plans CAPS intends to continue the planned activities but to expand to other areas within Sierra Leone. It also intends to add components like physiotherapy, medical assistance to clients and after-care for clients to help them better recover and to re-adjust and fit into their societies. Prevention CAPS conducts awareness raising activities in the communities in which we operate. We train law enforcement personnel within government ministries, child protection agencies, medical/health care personnel, teachers, local auServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 09 South Africa Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation/ Programme: Trauma and Transition Programme (TTP) (CSVR) Primary objective(s) The mission of TTP is to have a functional democracy where violence is contained and people and communities thrive in a peaceful, caring and safe society. This is achieved through psychosocial interventions, research, advocacy and lobbying within five strategic areas: trauma clinic, refugees, torture, crime and violence and unresolved trauma. pact of treatment with the other partners. Documentation Our current documentation of torture cases in based on a paper filing system where all the information of the client including the detailed assessment and process notes are kept. We do not have a monitoring system for torture cases yet, but have received funding from RCT through Danida to implement an electronic monitoring and evaluation system for torture cases. with universities who invite us to conduct educational programmes on trauma and torture. We also offer internships for trainee psychologists from Wits University as part of their formal university training. We are also a part of the following networks: National Consortium for Refugee Affairs and the Unaccompanied Minors Network and Force Migration Network. Contact 2 Joriseen Street, 4th floor Braamfontein, Johannesburg South Africa P.O. Box 0778 Braamfontein, Johannesburg South Africa Phone: +27 40 502; +27 40 50 ext. 24 Mobile: +27 8 7 66 Fax: +27 40 762
[email protected] www.csvr.org.za Established 998 Director(s) Ahmed Motala, Director; Nomfundo Mogapi, Manager for TTP Contact person(s) Nomfundo Mogapi, Manager for TTP Staff psychiatrists psychologists psychiatric nurse 2 social workers counsellors administration accountant receptionist 2 interpreters Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 4 primary torture victims 9 secondary torture victims 9 other clients Treatment Treatment methods include brief term supportive counselling, indepth therapy, psychosocial interventions, home visits and accompaniment to government agencies. Prevention We offer educational programmes with prison officials, the police and health professionals. Training We offer capacity building programmes for legal and health professionals on working with torture. We also offer training for professional counsellors and for government agencies working with torture survivors. Information and advocacy We are actively involved in government lobbying. Currently we are lobbying the government to ratify OPCAT. We also conduct research that is used for advocacy purposes. We have just completed research on the health needs of exiled torture survivors in South Africa. Research We are currently one of the international partners with RCT. Through this partnership we are able to exchange information on new developments in treatment and imServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Networking We are affiliated to Themba Lesizwe – a national coalition for trauma services providers. We work closely Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 0 South Africa Trauma Centre of Survivors of Violence and Torture (TCSVT) 26 June activities by the TCSVT in South Africa 26 June activities by the TCSVT in South Africa Primary objective(s) • Provide informed, accessible, preventative and curative mental health services to individuals, communities and systems affected by violence • Research and develop best practise models to inform our interventions in rehabilitating survivors • Raise awareness with regard to torture and human rights abuses and advocate with/on behalf of survivors • Address the impact of trauma on the inter-generational level. tions. We have trained community workers in disaster management, and have a programme addressing prevention of violence in schools. clients and allows their voices to be heard for publicising the issue. Information and advocacy Updated information booklets contain information about: responses to trauma; citizens’ rights, when under arrest and how to access redress; and the Refugee Act and accessible services for refugees. Contact Cowley House 26 Chapel Street Woodstock 7925 Cape Town South Africa Phone: +27 2 465 77 Fax: +27 2 462 4 www.trauma.org.za Established 99 Director(s) Ms Vimlay Pillay Contact person(s) Miriam Fredericks Staff 5 social workers 8 psychologists 5 administrative staff Working language(s) English, Afrikaans, Xhosa Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 00 secondary torture victims 286 other clients Research We have researched the skills that helped IDPs leave safe sites after the xenophobic attacks and what caused people to remain/not reintegrate into communities. We assist the Human Science Research Council with interviews in prisons and a staff member is investigating the psycho-social needs of second generation survivors. Networking We network with organisations, e.g. CVT, UNICEF and Amnesty. Nationally we are a founding member of a network concentrating on torture rehabilitation and prevention. Locally we are a member of Tutumike and gender networks. Treatment TCSVT employs social workers and psychologists who work as counsellors. Treatment methods are largely psychodynamic psychotherapy, with an emphasis on CBT; others focus on a psychoanalytical approach as well as alternative methodologies such as narrative, art and massage therapy. The centre is embarking on additional community development strategies as we try to address “multiple woundedness” in our society. Legal We do not have legal services but have a very good referral system and network with the Legal Aid Offices as well as Lawyers for Human Rights. Funding Funding has come from the EU, OAK/Rausing Foundation, UNVFVT, Open Society, Norwegian Church Aid, the South African Government, Department Of Social Development, Amnesty International, UNICEF. Documentation Torture cases are referred to the Independent Complaints Directorate, a legal body mandated to investigate matters related to police misconduct. We document cases and survey newspapers for incidents of torture. Future plans Develop strong monitoring and evaluation; more community-based interventions; sharpen research strategies to address clients using evidence based interventions. Training TCSVT trains frontline workers in state departments, police, correctional services, home affairs and other refugee service organisaServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Prevention TCSVT commemorates World Refugee Day with other service providers and 26 June, which involves our Sri Lanka Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC) Staff of the FRC Primary objective(s) • Treat and rehabilitate torture victims • Carry out awareness programmes to prevent torture • Reintegration and resettlement of the victims through community participation • Strengthening of the grassroots level organisation through an empowerment programme • Strengthening of the networking mechanism at the national and international level. a regular and systematic basis to enhance the capacity of the staff in order to ensure the quality of service. In addition external courses and in overall project management is done as a part of on-the-job training. Contact 7, Gregory’s Road Colombo 07 Sri Lanka Phone: +94 269 844 Fax: +94 269 844
[email protected] www.frcsl.org Established 992 Director(s) Desmond Fernando pc, Chairman; Sandamal Rajapakse, Secretary; Deepika Udagama; M.M. Ismail; T. Gadambanathan; Kala Shikanthini Attanayake; Gunaratne Wanninayake; Mano Ramanathan; C.S. Nachchinarkiniyan Contact person(s) A Sara Poovendran, Chief Executive Officer Staff chief executive officer project coordinator finance manager accountant monitoring and evaluation officer secretary book keeper multi-duty clerk driver care taker office labourer 9 counsellors 6 field officers 6 community volunteer workers 8 medical doctors 8 physiotherapists 8 pharmacists Working language(s) Sinhala, English, Tamil Research Plans are afoot to commence a research programme. Legal Legal activities occur through networking with relevant organisations under the referrals programme. Treatment FRC provides medical, psychotherapeutic and prosthetic care and assistance to victims of torture through regular and systematic weekly clinics at all of the operational districts. The model of treatment is individual based. All clients who are in need of advanced treatment are referred to specialists in the respective sectors. Documentation Documentation is an integral part of FRC’s main plan. Networking FRC is a member of the Consortium for Humanitarian Agencies in Colombo and an active member of the district level NGO consortia in the eight districts. Training Structured courses in advanced counselling, development of communication skills, monitoring and evaluation, networking with government/NGOs and project quality management are conducted on Future plans To become self sustainable through inter-dependency. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Number of clients treated per year 5268 primary, secondary and other clients 2 Sudan Amel Center for Treatment & Rehabilitation for Torture Victims (ACTRTV) Training in Human Rights for women, Kalma IDPs camp Training in Human Rights for women, Kalma IDPs camp Primary objective(s) • Medical treatment, rehabilitation programme and legal aid for victims of torture • Capacity building for staff, NGOs and torture survivors on prevention and human rights education • Monitoring, documenting and reporting on human rights violations and abuses in Sudan • Raising awareness and reporting on the rights of women and children and prisoners • Advocacy on national and international levels about the human rights situation in Sudan. national and international standards for fair trials; and paralegals to provide essential services and support to IDPs. Research Research is being undertaken on nomadic populations, street children and the prison situation in Sudan. and the centre disseminates information about the current human rights situation in Sudan with a view to raising awareness about the practice of torture and strengthening the flow of information between, and coordination of, civil society bodies. Target groups of advocacy include victims of torture according to CAT, IDPs in the Darfur region and victims of domestic violence. Contact Khartoum North P.O. Box 6, code Sudan Phone: +249 09249974 +249 092782049 nagib
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[email protected];
[email protected] www.amelcentersudan.org Established 999 Director(s) Dr Mustasa Ahmed Alseed, Chairman; Dr Nagib Nagm Eldin Hassan, General Director Contact person(s) Dr Nagib Nagm Eldin, Naser Bashier Kambal Staff medical program director senior social worker 2 social workers coordinator lawyer administration & documentation financial officer 2 media officers Working language(s) English, Arabic Number of clients treated per year 06 primary torture victims 644 secondary torture victims 200 other clients Legal The centre provides legal representation and counsel to victims of torture to seek reparation and redress; to women and men who were victims of systematic rape and sexual violence particularly under the pretext of the conflict in Darfur and the South; to common criminals at risk of receiving degrading or inhuman punishment; and to street children in Sudan. Networking Amel Center is member of the AMAN network, PHR and CVT (Minnesota) and works closely with UN Special Rapporteurs and thematic mandates. It coordinates campaigns with Amnesty International and human rights and legal aid networks. Treatment The centre has three branches: Nyala, South Darfur; Elfashir, North Darfur; and Elgenina, West Darfur. Treatment and rehabilitation for victims of torture is provided, including psychological and physical treatment, and different methods of counselling by well trained social workers and doctors. Funding The centre is currently financed by the EC through SOAT (Khartoum, Nyala and Fashir). The NED is financing the head office for some workshops and the UNDP was supporting legal aid in Darfur through SOAT. The centre and its staff have also received numerous awards. Documentation The centre monitors, documents and reports on human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, including through an annual report on torture in Sudan and other thematic reports. Training Amel Center’s training attempts to influence those who have the possibility of protecting human rights. This includes training for law enforcement personnel on the treatment of prisoners; the judiciary on Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans Information and advocacy Advocacy and campaigning occurs on national and international levels Focus on new programme on domestic violence; new centre in south Sudan. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Sweden The Red Cross Centre for Tortured Refugees Primary objective(s) • Alleviate post-torture suffering through the treatment of physical and psychological sequelae • Enhance the self-esteem, and restore the dignity and identity, of the torture victim • Assist refugees with the possibility of living a normal life physically, psychologically and socially • Disseminate knowledge on trauma and torture sequelae. Legal The centre provides assistance in family reunification cases and has close co-operation with lawyers working with refugee cases. some are available on the centre’s website. Networking Centre bylaws stipulate that the centre is to counteract torture and its effects, for example through international co-operation in conferences and projects. Contact Göta Ark 80 8 72 Stockholm Visiting address: Medborgarplatsen 25 Phone: +46 8 772 9 80 Fax: +46 8 772 9 97 E-mail:
[email protected] www.redcross.se/rkcstockholm Established 985 Director(s) Rigmor Gillberg, Director Contact person(s) Rigmor Gillberg, Director Staff physician psychiatrist 2 psychologists 4 social workers legal advisor administrator 2 medical secretaries Working language(s) Swedish Number of clients treated per year 280 primary torture victims 90 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Documentation Case histories and the course of treatment are documented in a patient file based on a standard form corresponding to the clinical interview. A routine statistical registration of treatment activities has been developed and each therapeutic session is registered in a statistical form. Funding The main source of funding is the Stockholm County Council. The centre also receives funding from some municipalities in the Stockholm County and from the European Union. Treatment Treatment is offered to victims of torture who are residents in the Stockholm County and who have a residence permit. Services offered include medical and psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, psychosocial work and physiotherapy. Prevention The centre organises lectures and seminars on the impact of torture and methods of treatment and gives lectures in schools and universities and to professionals working with refugees. The centre also has a project supporting a human rights organisation in Turkey. At the regional and national level, the centre co-operates with a number of organisations offering counselling, aid and treatment to torture survivors. Training Training – through teaching, supervision, counselling, lectures and seminars – is offered to health care professionals and others who come into contact with tortured refugees. The centre also hosts educational visits and provides consultative services to professionals. Information and advocacy The centre has published a number of scientific studies and articles; Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 4 Sweden The Swedish Red Cross Center for Victims of Torture and War, Malmoe Staff of the Swedish Red Cross Center for Victims of Torture and War, Malmoe The premises in Malmoe, Sweden Primary objective(s) • Prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may occur, in order to protect life, health and to ensure respect for human beings • Give priority to the most vulnerable members of society • Improve the health conditions of asylum seekers and refugees in Sweden who are severely traumatised by war or are victims of Torture • Ensure treatment from a holistic perspective by a multi-professional health team • Promote human rights and raise public awareness. isolation, blindfolding, and prolonged periods in the dark. and other centres in Sweden, as well as with centres abroad (i.e. the IRCT, Denmark). Training This is an ongoing and important part of our work. Target groups include: staff within the health service, social workers, politicians, volunteers for the Red Cross, medical students and students within the university programme of social welfare. Contact Drottninggatan 2C SE-22 Malmö Sweden Bangatan Box 7079 SE-200 42 Malmö Sweden Phone: +46 40 2 65 0 Fax: +46 40 2 65
