[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1158-E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF THE VICTIMS OF TORTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution condemning the use of torture and other forms of cruel, 
inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment wherever they occur--in 
the United States and other countries. As the United States has become 
a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of torture victims, the 
resolution also expresses support for the victims of these heinous 
acts. I am pleased that I am joined by my colleagues, Representatives 
Steny Hoyer, Ben Cardin, and Alcee Hastings, as original cosponsors of 
the measure. The Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Senator Ben 
Nighthorse Campbell, is introducing an identical resolution in the 
Senate.
  Torture remains the weapon of choice of oppressive regimes. In the 
worst cases, it is systematically used to silence political opposition, 
punish religious minorities, and target those who are ethnically or 
racially different from those in power.
  It is estimated that some 500,000 torture survivors live in this 
country alone, most of whom came here as refugees. The debilitating

[[Page E1159]]

effects of torture often last a lifetime and require substantial 
medical, psychological and other treatment. Although they are aided by 
34 centers in 19 states, the needs of the victims are extensive. I will 
continue to support funding for torture treatment centers in the United 
States, as well as foreign treatment centers funded through the U.S. 
Agency for International Development, and multilateral efforts 
supported by the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture. Mr. Speaker, 
I also want to commend the non-governmental organizations which seek to 
document this abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.
  At the same time, I will be working to ensure that the United States 
continues to play a leadership role in the battle against torture by 
signaling our unwavering condemnation of this egregious practice. It is 
particularly important that we send that message now, when 
irresponsible voices are suggesting that torture may be a necessary 
tool against terror. Torture creates terror. That is its purpose, and 
it makes no sense to wage war to defend our great democratic republic 
and respect for the rule of law and use methods that denigrate the very 
values we seek to protect. Torture is unconstitutional, barred by the 
laws of the United States and the laws of all civilized nations.
  The resolution that Sen. Campbell and I are introducing underscores 
that message. It recognizes the United Nations International Day in 
Support of the Victims of Torture--June 26 each year--and encourages 
the training of law enforcement personnel who are involved in the 
custody, interrogation, or treatment of any individual who is arrested, 
detained, or imprisoned, with the hope of preventing the use of this 
practice. The resolution also calls on the Secretary of State to seek, 
at relevant international fora, the adoption of an agreement to treat 
confessions and other evidence obtained through torture or other forms 
of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment, as 
inadmissible in any legal proceeding; and to prohibit, in law and in 
practice, incommunicado detention of prisoners.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and 
giving it timely consideration.

                          ____________________