[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1275-E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF 
                           VICTIMS OF TORTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, 
and in support of a program in my district that provides critical 
healing services to San Diegans who have fled torture and persecution 
in countries all over the world.
  The greater San Diego area is home to an estimated 11,000 survivors 
of politically motivated torture. They have come from more than 40 
countries and endured unimaginable human rights abuses. They are not 
strangers or anonymous victims who we will never meet. They are our 
neighbors, our colleagues, the families with which we attend religious 
services, and the children that attend schools with our children. 
Torture survivors in San Diego are strong, resilient, resourceful 
people who bring diversity to our city and have many talents and 
experiences to offer our community.
  Torture robs strong, healthy, productive people of their vitality, 
identity, and dignity, often in the prime of their lives. Political 
torture does not just randomly occur as an act of isolated terror; it 
is a tool of oppression, a system of violence that targets people 
because of their race, ethnicity, religion, social group, gender or 
political affiliation. People are tortured because of who they are, 
what they believe and what they represent.
  Torture survivors in San Diego have been tortured because as 
journalists they wrote the unwelcome truth, as attorneys they fought 
for the legal rights of unpopular minorities, as community leaders they 
spoke up, organized unions, or staffed clinics. Some requested the 
right to representation by their government, or the right to be 
autonomous when the government failed to represent them. Others sought 
healthcare, believed in religions not ``sanctioned'' by the government, 
and rejected the conscription of children into militias.
  In San Diego, and in all places where they seek safety and solace, 
torture survivors bear out the consequences of the abuse they have 
endured. Anxiety, depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, chronic 
pain, head injuries, dental trauma, and nerve damage are all 
consequences of torture. Though many torture survivors choose not to 
reveal the details of what they have endured, they never forget, and 
without appropriate care, most will not improve. They re-live their 
suffering in nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive memories. Chronic 
physical pain, muscle weakness and an inability to trust, confide or 
relax are too often daily reminders of the injuries they endured.
  The consequences of torture are also a significant public health 
concern. Not only do they impair the health of the person who was 
victimized, but they create anxiety, fear and depression among whole 
families and communities. The transgenerational effects of trauma

[[Page E1276]]

are well researched and well documented. The effects of torture will 
cascade down through the generations and negatively affect the mental 
health of the children and even grandchildren of those who endure 
torture. The effects of torture will ripple through our cities 
weakening the ties that bind us together, and bolstering the barriers 
that keep us apart. The consequences of torture represent a public 
health problem which only grow without care, and prevent hardworking, 
talented people from being able to fully-integrated, productive, 
participating members of our communities.
  I invite all of my colleagues and all Americans to recommit 
themselves today, on the International Day in Support of Victims of 
Torture, and everyday to the eradication of the use of torture 
throughout the world wherever it may be used. The consequences of 
torture for individuals, families and communities are far too heinous 
to not be condemned and spoken against.
  Today, I am happy to be able to commend the important work and the 
successes of Survivors of Torture, International. This non-profit 
organization, made up of concerned San Diegans has provided direct 
medical, mental health, legal and social services to more than 500 
torture survivors in the greater San Diego area. Furthermore, this 
organization has worked to train hundreds of doctors, nurses, 
attorneys, teachers, clergy, and mental health professionals to work 
with torture survivors as well. They have committed themselves to 
building a San Diego where torture survivors do not suffer in silence, 
but have access to the assistance the need to become healthy, 
productive and self-sufficient Americans.

                          ____________________