[email protected] www.redcross.se/rkcmalmo Established 988 Director(s) Barbro O’Connor, Manager Contact person(s) Barbro O’Connor, Manager Staff psychologists physician (part-time) 2 physiotherapists 2 social counsellors secretary Working language(s) Swedish Number of clients treated per year 50 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 200 other clients Funding Funding is provided by the county council of Skåne, the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, the EU, the community of Malmoe, the Swedish inheritance fund, the Red Cross, and various other funds. Documentation We follow standard legal procedures for documentation. Each patient has his/her own file with a case history and treatment plan. Statistical data covering nationality, gender, age, number of patients treated and number of completed treatments is collected. Treatment The centre offers: () individual and group psychotherapy; (2) medical assessment and treatment; () individual and group physiotherapy; (4) support conversation; (5) individual and group art therapy; and (6) psycho-social work. Most common torture methods include: falanga, hanging in various positions, cigarette burns, sexual violence, extreme cold and heat, electric shocks, mock executions, being forced to witness close relations or friends being tortured and executed, beatings, starvation, Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy Staff at the Red Cross Centre regularly produce publications regarding their work, and participate in Nordic and international conferences where methods of treatment are presented. Networking The staff participate in various networking activities with staff from the health service, the RC centres Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Red Cross volunteers offer various kinds of social support to patients 5 Sweden The Swedish Red Cross Center for Victims of Torture and War, Skövde (RKC) From left to right, top row: Elisabeth Axelsson, Director; Rosanne Macke-Alström, Psychotherapist; Gunnar Rehn, Psychologist. From left to right, bottom row: Charlotta Berg, Physiotherapist; Kjell Engström, Counsellor; Catharina Karlsson, Social Worker; Lyhanne Willnerth, Secretary/Assistant. Missing in the picture: Kerstin Jaeckel, Psychotherapist Primary objective(s) • Treat and alleviate the after-effects of torture and war trauma, for individuals and families • Advocate for the right to asylum, rehabilitation and treatment, and redress, where possible • Act to prevent torture through imparting information to the public • Act to prevent atrocities of war through imparting information to the public • Create understanding and empathy towards victims of torture and war among those who meet them. Documentation Documentation of torture sequelae according to the Istanbul Protocol is offered when it is of great legal import and when it is possible to offer the necessary medical examination. Contact Mariestadsvägen 90A 54 45 Skövde Sweden Phone:+46 500 424 995 Fax:+46 500 424 99
[email protected] www.redcross.se Established 99 Director(s) Elisabeth Axelsson Contact person(s) Elisabeth Axelsson Staff 4 psychologists/psychotherapists/counsellors social worker physiotherapist secretary/assistant medical doctor (vacant) Working language(s) Swedish, English, interpreters for other languages Number of clients treated per year 20 primary, secondary and other clients Treatment Treatment is given mainly through psychotherapy, with varying techniques used. Complementary treatment through physiotherapy is offered to some patients. Medical treatment is given outside the centre, in collaboration with the ordinary health services. Social work is required in many cases, to ensure proper legal treatment of asylum cases, to ease communication with other authorities, to assist with providing contact with specially educated voluntary workers, etc. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 6 Sweden Swedish Red Cross Centre for Victims of Torture, Uppsala Primary objective(s) • Improve the health conditions of asylum seekers and refugees severely traumatized by war or torture • Provide holistic treatment by a multi-professional health care team • Enhance patients’ self-esteem and restore their dignity and identity • Prevent and alleviate human suffering, to protect life, health and ensure respect for human beings • Promote human rights and raise public awareness. persons who have been tortured or traumatized by war. The target groups are physicians, social workers, migration authorities, adult education programmes and donors. sion is offered to Red Cross volunteers. The centre cooperates with a number of organisations on the regional and national levels. Contact Trädgårdsgatan 6 I 75 09 Uppsala Sweden Phone: +46 8 8 75 6 Fax: +46 8 8 75 6
[email protected] http://www.redcross.se Established 996 Director(s) Carl-Pether Wirsén Contact person(s) Olga Klauber, Psychologist/psychotherapist Staff director 2.5 psychologist/psychotherapist 0.5 physiotherapist/psychotherapist 0. psychiatrist secretary Working language(s) Swedish, English, Persian, Czech Number of clients treated per year (not available) Information and advocacy Members of staff regularly produce publications regarding our work. We participate in national and international conferences on treatment methods. Research Research on asylum seekers as part of the EU EQAL Program is carried out within the national AROS ASYL and the trans-national AVE partnership established in 2004. On the national level, research is conducted at Uppsala University, Department of Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology. Networking The centre is engaged in the national AROS ASYL and the transnational AVE partnership, both established in 2004 under the Asylum Seekers Theme of the EU EQAL Program. One of the common AVE objectives is to create an EU network concerning asylum seekers. Treatment The RKC provides treatment and rehabilitation services for tortured and war traumatized refugees and asylum seekers and their families. This includes psychotherapy including EMDR, counselling, psycho-education on trauma, psychiatric assessment and treatment, physiotherapy, volunteer psychosocial support, access to Red Cross “Traffpunkten” and counselling on the asylum process and family reunification matters. Documentation Records are kept in accordance with the laws and procedures of the Swedish health services. Each patient file contains a case history, treatment plan, progress and outcome. Statistical data regarding nationality, gender, age, type of torture and legal status is also collected. Funding Current sources of funding are the European Union, UNVFVT, Uppsala County Council, General Inheritance Fund and local Red Cross branches. Prevention The centre organises lectures and seminars on the consequences of torture and methods of treatment. Members of staff give lectures at Uppsala University, in schools and to professionals working with refugees. Seminars and supervi- Future plans Increase training, counselling and educational activities to other actors; develop psychosocial work through volunteers. Training Training and supervision is offered to health care professionals and others who come into contact with Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: as a complement to professional treatment, Red Cross volunteers also offer different types of social support 7 Switzerland Consultation for Victims of Torture and War (CTG) Primary objective(s) • Medical care • Psychological support and psychosocial support • Psychotherapy • Physiotherapy • Medico-legal documentation. Legal The centre produces medical reports and collaborates with lawyers and NGOs offering legal assistance to survivors of torture. a member of the European network of rehabilitation centres. Funding Funding comes from the Swiss RedCross, Geneva University Hospital and the UNVFVT. Contact 24 Rue Micehlis du Crest CH-2 Genève 4 Switzerland Phone: +4 22 72 5 27
[email protected] Established 990 Director(s) Dr Laurent Subilia Contact person(s) Dr Laurent Subilia; Dr Guillaume Bron-Schwartz Staff 2 physicians (general practitioners, full- and part-time) 2 psychologists (part-time) Working language(s) French Number of clients treated per year 60 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 60 other clients Documentation CTG documents torture, war and organised violence sequels, and adjusts medico-legal documents to the evolution of administrative requirements in the asylum procedures. Treatment CTG utilises an interdisciplinary, coordinated approach, offering joint treatment of somatic, psychological and psychosocial sequels of organised violence. The centre treats any survivor of organised violence, not limited by administrative status. The centre organises specific treatment of the consequences of violence cumulated with the difficulties of migration and integration. Future plans New facilities offered by Geneva University Hospital; extension of team and strengthening of treatment capacities limited at present by major funding difficulties. Prevention CTG conducts sensitisation and training of professionals working with survivors of violence: asylum seekers, refugees, clandestine workers or nationals, at the national and international level. The centre believes that defence of rehabilitation is the first step of prevention. Training Training is given for health professionals, social workers and administrative personnel at the local and international level. Training is also offered to NGO members working with survivors of violence. Information and advocacy The centre participates in workshops, roundtables and seminars on organised violence at the national and international level. Research Research is conducted on the impact of treatment and on follow-up of clients. Networking CTG works in collaboration with Swiss rehabilitation centres, and is Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 8 Switzerland Outpatient Clinic for Victims of Torture and War (AFK), Swiss Red Cross Primary objective(s) • To offer interdisciplinary consultations and treatment to traumatised migrants, their families and relatives • To conduct research and documentation, further education and training for those dealing with refugees • To perform referral services and make arrangements for those who cannot be cared for at the centre. Research In collaboration with the University of Berne, a study on “Patienttherapist value discrepancy and its relation to therapeutic alliance and outcome in cross-cultural psychotherapies” is conducted by the centre. First results are expected at the beginning of 2009. produced. For the general public, we publish the newsletter “perspective” twice a year. Further, the SRC published a comprehensive publication for general practitioners and legal experts. Contact Outpatient Clinic for Victims of Torture and War (AFK) Swiss Red Cross Werkstrasse 6 084 Wabern bei Bern Switzerland Phone: +4 960 77 77 Fax: +4 960 77 88
[email protected] Established 995 Director(s) Angelika Louis Contact person(s) Angelika Louis Staff director (business administrator) medical director social counselling director 2 psychiatrists/psychotherapists 2 medical doctors social workers 2 psychotherapists research assistant administrative secretaries interpreters contracted on an hourly basis For trainees: 2 social workers 2 psychotherapists Working language(s) German Number of clients treated per year 0 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking Helpful working contracts have been established with several treatment centres and human rights organisations. Furthermore, the centre is engaged in continuing a consolidated Swiss trauma network with outpatient clinics in Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne. Documentation A comprehensive library of relevant books on war and torture experiences and therapy has been established. Documentation of individual cases of treatment comprising the patient’s history, treatment, repeated measures of patient’s complaints, etc. is also maintained. Treatment Patients treated at the outpatient clinic include migrants with traumatic experiences of war and torture. The main goal of the therapy can be characterised as empowerment, i.e. helping torture victims to renounce the role of victim and lead them towards an active life as torture survivors. The approach used comprises a interdisciplinary and multi-modal therapy in which the patient’s familiy is included. Funding Besides the operating revenues from the health insurance the main financial support comes from the Humanitarian Foundation of the Swiss Red Cross. Further funding is provided by the Swiss Federal Office for Migration, the UNVFVT, as well as other foundations, firms and private donors. Prevention Prevention is the goal of the intensive public relations work of the centre. We are regularly involved in the activities of the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) on Human Rights Day (0 December) and the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June). Training During 2007, approximately 50 lectures and workshops were conducted in various settings (health care, social security and civil service). Future plans Intensifying of the professional exchange of the SRC-Clinic and the clinics in Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne. Information and advocacy During 2007, several scientific publications (papers, posters and contributions to textbooks) were Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 9 Turkey Centre of Social Action, Rehabilitation and Readjustment for the victims of torture (SOHRAM-CASRA) Women and children attend a Mother’s Day celebration at the centre A tree-planting ceremony held to symbolise a positive future Primary objective(s) • To assist victims of violence with adaptation to a new life • To provide psychological (psychotherapeutic) rehabilitation and medical treatment to victims of torture. The target group is children, women and men between the ages of 7 and 60 who cannot afford the treatment costs • To contribute to improvement in the situation related to the abuse of human rights, the prevention of torture and rehabilitation of victims. (re)adaptation of torture survivors, social security, legal rights and the nature of work with refugees and asylum seekers. Research Using surveys, questionnaires and assessments, SOHRAM is conducting research on the contextual and contingent nature of torture and trauma related to violence. human rights violations in Turkey. Reports covering information on applicants to SOHRAM, as well as scientific studies on torture, have been published in Turkish and French since 200. SOHRAM and other organisations dealing with human rights issues, specifically torture, organise campaigns on 26 June and 0 December every year. Contact Kurt Ismail pas 2. sokak Demiray Apartmani Kat: No: 9 200 Ofis Diyarbakir Turkey Phone: +90 42 224 44 77 Mobile phone: +90 52 45 4 42; +4 76 507 44 40 Fax: +90 42 228 88 80; + 8 20 48 5 2
