[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               U.N. VOLUNTARY FUND FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, during the debate on reforming the United 
Nations to make it a more effective organization, there was little 
discussion about the important work that the United Nations carries 
out. One good example which directly relates to my State is, the U.N.'s 
leading role in promoting and providing financial assistance to 
treatment centers for victims of torture around the world. The passage 
of my amendment to the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 
1997, which authorizes the United States to contribute $3 million in 
fiscal year 1998 and $3 million in fiscal year 1999 to the U.N. 
Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, ensures that treatment centers 
in more than 50 countries will continue to receive support. I would 
like to thank the junior Senator from Minnesota for cosponsoring my 
amendment, and joining me in being an advocate for helping victims of 
torture.
  My home State of Minnesota is fortunate to have the first and only 
comprehensive treatment center in the United States for victims of 
torture. The Center for Victims of Torture has treated over 500 
patients since it was established in 1985, and has enabled them to 
become productive members of our communities by overcoming the 
atrocities suffered in their countries of origin. I have learned a 
great deal from visiting the Center and meeting its clients and staff. 
In addition to providing treatment to persons who have been tortured by 
foreign governments, the Center has been active in providing training 
and support for treatment centers abroad.
  The United States should take a leading role in encouraging the 
establishment of additional treatment programs both at home and abroad. 
We are making progress in this direction. The United States is now the 
largest contributor to the U.N. Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. 
We must continue to support treatment centers, like the one in 
Minnesota, which helps those who cannot help themselves--victims of 
torture. Dedicating more of our U.N. voluntary funds for this purpose 
will help provide this important service to more needy victims.

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