TASSC.org / News Releases / TASSC JUNE VIGIL DUBBED 'TORTURE NEVER AGAIN' /

 February 27, 2009

TASSC JUNE VIGIL DUBBED 'TORTURE NEVER AGAIN'

WASHINGTON DC – TASSC INTERNATIONAL, the only international human rights organization founded by and for torture survivors, has unveiled 'Torture Never Again' as the theme for the group's 12th annual Torture Awareness Month, highlighted by Survivor's Week June 23-29.

In addition to the theme, which was decided upon by survivors from around the world, event organizer Scott Wright is calling on citizens, journalists and Congress and the Obama administration to address torture abuses committed by members of former president George W. Bush's cabinet.

"We believe that systemic human rights violations by the United States government have become so rampant that an independent counsel needs to be appointed to investigate and if warranted, prosecute key members of the previous administration."

The month kicks off with a 24-hour fast on Monday, June 1 and culminates in a 24-hour vigil in Lafayette Park across from the White House beginning Saturday, June 27.

For more information go to www.tassc.org

Monday, June 1, 2009:

Opening Day of Torture Awareness Month

On June 1, 2009 in Washington D.C., survivors and Friends of TASSC will carry out two events to open our campaign. We invite your organization or network to engage in similar activities on that day:

1. We invite you to join in our International 24-Hour Fast in support and memory of all those who have suffered torture and those who now endure torture, throughout the world. If possible, please organize a 24-Hour Fast in your community.

2. We will continue a daily presence at the White House and/or the Capitol from noon to 1 p.m. reminding President Obama of his promise to end torture and to close Guantanamo, and to support an investigation and establishment of a Truth-and-Justice Commission by the Congress.

Tuesday, June 23: Arrival

Wednesday, June 24: Gathering of Survivors

Thursday, June 25: Solidarity Rally and Day of Action

Truth Speaking to Congress: As part of TASSC's Educational Day, survivors and Friends of TASSC will walk the halls of Congress. We plan to visit Members of Congress. (For those who do not meet with us, we will request a meeting with one of their aides.) Because it is important that Congress hears our message, experts in this field will provide training on how to get our message across.

TASSC continues to work tirelessly to call for a full investigation of what was done in the past administration to justify and practice torture. On Tuesday, the U.N. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, survivors and Friends of TASSC will embark on a Day of Action. This day will be comprised of the following:

1. National Call-In Day: TASSC is calling on people from every state who are concerned about the growing acceptance of torture to call their Members of Congress and urge them to support calls for a full investigation. By legalizing and practicing torture in the U.S, Bush administration policies implicitly gave a green light to other governments to torture. Organize your friends and neighbors to do the same. We hope for hundreds of thousands of calls, making this a day to be remembered. (See Talking Points: www.tassc.org)

2. Press Conference from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m: TASSC will organize a press conference at the National Press Club (529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor- Washington, DC). Speakers will address the need to investigate and set up a Truth-and-Justice Commission.

3. Solidarity Rally from noon to 1 p.m. at the Capitol: Torture Survivors can never forget that in addition to the United States, there are 138 governments that engage in torture. We will join together with a broad coalition of US organizations (civil liberties, human rights, faith communities, etc.) to demand truth investigations, prosecution of those responsible for legalizing and practicing torture, and reparation for survivors and their families. Afterwards we will conduct an advocacy day with Congressional members. The rally will focus on support for specific legislation calling for accountability.

4. Knocking on the Doors of our Leaders: We want to emphasize that survivors and Friends of TASSC are requesting to meet with Members of Congress. If you wish to "walk the halls of Congress," we encourage you to schedule a meeting with your Senators and/or Representative. If you wish to be part of TASSC's delegation, contact our office for more information.

Thursday Evening: Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation

TASSC will hold a Teach-In on a Truth and Justice Commission for the United States. Thursday evening will begin the teach-in with a public event featuring the struggle of other survivors and nations and their successes in establishing Truth-and-Justice Commissions to bring to light the truth, establish justice, and mandate reparations for survivors and their communities. We will invite one or two key participants from other countries, as well as human rights experts in the US to be participants in this evening panel.

Friday, June 26: Teach-In: "Torture Never Again!"

TASSC will hold a Teach-In on a Truth and Justice Commission for the United States. The purpose of the Teach-In is to develop a better understanding of Truth and Justice Commissions and how to get our message out to Members of Congress and the public.

1. Morning Panel: Survivors from countries where torture is practiced will address various components of the struggle for truth, justice and reparations for survivors and their families. There will be opportunities for questions and answers. We will work jointly with survivors of torture and with representatives of mothers and families of the disappeared (FEDEFAM, AFAD, European and African organizations) to prepare a morning panel on their struggles and successes in forming Truth-and-Justice Commissions.

2. Afternoon Panel: We will work jointly with human rights organizations and lawyers to prepare an afternoon panel on the US accountability program and initiatives in Congress calling for a Truth-and-Justice commission, investigations, and prosecutions. A program will be drafted which will include workshops, celebrations, debate etc. Truth, Justice and reparation will be key demands. The usual TASSC participants will still be the core group. The inclusion of representatives of international movement of families of the disappeared and survivors will help strengthen this event.

Note: The Teach-In is open to the public. If you are interested in attending the Teach-In, please contact: TASSC at (202) 529-2991 or fill out the form on our website.

Saturday, June 27: 24-Hour Vigil

For its 10th consecutive year, TASSC will hold a 24-Hour Vigil in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 23, across from the White House. The Vigil will be attended by survivors of torture from around the world and supported by our many friends and colleagues. We invite and welcome delegations from participating communities everywhere. Let us know if you are able to travel to DC or send a delegation. If not, please try to organize a vigil in your home community and let us know about it. Let this be the strongest TASSC vigil yet. We will all take great strength from knowing that our efforts are ongoing in all parts of the world and that untold numbers are joining with us. (Schedule will be posted on TASSC's website: www.tassc.org)

Sunday, June 28:

Light One Candle for a World Free from Torture

TASSC will invite interfaith communities beginning Friday (Muslim), Saturday (Jewish) and Sunday (Christian and Buddhist) to light a candle as a symbol of the light of truth and justice in a torture-free world.

Monday, June 29: Departure

Current (30 Days) | Archive