[email protected] www.sohram.com Established 2000 Director(s) M. Yavuz Binbay Contact person(s) Yeter Yilmaz, Vice-Director Staff medical doctor psychologists counsellor 2 social workers nurse lawyer secretary medical secretary administrative staff 76 volunteers Working language(s) Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic (Dialect regional), French Number of clients treated per year 4 primary torture victims 8 secondary torture victims 82 other clients Networking Legal SOHRAM has one lawyer and one legal volunteer and can offer legal advice for victims of torture and violence who have just filed their cases. Our lawyer also assists with seminars on the rights of children and women. SOHRAM has a large network of national and international level relations with human rights organisations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We also have support from Switzerland Reintegration au Liue d’Exile. Treatment SOHRAM has rehabilitation centres in Diyarbakir and Siirt. SOHRAM deals with individuals who have experienced torture and present psychological disorders and posttraumatic suffering. Psychological rehabilitation is paired with social rehabilitation. We offer consultations on general medicine as well as financial support for medicines. SOHRAM deals with surgical operations when necessary following torture and maltreatment inflicted during arrest or incarceration. Funding Documentation We have diagnostic and legal documentation about the patients with whom we work. We are also monitoring alleged and reported cases of torture. We have library and information services. Funding is received from UNVFVT, OMCT, ProVictimis, ACAT Switzerland and OAK. Future plans Enlargement of SOHRAM’s rehabilitation programme; standardisation of treatment programmes of SOHRAM through regular internal training sessions and supervision of the clinical work. We aim to transform our organisation to an institute in the year 200. Prevention We are providing education programmes for both adults and children on legal rights and crime. Training SOHRAM trains staff and volunteers on the different stages and nature of rehabilitation, the Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Psychotherapy, education for children who have been abused and/or whose families have been subjected to torture Information and advocacy SOHRAM publishes one report and monograph every year addressing 20 Turkey Foundation for Social and Legal Studies (TOHAV) Staff of TOHAV, Turkey Primary objective(s) • To absorb and to put the principles of democracy and international law into social and governmental life • To abolish barriers to individual social,economic, cultural and national development and reach a concept of unrestrained, democratic, participative and emancipative law • To provide free medical and psychological treatment for torture survivors and members of their families • To document the physical and mental health of torture survivors and advocate for prevention of torture • To offer education and training for those with no knowledge about the consequences of torture in Turkey. is completed using other necessary examination methods such as laboratory tests, radiological and specialist exams. Finally, under coordination of the doctor in charge of the centre, an individual therapy programme is elaborated and applied for each patient. One of the centre’s team is a neurologist, who contributes to the examination and therapy programme. with books and reports. The centre compiles its own medical and legal documentation. Contact Turnacıbasi sk. No: 9/-4-5 Beyoćlu Istanbul Turkey Phone: +90 22 29 47 70; +90 22 29 47 7 Mobile: +90 5 769 27 55 Fax: +90 22 29 47 72
[email protected] www.tohav.org Established 994 Director(s) Sehnaz Turan Contact person(s) Dr. Veysi Ülgen, Project Coordinator Staff project coordinator medical doctor neurologist physician social worker psychologist lawyers accountant researcher Working language(s) Turkish, Kurdish Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 27 other clients Prevention TOHAV prevention activities are directed towards monitoring torture in law enforcement structures: public awareness activities; seminars for NGOs, media campaigns, publications. TOHAV has published books covering all our research about prevention of torture. TOHAV also has published an instruction manual and report to the UN on prevention of torture. Training Education activities for prevention of torture have been held in the cities of Van and Istanbul in international standards. Moreover in 2008 a panel was held on the Optional Protocol. Networking TOHAV cooperates with relevant governmental bodies, NGOs and mental health organisations. TOHAV is a member of the Public Defender’s Board for monitoring human rights violations. Legal In order to create “prevention and protection” mechanisms for victims of human rights violations, TOHAV helps people or institutions in their efforts to seek redress and provides advisory and assistance service in internal and supra-national legal mechanisms like the European Court for Human Rights for victims of human rights violations. Treatment TOHAV provides medical, psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and physiotherapy treatment, as well as psychosocial and legal counselling, to victims of torture and their close relatives. Our treatment programme is based on a pre-diagnosis derived from a physical examination upon admission of the patient. Thereafter the diagnosis Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation TOHAV operates a small library Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 2 Turkey Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) – Adana Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Team of the HRFT, Adana Primary objective(s) • To help torture survivors regain their health, both physically and psychologically • To abolish torture and impunity in Turkey as well as in the world • To promote human rights. Research Research activities consist of: measuring the quality of life of the torture survivors, functional rehabilitation held during the chronic phase of Wernicke Encephalopathy that results from long-term hunger. ture, in Turkish and English. HRFT organises numerous campaigns on trials against human rights defenders and against torture on 26 June and 0 December. Contact 9. Sok. Ferihan Tekeli Apt. A-Blok Kat: No: 2/2 Kurtulus Mah - Adana Turkey Phone: +90 22 457 65 99 Fax: +90 22 458 85 66
[email protected] www.tihv.org.tr Established 995 Director(s) Mustafa Cinkilic, Representative, Executive Board Member Contact person(s) Mustafa Cinkilic, Representative, Executive Board Member Staff physician medical secretary social worker psychiatrist (volunteer) Working language(s) Turkish Number of clients treated per year 7 primary torture victims 5 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The HRFT participates in a variety of national and international networks with HR organisations, medical associations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We organise support and solidarity committees in different countries. Treatment The HRFT operates five centres in Turkey. All applications are made by applicants themselves, following referral by various NGOs and individuals. Interviews are conducted by social workers then applicants are referred to the physicians and psychiatrists. Families of torture survivors are also provided rehabilitation services. Documentation Applicants receive a file consisting of an epicrisis (paper and computer), a data file (computer) and a visual file including photographs and findings of imaging studies. Funding Centres have been granted funds by the EC, UNVFVT, AI – Swiss and German sections, the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Prevention HRFT has recently conducted a campaign for the ratification of OPCAT in Turkey. There is an ongoing project for prevention of torture: “Review of legislation on torture and implementation of it during EU harmonization process in Turkey and training, providing legal service and raising public awareness in order to prevent torture in Turkey”. Training A psychotherapeutic programme is done with the “Süddeutsche Akademie für Psychotherapie”. HRFT planned training on psychotherapy for psychiatrists and psychologists. Training also occurs on the Istanbul Protocol together with the IRCT, WMA, PHR-USA; on care for caregivers; as part of the OPCAT campaign; and through various conferences, seminars, student trainings and exchange programmes. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans HRFT plans to establish an institute which will conduct diverse multidisciplinary activities: scientific research, trainings, archives and library, publishing and reporting, information networks and rehabilitation. Information and advocacy HRFT has published reports and monographs on human rights, information on applicants to the HRFT and scientific studies on tor- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 22 Turkey Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Ankara Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre President of the HRFT Yavuz Önen (left) and medical doctor Leyent Kutlu Team of the HRFT, Ankara Primary objective(s) • To help torture survivors regain their health, both physically and psychologically • To abolish torture and impunity in Turkey as well as in the world • To promote human rights. Research Research activities consist of: measuring the quality of life of the torture survivors, functional rehabilitation held during the chronic phase of Wernicke Encephalopathy that results from long-term hunger. organises numerous campaigns on trials against human rights defenders and against torture on 26 June and 0 December. Contact Akbas Mah. Sarica Sokak No:7/ Altindag 06080 Ankara Turkey Phone: +90 2 0 66 6 Fax: +90 2 0 64 6
[email protected] www.tihv.org.tr Established 995 Director(s) Okan Akhan, Executive Board Member Contact person(s) Okan Akhan, Executive Board Member Staff physician medical secretary physician (volunteer) psychiatrist (volunteer) Working language(s) Turkish Number of clients treated per year 4 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The HRFT participates in a variety of national and international networks with HR organisations, medical associations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We organise support and solidarity committees in different countries. Treatment The HRFT operates five centres in Turkey. All applications are made by applicants themselves, following referral by various NGOs and individuals. Interviews are conducted by social workers then applicants are referred to the physicians and psychiatrists. Families of torture survivors are also provided rehabilitation services. Documentation Applicants receive a file consisting of an epicrisis (paper and computer), a data file (computer) and a visual file including photographs and findings of imaging studies. Funding Centres have been granted funds by the EC, UNVFVT, AI – Swiss and German sections, the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Prevention HRFT has recently conducted a campaign for the ratification of OPCAT in Turkey. There is an ongoing project for prevention of torture: “Review of legislation on torture and implementation of it during EU harmonization process in Turkey and training, providing legal service and raising public awareness in order to prevent torture in Turkey”. Training A psychotherapeutic programme is done with the “Süddeutsche Akademie für Psychotherapie”. HRFT planned training on psychotherapy for psychiatrists and psychologists. Training also occurs on the Istanbul Protocol together with the IRCT, WMA, PHR-USA; on care for caregivers; as part of the OPCAT campaign; and through various conferences, seminars, student trainings and exchange programmes. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans HRFT plans to establish an institute which will conduct diverse multidisciplinary activities: scientific research, trainings, archives and library, publishing and reporting, information networks and rehabilitation. Information and advocacy HRFT has published reports and monographs on human rights, information on applicants to the HRFT and scientific studies on torture, in Turkish and English. HRFT Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 2 Turkey Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - Diyarbakir Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Team of the HRFT, Diyarbakir Primary objective(s) • To help torture survivors regain their health, both physically and psychologically • To abolish torture and impunity in Turkey as well as in the world • To promote human rights. Research Research activities consist of: measuring the quality of life of the torture survivors, functional rehabilitation held during the chronic phase of Wernicke Encephalopathy that results from long-term hunger. organises numerous campaigns on trials against human rights defenders and against torture on 26 June and 0 December. Contact Lise Caddesi Eyyup Eser Apt. No. 8/2 Yenisehir - Diyarbakir Turkey Phone: +90 42 228 26 6 Fax: +90 42 228 24 76
[email protected] www.tihv.org.tr Established 998 Director(s) Sezgin Tanrikulu, Representative Contact person(s) Sezgin Tanrikulu, Representative Staff 1 physician medical secretary psychiatrist (volunteer) social worker Working language(s) Turkish Number of clients treated per year 4 primary torture victims 2 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The HRFT participates in a variety of national and international networks with HR organisations, medical associations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We organise support and solidarity committees in different countries. Treatment The HRFT operates five centres in Turkey. All applications are made by applicants themselves, following referral by various NGOs and individuals. Interviews are conducted by social workers then applicants are referred to the physicians and psychiatrists. Families of torture survivors are also provided rehabilitation services. Documentation Applicants receive a file consisting of an epicrisis (paper and computer), a data file (computer) and a visual file including photographs and findings of imaging studies. Funding Centres have been granted funds by the EC, UNVFVT, AI – Swiss and German sections, the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Prevention HRFT has recently conducted a campaign for the ratification of OPCAT in Turkey. There is an ongoing project for prevention of torture: “Review of legislation on torture and implementation of it during EU harmonization process in Turkey and training, providing legal service and raising public awareness in order to prevent torture in Turkey”. Training A psychotherapeutic programme is done with the “Süddeutsche Akademie für Psychotherapie”. HRFT planned training on psychotherapy for psychiatrists and psychologists. Training also occurs on the Istanbul Protocol together with the IRCT, WMA, PHR-USA; on care for caregivers; as part of the OPCAT campaign; and through various conferences, seminars, student trainings and exchange programmes. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans HRFT plans to establish an institute which will conduct diverse multidisciplinary activities: scientific research, trainings, archives and library, publishing and reporting, information networks and rehabilitation. Information and advocacy HRFT has published reports and monographs on human rights, information on applicants to the HRFT and scientific studies on torture, in Turkish and English. HRFT Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 24 Turkey Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) – Istanbul Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Team of the HRFT, Istanbul Primary objective(s) • To help torture survivors regain their health, both physically and psychologically • To abolish torture and impunity in Turkey as well as in the world • To promote human rights. Research Research activities consist of: measuring the quality of life of the torture survivors, functional rehabilitation held during the chronic phase of Wernicke Encephalopathy that results from long-term hunger. organises numerous campaigns on trials against human rights defenders and against torture on 26 June and 0 December. Contact Hocazade Sokak No: 8 Siraselviler cad. Beyoćlu – Istanbul Turkey Phone: +90 22 249 0 92 Fax: +90 22 25 7 29
[email protected] www.tihv.org.tr Established 99 Director(s) Sükran Irencin, Representative, Executive Board Member Contact person(s) Sükran Irencin, Representative, Executive Board Member Staff physicians medical secretary psychiatrist social worker (volunteer) Working language(s) Turkish Number of clients treated per year 85 primary torture victims 5 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The HRFT participates in a variety of national and international networks with HR organisations, medical associations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We organise support and solidarity committees in different countries. Treatment The HRFT operates five centres in Turkey. All applications are made by applicants themselves, following referral by various NGOs and individuals. Interviews are conducted by social workers then applicants are referred to the physicians and psychiatrists. Families of torture survivors are also provided rehabilitation services. Documentation Applicants receive a file consisting of an epicrisis (paper and computer), a data file (computer) and a visual file including photographs and findings of imaging studies. Funding Centres have been granted funds by the EC, UNVFVT, AI – Swiss and German sections, the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Prevention HRFT has recently conducted a campaign for the ratification of OPCAT in Turkey. There is an ongoing project for prevention of torture: “Review of legislation on torture and implementation of it during EU harmonization process in Turkey and training, providing legal service and raising public awareness in order to prevent torture in Turkey”. Training A psychotherapeutic programme is done with the “Süddeutsche Akademie für Psychotherapie”. HRFT planned training on psychotherapy for psychiatrists and psychologists. Training also occurs on the Istanbul Protocol together with the IRCT, WMA, PHR-USA; on care for caregivers; as part of the OPCAT campaign; and through various conferences, seminars, student trainings and exchange programmes. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans HRFT plans to establish an institute which will conduct diverse multidisciplinary activities: scientific research, trainings, archives and library, publishing and reporting, information networks and rehabilitation. Information and advocacy HRFT has published reports and monographs on human rights, information on applicants to the HRFT and scientific studies on torture, in Turkish and English. HRFT Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 25 Turkey Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) - İzmir Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Team of the HRFT Izmir. From left to right, standing: Coskun Usterci, Board member of HRFT, Administrative Secretary; Aytul Ucar, Medical Secretary; Nazan Sakalli, Legal Consultant; Dr. Alp Ayan, Psychiatrist. From left to right, sitting: Hulya Ucpinar, Legal Project Coordinator, Legal Consultant; Prof. Dr. Veli Lökk, HRFT Izmir Representative, Orthopedist; Dr. Sema Ilhan, General Practitioner; Nergiz Tuba Atas, Legal Consultant Primary objective(s) • To help torture survivors regain their health, both physically and psychologically • To abolish torture and impunity in Turkey as well as in the world • To promote human rights. Research Research activities consist of: measuring the quality of life of the torture survivors, functional rehabilitation held during the chronic phase of Wernicke Encephalopathy that results from long-term hunger. organises numerous campaigns on trials against human rights defenders and against torture on 26 June and 0 December. Contact 42. Sokak Eser Apartmanı No: 5/0 520 Alsancak – ćzmır Turkey Phone: +90 22 46 46 46 Fax: +90 22 46 9 47
