Center for Victims (CVT) of Torture Applauds United Nations' Creation of War Crimes Tribunal in Sierra Leone

Center for the Victims of Torture
Monday, 14 August 2000

"We must ensure that further steps are taken to guarantee care and rehabilitative treatment for survivors of torture," cautions the nation's leading torture victims' treatment facility.

Minneapolis, MN (August 14, 2000) … The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), the nation's oldest and largest treatment facility of its kind in the United States, today applauded the decision by the United Nations Security Council to create a war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone. The decision comes after nine years of civil war that left thousands of citizens the victims of torture.

"We welcome the news today as a significant first step forward for victims of torture on their road to healing. But it is only a first step. We must ensure that care and rehabilitative services will be provided as well," said Douglas A. Johnson, Executive Director of CVT.

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously Monday August 14, 2000 on a resolution authorizing UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to negotiate an independent court to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. The crimes involved the killing and maiming of thousands of people during Sierra Leone's nine year civil war.

"The United States has recognized their role and responsibility in aiding the survivors of torture. We are hopeful and confident that this commitment will remain steadfast," Johnson concluded.

For more information, or to contact Center for the Victims of Torture, see their website at: www.cvt.org