[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1929-E1930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TORTURE VICTIMS RELIEF REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this 
important human rights

[[Page E1930]]

bill that protects and provides hope to survivors of torture.
  I join my colleagues in acknowledging the outstanding work of the 
center for Victims of torture (CVT) located in my home state of 
Minnesota. I had the honor or participating in a special event in 
Minnesota earlier this summer in celebration of the second United 
Nations International Day in Support of torture Victims by planting a 
tree that symbolizes the growth and healing that the CVT hopes to bring 
to survivors of torture.I commend the hard work and efforts of the CVT 
for treating these broken persons and injured spirits; trying to take 
away the living nightmares of these victims. They refer to this as 
``rising from the ashes,'' in terms of these broken spirits and broken 
bodies that are delivered to our shores and communities.
  We must surely embrace these persons and give them protection fro 
religious and political persecution. We must be cognizant of the fact 
that they are going to need more than just refuge in this country. They 
need a helping hand.
  According to the CVT, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 victims 
of torture now reside in the United States, with an estimated 12,000 to 
15,000 residing in Minnesota. The Center's clients have come from 
around the world--52 percent from Africa, 25 percent from South and 
Southeast Asia, 11 percent from Latin America, six percent from the 
Middle East and three percent from Eastern Europe. An estimated two-
thirds of CVT clients are seeking asylum from persecution at the time 
they first contact the Center.
  Many torture survivors suffer from severe psychological effects such 
as fear, guilt, nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and depression. The 
debilitating nature of torture makes it extremely difficult for 
survivors to hold steady jobs, study for new professions and careers, 
or acquire other skills needed for a successful integration into our 
nation's culture and economy. Congress should provide hope for these 
talented, educated and productive people who were purposefully disabled 
by their own governments.
  In response to this human suffering, I was a cosponsor of the Torture 
Victims Relief Act that was enacted into law last Congress, and I 
continue to strongly support this legislation in the 106th Congress. 
This Reauthorization builds upon last year's success and provides an 
important first step in healing the wounds of government-inflicted 
torture on individuals, their families and their communities. 
Specifically, this bill authorizes $10 million for the next three years 
for grants to centers and programs that treat victims of torture in 
foreign countries and centers and programs in the United States that 
aid victims of torture. Such funds will cover the costs of supporting 
torture victims, including rehabilitation, social and legal services 
and research and training for health care providers. Furthermore, this 
legislation funds $5 million per year for the U.S. contribution to the 
UN Voluntary Fund to find new and innovative ways to support torture 
victims treatment programs and encourage the development of such 
programs. Finally, this bill provides training for foreign service 
officers to help them identify torture and its effects upon innocent 
civilians.
  Torture is a crime against humanity. It is the single most effective 
weapon against democracy. As members of Congress, it is our 
responsibility to protect and shield the world from this strategic tool 
of repression. I urge all members to support this much needed 
Reauthorization which will respond to the evils of torture and its 
physical, social, emotional and spiritual consequences upon our 
communities.

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