[email protected] www.tihv.org.tr Established 99 Director(s) Professor Veli Lök, Director, Representative Contact person(s) Professor Veli Lök, Representative Staff 2 physicians (part-time) medical secretary psychiatrist social worker 2 lawyers Working language(s) Turkish Number of clients treated per year 79 primary torture victims 4 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The HRFT participates in a variety of national and international networks with HR organisations, medical associations, rehabilitation centres, etc. We organise support and solidarity committees in different countries. Treatment The HRFT operates five centres in Turkey. All applications are made by applicants themselves, following referral by various NGOs and individuals. Interviews are conducted by social workers then applicants are referred to the physicians and psychiatrists. Families of torture survivors are also provided rehabilitation services. Documentation Applicants receive a file consisting of an epicrisis (paper and computer), a data file (computer) and a visual file including photographs and findings of imaging studies. Funding Centres have been granted funds by the EC, UNVFVT, AI – Swiss and German sections, the Swedish Red Cross and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Prevention HRFT has recently conducted a campaign for the ratification of OPCAT in Turkey. There is an ongoing project for prevention of torture: “Review of legislation on torture and implementation of it during EU harmonization process in Turkey and training, providing legal service and raising public awareness in order to prevent torture in Turkey”. Training A psychotherapeutic programme is done with the “Süddeutsche Akademie für Psychotherapie”. HRFT planned training on psychotherapy for psychiatrists and psychologists. Training also occurs on the Istanbul Protocol together with the IRCT, WMA, PHR-USA; on care for caregivers; as part of the OPCAT campaign; and through various conferences, seminars, student trainings and exchange programmes. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans HRFT plans to establish an institute which will conduct diverse multidisciplinary activities: scientific research, trainings, archives and library, publishing and reporting, information networks and rehabilitation. Information and advocacy HRFT has published reports and monographs on human rights, information on applicants to the HRFT and scientific studies on torture, in Turkish and English. HRFT Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 26 Uganda African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV) ACTV receives award from the Uganda Human Rights Commission (2008) Mpigi police awareness training (2007) Primary objective(s) • To provide quality holistic treatment and rehabilitation services • To advocate for the prevention of torture and provision of services to torture victims • To strengthen the institutional and organisational capacity of ACTV to effectively and efficiently deliver on her mandate. Research ACTV has carried out research on the nature and trend of torture in Uganda. ACTV has been involved in baseline studies with REDRESS to determine the situation of torture survivors in Uganda. rity agents on concepts of torture, networks with key stakeholders, inspects places of detention and produces IECs. Contact (Head Office) Block No. 9 Plot , off Owen Road (Opp Mariandina Clinic on Tufnell Dr.), Kamwokya Kampala Uganda Phone: +256 2 26 98; +256 2 26 620 Fax: +256 2 26 99
[email protected] www.actvuganda.org (Gulu Office) Layibi A & B Village Left Hand on Gulu-Kampala Road ½ KM after Railway Crossing Plot 6-8 Olanya Tony Road Next to New Flora Tailoring & Nursery School Gulu Uganda Phone: +256 47 42 49 Established 99 Director(s) Dr Moses Musaazi, Chairperson; Ms Judy Kamanyi, Treasurer; Mr. Okello-Okello, Director; Dr Margaret Mungherera, Director Contact person(s) Ms Ruth Bonabaana, (ACIS), Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Staff chief executive officer finance and administration manager programme manager Gulu Branch manager medical officers/medical doctors communication and advocacy officer social workers 2 legal officers/lawyers accountant clinical psychologist clinical officer trauma counsellor physiotherapist 2 nurses 2 administrative assistants office attendants driver Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 400 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking ACTV networks and collaborates with government departments and agencies; civil society organisations; and service providers in the referral network. The centre leads and coordinates the Coalition Against Torture in Uganda. Legal ACTV gives legal advice and collaborates and networks with organisations which offer client legal representation for redress. ACTV also attends court and tribunal hearings aimed at offering redress to torture survivors. Treatment The medical treatment team and lawyer provide free legal advice, physical and psychological care that supports the process of rehabilitation of victims of torture perpetrated by security agencies or rebels in Uganda and in neighbouring countries. ACTV is the only human rights organisation in Uganda that runs a medical centre offering treatment to victims of torture. ACTV is accredited by the Ministry of Health. Funding ACTV is funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy, CVT, UNVFVT, DANIDA, Irish Embassy, KIOS, French Embassy, British High Commission, EC and Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa. Documentation ACTV documents torture, lessons learnt and best practices and shares with key stakeholders. The centre operates a small resource centre, and prepares medical reports for clients to be used as evidence against perpetrators. Future plans Provide quality holistic treatment and rehabilitation services; advocate for torture prevention and provision of services to victims; strengthen ACTV’s institutional and organisational capacity; strengthen collaboration and networking with human rights defenders; intensify resource mobilisation. Prevention Training ACTV has provided training for doctors, lawyers, paramedics and paralegals on effective investigation and documentation of torture following the Istanbul Protocol guidelines. Training of police, prisons and army officers has also been done. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: awareness raising/ education, advocacy, nursing care Prevention is done through monitoring torture, public awareness raising/education, seminars/workshops and mass media campaigns. Information and advocacy ACTV engages media to raise awareness on torture, trains secu- 27 Ukraine International Medical Rehabilitation Center for the Victims of Wars and Totalitarian Regimes (IRC) Entrance to the IRC The paediatrician works with a refugee family Primary objective(s) • To render rehabilitation services to Ukrainians and refugees who suffered from violence and torture perpetrated by Ukrainian governmental institutions and other totalitarian regimes • To establish a model of rehabilitation for torture victims provided by governmental structures • To promote human rights and raise public awareness. Legal The IRC lawyer provides legal assistance. Funding During 2008 IRC received funding from the EC. Contact 20 Heroiv Dnipra str. 04209 Kyiv Ukraine Phone +80 44 42 0077; +80 44 2 094 Fax +80 44 42 0077
[email protected] www.irc-kyiv.org Established 994 Director(s) Semyom Gluzman, Director Contact person(s) Marina Gutgarts, Documentalist Staff director general practitioner neurologist ophthalmologist psychiatrist paediatrician homeopath 2 psychologists documentalist lawyer 2 nurses financial manager bookkeeper driver interpreter Working language(s) Ukrainian, Russian Number of clients treated per year 295 primary torture victims 98 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Documentation The IRC library contains resources on medical, legal and human rights issues. The centre compiles its own medical and legal documentation with an electronic database system. Our client database contains video interviews with clients (former political prisoners during the Soviet period). The centre also has a documentary film about torture in the Stalin period (90-950s). Future plans IRC plans to concentrate activities in rehabilitation services for refugees and create the e-version of its archives. Treatment IRC provides medical, psychological, and legal support and rehabilitation for those who have survived torture. IRC focuses on the following groups: () individuals who suffered from torture and mistreatment during police detention; (2) traumatized refugees; () former political prisoners during the Soviet period; (4) family members of the torture survivors. Prevention The IRC carries out special trainings for police officials, medical doctors and NGOs. Information and advocacy The IRC publishes Socio-Psychological and Medical Aspects of Cruelty, a special journal, and distributes it in the NIS region (former USSR). The journal is published in Russian with abstracts in English. The e-version of the journal can be downloaded from the IRC website. Training Training is provided through teaching, counselling, lectures, seminars and roundtables throughout Ukraine for law enforcement agencies, lawyers, local authorities, mass media, medical doctors and local NGOs. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Networking IRC is a member of the IRCT network. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Education, publication 28 United Kingdom Refugee Therapy Centre (RTC) Jeremy Corbyn, MP and RTC Patron talk about refugees and torture around the world June 2008, Aida with some of the children she worked with Primary objective(s) • Provide a safe space for people to rebuild their confidence to be active members of the community • Provide psychotherapy and treatment, esp. to children, young people, families and those new to the UK • Develop the capacity of practitioners in the field • Provide effective and appropriate help for specific psychological needs • Provide skills training for refugees to encourage re-entry into the job market and general society. therapeutic language support in helping people adapt and integrate into the new environment; and skills training and support for refugees working as volunteers at the centre. vice or support, but sign-post our people to appropriate services. Documentation We provide medico-legal/psychological reports on request from solicitors. We also provide witness expert reports for child protection and family courts. Contact A Leeds Place Tollington Park London N4 RQ United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 72 72 25 65 Fax: +44 20 72 8 86 47
[email protected] www.refugeetherapy.org.uk Established 999 Director(s) Dr Aida Alayarian, Clinical Director Contact person(s) Dr Aida Alayarian Staff 80 psychotherapists, counsellors and psychologists (volunteer and paid) 5 support workers 4 community development workers administrative staff 4 volunteers Working language(s) Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Creole, Dari, English, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Italian, Kinyarwanda, Lingala, Luganda, SerboCroat, Swahili, Somali, Spanish, Swedish, Tigrina, Turkish Number of clients treated per year 258 primary torture victims 86 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Training From September 2009, in addition to our Introductory Course on Counselling Refugees, we will run a Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling of Refugees and Masters Degree in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in collaboration with the University of East London. We offer supervision to mental health professionals working with refugees/asylum seekers, provide consultation to NGOs and governmental organisations, and present and facilitate at conferences and workshops. Information and advocacy We provide information leaflets and disseminate information on our website. We are a member of many strategic forums locally. We also get involved with local, national and international campaigns. Networking We develop productive networks at the local, national and international level around issues related to refugee asylum seekers and torture. Treatment The centre provides specialist refugee centred intercultural psychotherapy, counselling and associated treatments to refugees and asylum seekers. We offer individual, couple, family and group therapy based on the individual’s needs. The centre has developed activities to help traumatised refugees and asylum seekers cope with more practical issues of rehabilitation and resettlement including: outreach to enhance awareness of mental health in refugee communities and to assist individuals with accessing support and education; mentoring to provide one-to-one Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research RTC hopes to develop a therapeutic culture which restores connections with people who have been almost destroyed by the trauma they have endured. The approach is documented by clinicians working for the centre in the journal “Self and Society” and our book “Resilience, Suffering and Creativity: The work of the Refugee Therapy Centre”. Funding We receive funding from local government, charitable foundations and individual donors. Future plans To continue our current work and develop our work more around children and young people. Legal We do not provide direct legal ad- Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: training and qualifying course, volunteer placement, mentoring– language support, bi-lingual support outreach work in the community 29 United States of America ACCESS Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture Together Against Torture Primary objective(s) • To alleviate the suffering of torture survivors and their families • To facilitate the process of their integration into the larger community • To promote an understanding and overcome the concept of victimization • To raise public awareness of refugees and torture survivors and their plight to a safer society • To provide comprehensive services to survivors in order to enhance the quality of their lives. Arabic countries especially from Iraq, Palestine and Algeria; also our services extend to assist large components of asylum seekers, mainly from African countries such as Senegal, Togo, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Somalia. We also assist refugees from Afghanistan and Bosnia. includes parenting skills training, youth issues, health education, and an HIV programme. Contact 6450 Maple St Dearborn, MI 4826 USA Phone: + 26 2202; + 26 2242; + 945 82 Fax: + 584 622
[email protected]; aboumediene@ accesscommunity.org www.accesscommunity.org Established 999 Director(s) Husam Abdulkhaleq, Program Supervisor Contact person(s) Husam Abdulkhaleq, Program Supervisor; Abdallah Boumediene, Operation Manager Staff supervisor/therapist operation manager 2 medical psychiatrists 2 therapists social technician case manager data entry clerk Working language(s) English, Arabic Number of clients treated per year 270 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking The centre is a member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. Funding The centre is funded from: ) the federal grant managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement Agency. This fund started in October 2000 for four years, and it has been extended for two years in September 2004. The centre is one of 27 centres that were federally funded, and the only one in Michigan. 2) United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. This grant started in 2002 and is renewed annually. Training Community outreach and linking services is part of the centre’s advocacy policy. We share information and provide training for mainstream service providers. Treatment Enormous numbers of refugees utilise ACCESS’ mental health programme and others. They suffer from emotional problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and major depression. After careful scrutiny from the staff members, we found that this population to be in overwhelming need for special considerations. The concept for this centre was formulated in October 999 and became a reality in October 2000 to serve large numbers of survivors of torture, as well as refugees and their families. We service people from the Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research The centre conducted research in the past and continues to collaborate with the University of Michigan and Wayne State University in research. Future plans Legal The centre provides legal assistance to asylum seekers in the U.S. Continue providing services to victims of torture. Information and advocacy The centre is working cooperatively with the ACCESS prevention team to provide educational services for clients, their families and the larger community. Prevention Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 0 United States of America Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (ASTT) Dr Karen Hanscom, Executive Director, meets with a client Former ASTT client captures the audience at a June 26th Press Conference with U.S. Congress Representatives Primary objective(s) • Provide psychological and medical treatment and social adaptation assistance to survivors of torture • Assist survivors with political asylum documents and providing expert testimony when needed • Provide training to professionals and others in the identification and treatment of torture survivors • Develop links with community groups, organisations and individuals with a shared vision • Educate the public regarding human rights and torture survivors seeking refuge/asylum in the U.S. on survivors; and the means of referral to ASTT. ASTT has a community-based programme to train lay counsellors in identifying, assisting and referring survivors to ASTT. For more than four years, ASTT trained mental health providers and promoters in the treatment of torture survivors in rural Guatemala. Information and advocacy ASTT speaks at local, national and international presentations and conferences on human rights abuse and torture. ASTT works with the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs in advocating for national legislation affecting torture survivors. Contact 4 E. Belvedere Ave. Baltimore, MD 222 United States of America Phone: + 40 464 9006 Fax: + 40 464 900
[email protected] www.astt.org Established 995 Director(s) Karen Hanscom, PhD, Executive Director; Mary Cogar, PhD, Clinical Director Contact person(s) Same as above with Maria Brown for intakes Staff director/psychologist 4 psychologists case managers 6 administrative ASTT is also assisted by several on-site volunteer therapists, doctoral students in psychology and masters level social worker students Working language(s) English, Spanish, French and others with interpreters Number of clients treated per year 200 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Research ASTT systematically compiles confidential, non-identifiable data on every client. Twice a year the aggregated data are analysed and then used to measure the performance of the programme and to guide further development. Networking ASTT is a member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs and participates as an elected member of the Executive Committee. ASTT networks with state refugee programmes, Physicians for Human Rights, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights and other such organisations. Legal Treatment ASTT treats about 200 clients a year. Treatment includes psychological assessments; individual, couples and family psychotherapy and counselling; preparation of affidavits for political asylum courts; expert court testimonies; psychiatric treatment; case management; and social services assistance. ASTT does not offer direct legal services, but refers clients to our network of attorneys. Funding ASTT depends on the support of individual contributors, in addition to major grants from the US Office of Refugee Resettlement, the Office of Victims of Crime and the UNVFVT. Documentation ASTT documents medical and psychological evidence of torture to be used in clients’ political asylum claims. Future plans Prevention ASTT is involved in training at colleges, universities, health agencies and nearby INS detention centres. ASTT participates in national organisations seeking US support for the International Criminal Court. ASTT hopes to grow our DC office from three days a week to five due to its large growth. Also, ASTT hopes to increase staff hours in both training and public education. Training ASTT provides training to professionals, paraprofessionals and other individuals in the identification of torture survivors; the psychological, medical and social effects of torture Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Medical treatment through an ASTT network of physicians; legal care through an ASTT network on attorneys; training United States of America Asian Americans for Community Involvement, Center for Survivors of Torture (AACI)/(CST) Primary objective(s) • Provide culturally competent psychological, medical and social services to torture survivors and family members • Link clients to legal, vocational, housing and other social services, including to culturally based community organisations • Provide psychological and medical evaluations to support asylum and citizenship applications • Train primary healthcare/legal providers to recognise and treat and/or refer torture survivors for specialized services and to recognise and address the signs of secondary trauma in providers themselves • Educate and train community organisations, County Mental Health and Social Services Agency staff to provide culturally competent services to this population. assessments, acupuncture and other Eastern treatments. There is also facility to provide low cost medication, assist clients with physiotherapy and other medical tests. Case management, transportation, assistance with housing and transportation, and language classes are also offered. Funding The centre is funded by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, UN, Santa Clara County Mental Health Department and fee for service programmes. Future funding will be explored through California’s Mental Health Services Act to serve unserved and underserved populations. Contact 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 05 San Jose, CA 9528 USA Phone: + 408 975 279 Fax: + 408 975 2745
[email protected] www.aaci.org Established 2000 Director(s) Sarita Kohli, MFT, Director Mental Health Programs Contact person(s) Armina Husic, Program Manager Staff director program manager clinical services manager psychologist psychotherapist case manager 2 psychiatrists primary physician case worker Working language(s) English Number of clients treated per year 70 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Training CST provides training to physicians and nurses, social service workers, clinicians like psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists, community workers, and others in the mental and healthcare fields. Future plans Research on effective treatment modalities for use with torture survivors; use of early intervention to support rehabilitation efforts; education and outreach to schools and other educational institutions. Research CST is currently involved in a needs assessment of refugee and immigrant torture survivors in Santa Clara County, California. Legal The centre supports asylum and citizenship claims through forensic evaluations and court testimony. Treatment Treatment is client centred, so the client chooses services depending on their needs. All clients have access to the full array of treatment services, which include individual and group psychotherapy, psychological and psychiatric evaluations, medication management, medical Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Information and advocacy CST disseminates information and advocacy on county, state and national level for torture survivors in particular and refugee communities in general. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 2 United States of America The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture Primary objective(s) The Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture is a non-profit organisation providing multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitative services to survivors of political torture and refugee trauma. Our culturally sensitive, integrated treatment approach addresses clients’ interconnected medical, mental health and social service needs. Our therapeutic philosophy builds upon those innate resources that have enabled clients to survive victimisation. This mission also includes efforts in education and training, research, community outreach and survivor advocacy. Research The Program is currently involved in several research projects. We are working on a study to develop and validate the Tibetan translation of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Another project we are working on is an analysis of information gathered at intake (including the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire) for the purpose of comparing psychological sequelae among different client populations. Information and Advocacy Staff members of the Program have extensively published articles in local and international journals, as well as authored chapters in books. The Program is working on a training manual for care providers working with torture and trauma survivors. Contact Bellevue Hospital 462 First Avenue, CD70 New York, NY 006 United States of America Phone: + 22 26 8269 Fax: + 22 994 777
[email protected] or ask45@ aol.com www.survivorsoftorture.org Established 995 Director(s) Allen S. Keller, MD, Program Director Contact Person(s) Allen S. Keller, MD, Program Director; Katherine Porterfield, PhD, Clinical Director Staff 8 primary care physicians 4 psychiatrists 6 psychologists gynaecologist social worker operations director development coordinator intake coordinator volunteer coordinator research and training coordinator serve as full-time staff 7 medical residents 22 psychology interns and externs 6 psychiatry residents dedicate a portion of their training to providing patient care to clients Working languages English, French, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Krio, Fulani, Spanish, Albanian, Russian Number of clients treated per year (not available) Networking The Bellevue/NYU Program is a member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs and has collaborated with other members of the Consortium. Documentation All information gathered at intake, including demographics and case histories, is documented in a patient file. This information is also entered into a database for research purposes. Training An important goal of the Program is to promote a greater understanding of the problem of torture. Project staff conduct a variety of specialised training seminars for individuals and organisations that interact with survivors of torture. These seminars provide training for health professionals, lawyers, community organisations and government organisations, such as the Immigration and Naturalization Services. Prevention The Bellevue/NYU Program has trained Immigration and Naturalization Officers to appropriately interview asylum seekers. In addition, staff members have travelled around the country training health professionals to work with survivors of torture and refugee trauma. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: United States of America Center for Survivors of Torture, Dallas (CST) Primary objective(s) To provide specialised psychological and rehabilitation services to survivors of torture and other human rights abuses, traumatized refugees and their families, in order to promote emotional and physical well-being and economic self-sufficiency. Research We participate in a nationwide study of the treatment of torture survivors conducted by CVT in Minnesota. We also receive grants/donations from individual donors, community organisations and faith-based groups. Contact 42 Junius Street Dallas, TX 75246 USA Phone: + 24 827 24 (Austin Office) 524 Burnet Road Austin, TX 78756 USA Phone: + 52 58 462 (Houston Office) 2900 Louisana Houston, TX 77006 USA Phone: + 7 874 657 Fax: + 24 887 40
[email protected] www.cstnet.org Established 997 Director(s) Manuel Balbona, PhD, Executive and Clinical Director; Mark Read, BA, Chair of the Board of Directors Contact person(s) Rena Taylor (Dallas); Celia VanDeGraff (Austin); Sharmin DeMoss, Assistant Director Working language(s) English, Spanish, French, Arabic, interpreters as needed Staff executive and clinical director assistant director client care director in each location 2 office coordinators Number of clients treated per year 200 primary, secondary and other clients treated Networking Documentation CST maintains a case file on each client. CST provides referrals to a network of pro-bono forensic psychologists for completion of forensic evaluations for asylum cases. Medical referrals are made to a specialized clinic in the county hospital system to ensure that documentation of physical injuries may be submitted to court and asylum officers. We are a member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. CST participates in meetings such as the Metroplex Refugee Network, Mental Health America of Greater Dallas, and North Texas Trafficking Alliance, and collaborates with area social service agencies, medical centres and legal service organisations. We maintain relationships with local colleges and universities, from whom we recruit volunteers. Treatment CST’s treatment approach is holistic, taking into account the psychological, physical and spiritual aspects of rehabilitation. The treatment orientation is based on cognitive-behavioural theory while utilising culturally appropriate alternative treatment methods. Clients’ legal, medical and social service needs are addressed through close cooperation with other agencies and professionals. Information and advocacy CST draws attention to the needs of torture survivors through presentations and trainings. We help lobby Congress to appropriate funds for rehabilitation. CST makes annual presentations at the Texas Department of Human Services’ Art of Refugee Resettlement Conference and celebrates 26 June. Future plans In May 2008, CST opened an outreach office in Houston in order to better serve the Gulf Coast’s torture survivor population. We hope to continue providing quality psychological services to survivors across Texas and the south-central U.S. Training CST makes presentations to professional health and psychological groups in order to educate the community regarding the presence and specialized needs of torture survivors across Texas. We also train area refugee agencies on the mental health requirements of survivors. Funding Funding comes from grants including the UNVFVT and the US Office of Refugee Resettlement, Torture Victims Rehabilitation Authorization. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 4 United States of America The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (centre) with former US Senators Rod Grams (left) and the late Paul Wellstone (right) at CVT’s Minneapolis Healing Center CVT Minneapolis Healing Center. Primary objective(s) • Heal the wounds of torture on individuals, families and communities, and to stop torture worldwide • Provide rehabilitative care to survivors of torture and members of their families • Train others to provide rehabilitative care to survivors, and conduct research on rehabilitative care • Work towards the prevention of torture through influencing public policy • Partner with treatment centres globally to provide capacity building and technical assistance support. survival circumstances; and a case management interview. Training CVT provides training to health and human service professionals in the U.S. and to local mental health paraprofessional counsellors in Sierra Leone, Liberia, the DRC and Jordan. and providing technical assistance through partnerships with National (NCB) and International (ICB) treatment centres. Contact 77 E. River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA Phone: + 62 46 4800 Fax: + 62 46 2600
[email protected] www.cvt.org; www.newtactics. org; www.campaigntobantorture. org Established 985 Executive Director(s) Douglas A. Johnson Contact Person(s) Sharon Lim, Director of Communications Staff US based staff 6 psychologists 2 psychiatrists physician 2 nurses clinical social workers 5 social workers 2 service coordinators 9 staff coordinating capacitybuilding initiatives public policy staff 4 research staff 2 international direct services staff 5 psychotherapists 2 physical therapists 8 massage therapists 00 volunteers International staff 8 expatriate staff, including 5 mental health professionals 200 local mental health paraprofessional counsellors or other support staff Working Language English Information and advocacy Policy initiatives include funding for torture treatment and advocating against U.S. torture. CVT publishes a quarterly newsletter; holds events to commemorate 26 June; works with the media; produces training materials; and leads the Campaign To Ban Torture. Research CVT partners with treatment centres around the world to build their programme evaluation and research capacity. These projects build on a combination of traditional psychological indicators and culturally-relevant indicators of daily functioning. Networking CVT is a founding member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs, a coalition of 0 organisations providing services to torture survivors in the U.S. Treatment CVT provides direct care to survivors of government-sponsored or politically motivated torture and their family members. This includes medical treatment, psychotherapy and assistance in securing U.S. legal status, a place to live and basic living necessities. Upon entry, clients receive a medical examination; a psychiatric examination and diagnosis to identify and monitor clinical depression and other mental health emergencies; a psychological assessment; a social assessment to understand the victim’s immediate and long-term Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Documentation Documentation of client information is held in client health records/ charts. CVT keeps ongoing records of all requests for services, information and referrals. Funding CVT’s revenue base consists of grants from foundations, religious groups and international organisations; individual contributions; and contracts with federal and state agencies. Prevention CVT’s New Tactics in Human Rights Project promotes tactical innovation and strategic thinking within the international human rights community. Useful tools and resources are available at www.newtactics.org. Future plans Increase work in post-conflict, transition states to provide psychosocial services to torture survivors and to build resources for healing. Capacity building (CB) CVT’s programmes focus on CB Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: we do not provide direct legal/housing assistance or language courses, but staff ensure clients’ needs are met Number of clients treated per year (Not available) 5 United States of America FIRST Project - For Immigrants and Refugees Surviving Torture Primary objective(s) • To provide culturally responsive, holistic behavioural health services to survivors of all ages whose torture was government sponsored • To work collaboratively for the enrichment of lives and the eradication of torture • To provide culturally-responsive and holistic mental health services, education and support • To participate in research towards the development of project and treatment improvements • To train other professionals and volunteers in issues related to treatment of torture survivors. Training FIRST Project conducts ongoing training in the community to health professionals (including physicians, nurses, public health, mental health providers, social service organisations and schools). We also have targeted training for cultural community centres with an emphasis on behavioural health. the prison system. However, two members of our staff (part-time) work full-time within the prison system. Contact 99 South 40th, Suite Lincoln, NE 68506 USA Phone: + 402 488 6760 Fax: + 402 489 2296
[email protected]; SBarr@ firstproject.org www.firstproject.org Established 200 Director(s) Dr Maria Prendes-Lintel, Executive Director Contact Person(s) Dr Maria Prendes-Lintel, Executive Director Staff 2 clinical psychologists/executive director 2 master level therapists psychiatrist doctoral psychology student master level practicum student executive director/psychologist case manager case aid program manager project development/volunteer coordinator 2 secretaries Working languages English, Arabic, Bosnian, German, Spanish Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and Advocacy FIRST Project is active in local fundraising events for itself which incorporate the media in order to advocate for torture survivors in addition to having articles in the local newspaper. We have a newsletter which is widely disseminated. Research We currently have two research programmes: one in association with New York University with Dr Lisa Suzuki, which focuses on positive psychology in treatment. The second research programme is with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Networking FIRST Project is a full member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs and has also worked closely with CVT (Center for Victims of Torture) for several years. Treatment We are a bio-psycho-social treatment site with various strategies according to the client needs. On referral, an intake is completed by the case manager. The client is then referred to the therapist and if needed the psychiatrist for medication evaluation. Treatment varies from psycho-educational and relaxation strategies, cognitive behavioural, art therapy, EMDR, neurofeedback and biofeedback as well as dance, yoga, massage. Documentation We complete professional psychological/psychiatric and case management documentation which are inclusive of torture interview, pretreatment assessment, diagnostic interview, treatment plans and progress notes. We work with immigration attorneys in the community and conduct asylum evaluations. Funding FIRST Project receives funding from the federal government, client insurance, local foundations and donations. Future plans FIRST Project’s vision is to become a full multicultural behavioural health centre to be able to serve all refugees and immigrants including war victims who we are unable to serve under our current funding. Prevention To date we have not yet completed training for police and prison officials or health professionals within Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: behavioural health interpreter training 6 United States of America Florida Center for Survivors of Torture – A Program of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services US Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Consultation May 28-May 29, 2008. Pictured: Abigail Alexander, Director of Research and Training; Michael A. Bernstein, President/CEO GCJFS; Captain John Tuskan, SAMHSA; Ann Marie Winter, Administrator; Husam Abdulkaleq, ACCESS; Holly Herrera, ORR Primary objective(s) • To assist survivors in increasing self-sufficiency • To educate survivors about U.S. services and resources • To coordinate and facilitate services key in the recovery process • To train community providers to work effectively with torture survivors • To increase community capacity to support survivors and their healing process. Research Using qualitative and quantitative measures, the Florida Centre has established assessment protocols to determine the effectiveness of services. Collaborative research is underway with area universities. Information and advocacy The centre provides at least two annual training/information sessions to increase community awareness - the 26 June event and the Florida Center Annual Regional Conference, which provides training to area medical, legal, mental health and education professionals. Contact 404 Icot Blvd. Clearwater, FL 760 United States of America Phone: + 727 450 727 Fax: + 727 450 7285 ----0 Westward Drive, 2nd Fl. Miami Springs, FL 66 United States of America Phone: + 05 805 5060 Fax: + 05 805 5068
[email protected] www.gcjfs.org Established 2000 Director(s) Abigail Alexander, Director of Research and Training; Heather Kathrens, Program Manager Contact person(s) Ann Marie Winter, Administrator Staff administrator program director program manager 4 program specialists 2 case coordinators community initiatives coordinator office manager research assistant 0 on-call interpreters 0 volunteers 2 contracted clinical supervisors Working language(s) Albanian, Arabic, Creole, English, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Vietnamese Number of clients treated per year 25 primary torture victims 50 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Legal The Florida Center works with local immigration attorneys to provide legal services to survivors of torture. Networking The Florida Center connects with nearly every type of human service agency in Florida to provide education on survivors’ needs. Treatment The Florida Center, using a Centre Without Walls model, links clients to existing services in their communities through intensive case management service delivery. Needs are determined using an in-depth, strength-based psychosocial assessment. This holistic approach appreciates the unique strengths as well as the dynamic and diverse needs of the torture survivor population. Documentation The Florida Center has a culturally based library for populations served and on mental health issues within the refugee community. The centre submits data on clients to the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs to establish an accurate national database. Funding The centre is funded by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement and the UNVFVT. There are no fees for services, but there may be costs associated with specialised care. No one is denied services because of inability to pay. Prevention There has been collaboration on cases on domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect and substance abuse within the survivor population. The centre has begun to develop video training for police officials and Immigration and Naturalization Services staff. Future plans The programme will articulate promising practices using evidence-based outcomes, and increase funding to reach populations in need. Both in the Tampa Bay and South Florida communities, the Florida Center will continue to increase the provider network essential to service provision. Training Extensive community training is provided to area agencies working with torture survivors within the medical, legal, mental health, social service, spiritual and educational realms. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Intensive case management, psychosocial assessment, community training, advocacy, support groups 7 United States of America International Survivors Center (ISC) at the International Institute of Boston (IIB) Primary objective(s) • To serve survivors of torture, mass violence and other government-sponsored human rights abuses • To provide mental health services within an integrated case management model • To provide a safe environment with confidential trusting relationships • To minimise barriers to care by providing respectful, and culturally appropriate services • To provide training and consultation to other providers. needs, quality of life and mental health of survivors of torture. Additionally, ISC’s Medical Director, together with an international panel of experts, is developing a framework for training mental health professionals for humanitarian psychosocial assistance for torture victims and victims of mass violence in war-affected communities. Currently, ISC’s Medical Director is involved in Burma Border Projects and a project focusing on medicallegal documentation of torture and sexual violence in Sudan. the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. ISC staff frequently engage in events that highlight the plight of torture survivors and their psychosocial needs. Contact One Milk St. Boston, MA 0209 USA Phone: + 67 695 9990 Fax: + 67 695 99
[email protected];
[email protected] www.iiboston.org Established 999 Contact person(s) Robert Meek, Carolyn BenedictDrew, Dawn Shelton Staff licensed clinical social workers 2 advocates/case workers psychiatrist programme assistant/ interpreter Working languages Arabic, Berber, Bulgarian, English, French, Persian, Somali, Spanish Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Networking ISC is affiliated with a number of local, regional and national coalitions and organisations. ISC is a member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. Funding ISC receives funding through the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at the Boston Medical Center (Office of Refugee Resettlement), UNVFVT and other private and public sources. Documentation Training ISC staff provide trainings, seminars and workshops to local, regional, national and international groups, on the evaluation, treatment and psychosocial assistance to survivors of torture. ISC and IIB also offer informational workshops and presentations for refugee and immigrant groups, religious or cultural societies, as well as training sessions to graduate level clinicians in the field of refugee mental health and trauma. ISC collects a wide variety of client information that is maintained in a database and confidential files. Prevention Through membership in the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, ISC staff participate in domestic violence prevention projects in the Boston area. Future plans ISC plans to enhance services for torture survivors and to articulate its model framework of integrated multidisciplinary services. Additionally, we plan to advocate for further training and capacity-building at the regional and national level. Information and advocacy ISC staff advocate at the statehouse level in Massachusetts and at the national level in Washington, DC, through its affiliation with USCRI and ORR; and as a member of Research ISC’s longitudinal study examines the correlation between concrete Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 8 United States of America Lutheran Children and Family Service/Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture (Liberty Center) Ointian Baptist Church C.R.O.S.S. Mime Ministry Liberty Center Staff (left: Godelive Muttu, middle: Pam Barnes, right: Dr Denise Berte’, PhD) Primary objective(s) • Provide case management services to torture survivors residing in Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern New Jersey • Promote public understanding of human rights and protection issues regarding the practice of torture • Provide training to relevant professionals concerning service provision to survivors of torture. and interviewing and serving new immigrants. Documentation The administrative assistant maintains documentation via databases, and forms using computer programmes such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, ACCESS, SPSS and secured filing systems. Contact 2 N. 6rd Street Philadelphia PA 99 USA Phone: + 25 747 7500 Fax: + 25 747 7500
[email protected]; soft@ lcfsinpa.org www.lcfsinpa.org/survivors of torture Established 200 Director(s) Richard Gitlen, Executive Director, Lutheran Children and Family Service; Denise Ziya Berte’, PhD, Program Director Contact person(s) Denise Ziya Berte’, PhD Staff supervisor and senior case manager administrative assistant interns tutors 7 volunteers 8 professionals (physicians/ lawyers/therapists) Working language(s) English, Spanish, French, Swahili, others upon request Number of clients treated per year 2 primary torture victims 9 secondary torture victims 44 other clients Networking The Liberty Center has ongoing relationships with several major health partners. The Liberty Center offers training and collaborative services to organisations working with communities where torture has affected the populations. Treatment The Liberty Center serves over 25 participants each year. Treatment includes, but is not limited to: intensive case management, securing medical, psychological, social, and legal services, along with its Hope Restoration activities. Funding The Liberty Center was initiated with funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Dept. of Health and Human Services (ACF), and funding through PEW, UNVFVT, Chace, Chestnut Hill, Samuel Fels, Allen Hilles, Union Benevolent, Western Association of Ladies, Women’s Way, Rosenberg Foundation, Patricia Kind, Churches, Charitable Flex Fund, LLS, LCFS, Honorariums and individual donations. Training The Liberty Center provides accredited trainings for professional, faith-based, and general audiences in the following areas: torture and its legal, medical and psychological consequences; immigrant mental health (child and adult); Title VI compliance; cultural sensitivity in working with new immigrant communities; domestic violence in newcomer communities; Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 9 United States of America Program for Survivors of Torture and Severe Trauma at the Center for Multicultural Human Services (PSTT/CMHS) Primary objective(s) • Help survivors of torture heal from psychological trauma by providing psychological treatment and support services • Meet client needs for medical treatment, legal representation, transportation and emergency assistance • Coordinate and/or provide social services to help survivors of torture address basic needs in everyday life • Develop and train a supportive network of low-cost or probono service providers and volunteers to expand services to victims of torture in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area • Advance the understanding of torture, its sequelae and treatment through data collection, analysis and instrument development. atrist. PSTT therapists offer interventions at the individual, family and group level and also support clients’ petition for asylum by providing evaluations and expert witness court testimony. PSTT psychiatrists provide psychiatric assessments, prescribe psychotropic medication and monitor clients’ responses to pharmacotherapy. PSTT offers an extensive array of medical treatment options. As refugees, most of our clients have many fundamental and pressing needs. These needs are addressed by case managers either directly or through a community referral network. Lastly, clients can also receive immigration assistance from our staff attorney. and collects data on trauma symptom inventories. Trauma symptom inventories and functional measures will be administered to active clients at intake and at -month intervals to evaluate treatment effectiveness and assess client functioning and progress. Contact c/o Center for Multicultural Human Services 70 W. Broad Street, Suite 05 Falls Church, VA 22046 USA Phone: + 70 5 02 Fax: + 70 27 208
[email protected]; sgupta@cmhs. org;
[email protected] www.cmhs.org Established 998 Director(s) Not applicable. Rebecca Gaba, PhD, Chief Operating Officer Contact person(s) Rebecca Gaba, PhD, CMHS Chief Operating Officer; Sonali Gupta, PsyD, PSTT Staff Psychologist; Dorothy Kiburi, PSTT Program Manager Staff 5 case managers 2 therapists psychiatrists legal services/immigration attorney 2 key PSTT administrative staff Working languages English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Cambodian, Russian, Dari, Pashtu, Somali, Farsi, Serbo-Croatian, Vietnamese, Khmer, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, German, Hungarian, Malayalam, Albanian, Swahili, Tagalog, Japanese, Kiswahili, Sign, Tigrigna Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Information and Advocacy The past director of PSTT has testified before the US Congress, and PSTT staff have visited congressional members to address the abuses of torture and speak out against impunity. PSTT staff have also been featured in national and international media. Networking PSTT is an active member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. CMHS has a contractual relationship with INOVA Fairfax Hospital to provide reduced-fee medical treatment and services to PSTT clients, and have expanded this network to include many top-level medical specialists in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. CMHS also has a long-standing relationship with the George Washington University Medical Center Department of Psychiatry. Training PSTT staff provides training to a wide array of local and national professional communities working with survivors of torture and trauma, including the university and legal community, human rights advocates, health service providers, mental health providers, refugee resettlement agencies and the spiritual community. Treatment PSTT provides mental health care and social services for survivors of torture and their immediate family members. At intake, each client’s needs are assessed and prioritised collaboratively with the client, who is then referred to a psychotherapist, case manager and/or psychiServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Research PSTT compiles demographic data Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: training and outreach 40 United States of America Program for Torture Victims Los Angeles (PTV) 26 June activities by the PVT 26 June activities by the PVT Primary objective(s) • Alleviate the suffering and health consequences of statesponsored torture • Provide medical, psychological and case management services to individuals who have been subjected to torture or other forms of human rights violations for political reasons (including ethnic, social, and gender discrimination). Training PTV trains medical students, health and mental health professionals, immigration lawyers, refugee agencies, asylum officers and NGOs. Networking Networking is done through contact and work with local federal, state and county refugee resettlement agencies, voluntary agencies (VOLA), NGOs, immigration attorneys, primary health care clinics and mental health programmes. PTV staff have been appointed by the Inter-American Human Rights Court to provide expert testimony. Contact 655 S. Grand Ave., Suite 290 Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA Phone: + 2 747 4944 Fax: + 2 747 4662
[email protected]; jquirogamd@ aol.com;
[email protected];
[email protected];
[email protected] www.ptvla.org Established 980 Director(s) Ellen Pfeifer, MSW, Executive Director Contact person(s) Ellen Pfeifer, MSW, Executive Director; Jose Quiroga, MD, Medical Director; Ana Deutsch, MFT, Clinical Director Staff executive director clinical director director of research and evaluation medical director 4 therapists case manager Working language(s) English, Spanish, French Number of clients treated per year 0 primary torture victims 28 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Research PTV is engaged in outcomes research to assess the psychological health of the torture survivor clients we serve over time, as well as to examine the impact of our services on client satisfaction and functioning. In addition, PTV works with the California and national consortiums of torture treatment programs on joint research projects. Funding PTV receives funding through a multi-year grant from the US Office of Refugee Resettlement, an annual grant from the UNVFVT and foundations. Treatment The majority of PTV clients are asylum seekers, including victims of torture and their families. Treatment methods include short- and long-term therapy, family therapy, crisis intervention, cognitive therapy, behavioural intervention, and art and play therapy. PTV provides comprehensive medical examinations, including trauma medical history, physical exams, workups and more specialized medical tests. Medical treatment and free medication for chronic conditions are provided at the Venice Family Clinic and Clinica Oscar Romero. PTV provides expert witness services in the immigration court for asylum seekers, interpreter services, and conducts advocacy on issues related to torture. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Future plans Information and advocacy PTV publishes a newsletter, operates a website, initiates the annual 26 June UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture programme in Los Angeles, lobbies officials and their staff in local, county and state government. PTV also lobbies California legislators and members of the Congress on the different political aspects of torture and to secure funding for torture treatment programmes around the country and the world. Priorities are to increase the number of professional volunteers, expand advocacy and legislative work, refine a new website client database, and extend community outreach. Other plans include increasing sources of referrals and increasing emergency funds for clients. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: 4 United States of America Rocky Mountain Survivors Center (RMSC) Primary objective(s) The Rocky Mountain Survivors Center (RMSC) is a non-profit organisation that assists survivors of torture and war trauma, and their families, to heal and rebuild their lives. adage that “torture rends the fabric of communities,” and seeking to provide measurable output and outcome at these three levels of intervention. Contact 547 Gaylord Street Denver CO 80206 U.S.A. Phone: + 0 2 22, ext. 206/20 Mobile: + 0 909 6 Fax: + 0 2 4 Established 996 Director(s) Ernest A. Duff Jr., Executive Director Contact person(s) Ernest A. Duff Jr.; Izabela Lundberg Staff 2.5 administrative/operations public health nurse 2 attorneys 2 clinicians social service case manage/ ment psychiatrist Working language(s) English, Spanish, French, German, Swedish, Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Bassa, Swahili, Luganda, and a large, trained, interpreter core speaking 45 languages Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Treatment The RMSC model of treatment is holistic and multi-disciplinary. Participants are invited to receive an array of services, from in-house legal services and a dynamic pro bono network of attorneys, to public health care services, including an on-site nurse health education, wellness and referral to a network of primary care physicians, to onsite psychotherapy, expressive and somatic therapies with contracted psychiatric support and consultation, and finally through intensive case management support that is inherently psychosocial, practical and outreach-oriented. We are changing the paradigm of our work to reflect the state of the art biopsycho-social work with individual torture survivors, their families and communities, reflecting the Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: community development, massage and other somatic techniques, public health, wellness, health education 42 United States of America Survivors International (SI) From the event “Asylum Denied: A Refugee’s Struggle for Safety in America”, sponsored by Survivors International and the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights. From left to right: Winnie Chu, Jayne Fleming, David Ngaruri Kenney, Phillip Schrag and Uwe Jacobs Primary objective(s) • Individual psychotherapy, including ongoing clinical work and short-term emergency interventions • Family and couples therapy, support groups and links to agencies providing food, shelter and employment • Psychiatric medications management and counselling, medical consultations and referrals • Forensic psychological and medical evaluations • Community-based solidarity events. best aid survivors of torture in their healing process. Throughout 2008, SI presented a series of continuing education and public events to raise awareness about the prevalence and effects of torture. Research The Gender Asylum and Recovery Project is designed to bring recognition to gendered persecution and to create the beginning of a national and international support structure for survivors of gender persecution. Project components include: training and technical assistance to build the capacity of torture treatment centres, the legal community and other providers; policy advocacy and resource development to raise awareness of gender persecution; and gender persecution protocol development to obtain UN commitment and independent funding. Consortium of Torture Treatment Centers, whereby centres collaborate to develop systems to conduct outcome research, standardize intake procedures and testing instruments, and advocate for survivors of torture in our state. SI strives to raise public awareness about torture in the world today and the need to absolutely abolish its use by governments. Contact 70 Market Street Suite 0 San Francisco, CA 940 United States of America Phone: + 45 546 2080 Fax: + 45 546 2084
[email protected]; winnie@ survivorsintl.org www.survivorsintl.org Established 986 Director(s) Valerie Bach, Treasurer; Jeanne Wolff-Bernstein, PhD; Elaine Beale; Christine Brigagliano, President; Erin Callahan, Vice President; Jon Eldan; Jayne E. Fleming; Harvey Peskin, PhD; Marc Shaffer, Secretary Contact person(s) Winnie Chu, Executive Director Staff executive director administrative coordinator senior case manager clinical director research and advocacy associate Working language(s) Arabic, Cantonese, English, French, German, Spanish and Russian Number of clients treated per year 00 primary torture victims 0 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Funding Funding comes from The Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, Firedoll Foundation, Isabel Allende Foundation, Langeloth Foundation, Potrero Nuevo Foundation, S.H. Cowell Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Sarlo Foundation, UNVFVT, Van Loben Sels/ Rembe Rock Foundation, Y & H Soda Foundation, Zellerbach Family Foundation and individual donors. Treatment We provide expert psychological and medical evaluations to support asylum claims based upon political torture, gender-based persecution and LGBTQ hate crimes. Our network of clinicians also provides ongoing psychotherapy, medication management and group therapy. We also connect survivors with primary care providers who are able to address various medical needs and prescribe medications. Future plans Legal We provide technical assistance and professional workshops to psychologists and public interest attorneys on issues of policy and public awareness. Currently, SI is undergoing a strategic planning process in order to be more responsive to the future needs of survivors of torture and gender-based violence and to address issues related to our longterm financial stability and viability. Training We are committed to providing clinicians with the skills they need to Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Information and advocacy SI is active with the California 4 United States of America Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) Primary objective(s) • To facilitate healing for torture survivors and their families • To educate professionals and the public about torture and its consequences • To advocate for the abolition of torture. tal health services providers, San Diego State University’s School of Social Work and University of San Diego’s School of Law. ed op-ed articles, magazine and newspaper stories and broadcast news programmes. Contact PO Box 5240 San Diego, CA 9275-240 USA Phone: + 69 278 2400 Fax: + 69 294 9405
[email protected] www.notorture.org Established 997 Director(s) Kathi Anderson, Executive Director Contact person(s) Kathi Anderson, Executive Director Staff executive director associate director public affairs director clinical director associate clinical director administrative assistant medical case manager case manager finance manager development manager Working language(s) English, Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese, Russian, interpreters for 0 other languages Number of clients treated per year 9 primary and secondary torture victims Networking Legal Legal services are offered through a subgrant to Casa Cornelia Law Center, a San Diego-based law firm, to assist clients with claims for asylum. SURVIVORS provides services for detained/non-detained asylum seekers. Psychological affidavits are conducted by licensed mental health evaluators for submission as evidence in immigration proceedings. SURVIVORS is a founding member of the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs and led the development of the California Consortium of Torture Treatment Centres. Locally, SURVIVORS works with community organisations to develop a broader system of delivery of services to clients. Treatment SURVIVORS has incorporated a holistic treatment model that empowers torture survivors and their families to reclaim their lives. Psychotherapy services are tailored to individual needs and include crisis intervention, therapy, home visits and coordination with other providers. Psychiatric services are arranged through contracts with psychiatrists who evaluate clients and prescribe medication. Healing groups help counter clients’ feelings of shame, humiliation and isolation. Partnerships with community clinics provide asylum seekers with basic health examinations. Funding SURVIVORS receives funding from the U.S. Government, County of San Diego, UNVFVT, church bodies, private foundations and individual donors. Documentation SURVIVORS documents and securely stores: client intakes; demographic information; trauma histories; needs assessments; psychological and social background; legal documents related to asylum; and treatment and progress notes. Future plans SURVIVORS will broaden services to our clients through community partnerships and advocate on our clients’ behalf at the local, state and federal levels of government. Information and advocacy Training SURVIVORS’ staff members speak in professional, academic, religious and community settings. Among those who have received training are San Diego County menServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: With the help of pro bono legislative advocates, SURVIVORS led statewide June 26 advocacy in Sacramento for the California Consortium of Torture Treatment Centers. Media communication has includ- 44 United States of America Torture Treatment Center of Oregon (TTCO) Primary objectives • Provide psychiatric, medical, legal and social services to adult and child survivors of torture • Provide a consistent psychiatrist/ethnic mental health counsellor team for each patient language group • Serve survivors coming to Oregon from the Middle East, Bosnia, Africa, Asia, Central and South America • Train ethnic counsellors, psychiatric residents, medical students, interns and professionals • Contribute to knowledge and treatment of psychiatric and social repercussions of torture. ers age 90. Types of torture range from the systematic torture applied within prisons to the chaotic and random torture which occurs in ethnic cleansing and violence. Psychiatric needs These are met by thorough psychiatric evaluation and thorough comprehensive diagnosis. Treatment follows the diagnostic evaluation and may include psychopharmacology, individual psychotherapy and group socialization experiences. Family members, including children, are often involved in treatment, which can include education and family therapy. ship with two legal firms in Portland who work with our patients to provide assistance with asylum hearings and other legal needs. Patients are screened for financial assistance and if assistance is needed, it is provided by our programme. Contact Intercultural Psychiatric Program (UHN-88) at the Oregon Health & Science University 8 SW Sam Jackson Park Road Portland, OR 9729 USA Phone: + 50 48 608; + 50 494 640; + 50 494 4222 Fax: + 50 494 64
[email protected]; rileyc@ ohsu.edu Established 977 Director(s) J. Mark Kinzie, MD, PhD, Director Contact Person(s) J. Mark Kinzie, MD, PhD, Director; Crystal Riley, MA, Manager Staff psychiatrists medical doctor counsellors 7 social workers lawyer 7 secretaries 4 administrative staff Working Languages Amharic, Arabic, Borana, Bosnian, Cambodian, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Laotian, Mien, Oramifaa, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Vietnamese, other languages by interpreter services Number of clients treated per year (Not available) Social welfare Such needs are met by our mental health counsellors providing intensive case management – being an advocate for patients within a complicated social service system, providing education about the logistics of living in the United States, providing psychological support during times of patients’ grief and loss, and providing social support related to the role change and confusion that often occurs during the acculturation process. Medical needs Treatment TTCO utilises a collaborative, patient-centred, evidence-based approach, which delivers psychiatric, medical, social and legal services in a consistent, complementary manner, emphasising “safety and continuity”, reduction of symptoms by medication and psychotherapy, case management of the multiple social needs of the patient, and engaging the involvement of the survivor in his or her own treatment. Our 900 patients range from children aged three to grandmothServices Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Medical needs including a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, asthma, and cognitive disorders are often diagnosed by our psychiatrists and/or our family medicine physician working within our TTCO programme. Patients with special medical problems are referred to a medical specialist within our University Hospital. Patients without medical insurance are given special assistance. Legal needs These are met by TTCO’s partner- 45 Uruguay Servicio de Rehabilitacion Social (SERSOC) Primary objective(s) • Assist victims of state terrorism, e.g. former political prisoners, disappeared, exiled and families • Educate, at the university and general level, people regarding ethics and human rights issues • Promote human rights at the level of NGO networks, as well as among the general public • Participate in the Latin American network • Develop a documentation centre on the subject. Republic, Uruguay carrying out internships connected with treatment and research. Research SERSOC professionals produce annual investigations, which are presented before Congress and published in national, regional and international periodicals. Research topics include trans-generational effects of torture and state terrorism, and the causes of morbidity and mortality among victims subjected to prolonged imprisonment. Rights of the Uruguayan Parliament and cooperates with the University of the Republic, the Department of Human Rights of the Culture Ministry and the Government of the City of Montevideo. We are working in collaboration with the Health Ministry on a Health Reparation Programme for the Victims of State Terrorism. Contact 25 de mayo 707/50 PO Box 6456 Montevideo Uruguay Phone: +598 2 900 2857
[email protected] Established 984 Director(s) Dr. Juan Triaca, Lic. Adriana Vaselli, Psic. Miguel Scapusio Contact persons Lic. Adriana Vaselli, Psic. Miguel Scapusio Staff 6 psychiatrists 0 psychologists 2 social assistants executive secretary administrative assistant receptionist accountant 2 documentalists Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 80 primary torture victims 20 secondary torture victims 0 other clients Networking Apart from participating in a human rights network and general NGO network, SERSOC participates in a joint project with CINTRAS (Chile), EATIP (Argentina) and GTNM/RG (Brazil). SERSOC is one of the co-founders of the Latin American network for Mental Health and Human Rights, and was responsible for organising the network’s founding assembly. Treatment SERSOC does not treat clients, but conducts consultations with patients or users. The average number of consultations is 00 per year. The methods applied include individual psychotherapy, psychiatric assistance, social assistance, family therapy, group therapy and occupational consultancy services. Documentation The Documentation Centre is open to researchers, university students and the general public, with materials on human rights. It operates databases and uses biographical treament formats, like CEPAL. For the clinical documentation of patients/users, we use the “EPI info 2002” programmme with 5 variables. Funding SERSOC receives funds from the European Union and OAK Foundation. Training We receive PhD and Masters students from foreign universities, who carry out their fieldwork on the premises. SERSOC coordinates courses and seminars on human rights in collaboration with other NGOs in Uruguay. We receive students from the University of the Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: Prevention We participate in several educational programmes on human rights. Future plans SERSOC plans to continue developing research on trans-generational effects of torture and causes of morbidity and mortality among victims subjected to prolonged imprisonment. Information and advocacy SERSOC maintains regular contact with the Commission on Human 46 Venezuela Network for the Support of Justice and Peace (RED DE APOYO) Staff of the centre Press conference during the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture Primary objective(s) • Achieve justice for human rights violations through action on behalf of victims and relatives • Diminish the impact of violations by providing medical, psychological and socio-pedagogical assistance • Eradicate impunity on acts violating human rights • Protect and to promote human rights for the Venezuelan people through education and by affecting policies. Training We have developed several courses and workshops that include torture as a main subject and are offered to medical students, community leaders, educators, policemen, victims and their relatives, volunteers, ombudsmen and public prosecutors. Prevention Examples of prevention activities include disseminating information to communities, organised groups, academic institutions, health centres and government authorities about torture, its sequels and prevention mechanisms. Contact Parque Central Edificio Caroata Nivel Oficina 2 Oficina 220 Apartado postal Nº 7.476 Caracas 05-A Venezuela Phone and Fax: +58 22 574 949; +58 22 574 80 05
[email protected]. ve; programajusticia@redapoyo. org.ve; coordinaciongeneral@ redapoyo.org.ve www.redapoyo.org.ve Established 985 Director(s) Pablo Fernández, General Coordinator; Luis Alejandro Gutiérrez, Project Coordinator Contact person(s) Laura Roldán and Diana González, Defense and Integral Rehabilitation Programme Staff medical doctor psychologist social worker lawyers 5 teachers teaching assistant administrator accountant accounting assistant journalist graphic designer secretary lobbying assistant Working language(s) Spanish Number of clients treated per year 5-25 primary torture victims 5-0 secondary torture victims 20 other clients Research During 2008 we published four research studies on torture practices in Venezuela, police torture cases, National Guard torture cases and Criminal Scientific Corp torture cases. Information and advocacy We have produced several publications about torture. Public demonstrations and broadcasts are held several times a year, especially on the UN International Day for Victims of Torture. Treatment Between November 2005 and April 2008 our organisation provided medical and psychological attention to 7 torture victims and relatives of torture victims. Since many victims come to us after previous emergency medical treatment, we do not offer emergency services. Instead, our physician treats the physical consequences of torture. Our attention programme for victims focuses on several approaches (medical, psychological, legal, social and pedagogical) to torture and other human rights violations from an integral perspective. This broad approach allows us to individually fit our service to each person we treat. Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Legal Through the year 2008 we have implemented national legal action and monitored lawsuits, using the law system in an alternative way, together with the victims’, their relatives’ and their communities’ support. Networking In order to achieve better results, we collaborate with several organisations in this field, such as the Solidarity Network, a platform for 9 community-based organisations working for human rights that seeks total protection of human rights and contributes to the invigoration of civil rights. Documentation Assistance to victims includes three stages broadly documented and registered: victims make their first contact with our organisation; and initial medical, psychological and legal assistance is provided. Funding Funding is received from the European Union; Alboan, Spain; the British Government; the Canadian Government; and the Open Society Institute, USA. Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: t 47 Zimbabwe Counselling Services Unit (CSU) Victims in the CSU waiting room Primary objective(s) • Provide medical and rehabilitation services to organised violence and torture (OVT) victims in Zimbabwe • Increase awareness of chronic mental disability and common mental disorders • Provide forensic documentation of medical and psychological injuries and maintain a legal database • Carry out research aimed at understanding issues affecting victims and other relevant findings • Network with local, regional and international organisations concerned with HR violations in Zimbabwe. doctors use CSU trained counsellors in their communities. Prevention CSU undertakes prevention exercises through its training in communities. CSU also feeds information on incidence of OVT to relevant organisations working in lobbying and advocacy to utilise in prevention work. Training Training aims at increasing community awareness, establishing a network of primary care givers, increasing basic counselling skills, and self care of providers dealing with victims. Contact Suite Raleigh Street Kopje, P.O. 5465 Harare Zimbabwe Phone: +26 4 772 88 Fax: +26 4 7 660, Mobile: +26 92 08 544; +26 92 260 78
[email protected];
[email protected]; fidemudimu@ gmail.com Established 99 Director(s) Dr. Frances Ann Lovemore Contact person(s) Dr. Frances Ann Lovemore, Mr. Fidelis Mudimu Staff 4 physicians 5 nurses nurse counsellors 2 clinical psychologists 9 administration staff countrywide network of doctors and consultants network of part-time counsellors network of medical students to assist in documentation Working language(s) English, Shona, Ndebele Number of clients treated per year 902 primary, secondary and other clients (2008) Information and advocacy CSU is currently not doing much advocacy due to environmental constraints. We keep a database of information and pass it to local, regional and international advocacy organisations. Research CSU carries out research aimed at understanding mental health issues affecting victims and at improving interventions. Recent research resulted in a community counselling project that can be used widely. Networking CSU is active in local NGO networks and coalitions, the IRCT Sub Saharan Regional network and works closely with international bodies such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and relevant UN bodies. Legal Treatment Victims usually come in with acute physical injuries and initial examination is done at the centre, at casualty units or at partner medical practitioners’ rooms. There is often need for referral to specialists. Treatment interventions include: fixing fractured bones, debridement, skin graphs and neurosurgery. Lesser (soft tissue) injuries are treated directly by centre staff. The clients go through a debriefing and psychological assessment and are referred to a counsellor or clinical psychologist/psychiatrist for further psychotherapy. Provincial Services Medical Physiotherapy Counselling Community visits Financial assistance Psychiatric Referrals Social welfare Family-based treatment Psychological Legal Language courses Housing Other: All victims are appraised of the available legal assistance. CSU refers the majority to law organisations, including the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and the Zimbabwe Legal Resources Foundation. Funding CSU is usually adequately funded by a core group of funders. Documentation All cases are documented in a format meant to satisfy current and future legal international body and medical requirements. Documentation closely follows the Istanbul Protocol. An electronic database keeps all data. Future plans Carry out awareness campaigns on the impact of OVT; upgrade training to include best practices in management and documentation of OVT; carry out more prevention activities. 48 The IRCT gratefully wishes to acknowledge the following for their support: Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs The OAK Foundation The Sigrid Rausing Trust European Commission Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norwegian Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Canadian Embassy in Cairo Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Foreign & Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture Inge Genefke and Bent Sørensen’s Anti-Torture Support Foundation And a number of private foundations and individual donors The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) is an independent, international health professional organisation that promotes and supports the rehabilitation of torture victims and works for the prevention of torture worldwide. Based in Denmark, the IRCT works in collaboration with a global network of 142 rehabilitation centres and programmes worldwide. The IRCT also works in partnership with governments, human rights organisations, health professional organisations and intergovernmental organisations. The organisation has special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, participatory status with the Council of Europe and observer status with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. The IRCT works closely with health professional organisations, including the World Medical Association (WMA), the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), the International Council of Nurses (ICN), and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).