Zum „Tag des Folteropfers“ am 26. Juni: Nora Sveaass zur Bedeutung der BafF

Auch für Nora Sveaass, Head of the Norwegian Psychological Association’s Human Rights Committee und Mitglied des UN Committee Against Torture, ist der „Internationale Tag des Folteropfers“ eine Gelegenheit, klar und deutlich unser „Nein“ zu Folter und zugleich unser „Ja“ zu einer Gesellschaft zur Sprache zu bringen, die Verantwortung für diejenigen trägt, denen Leid widerfahren ist - zu einer Gesellschaft, die Folteropfern Chancen auf Veränderungen ihres Lebens eröffnet und die den Blick bewahrt für den langen Weg hierhin mithilfe von Therapie und multiprofessioneller Unterstützung in enger Zusammenarbeit aller Akteure. In ihrem Statement macht Nora Sveaass deutlich, wie wichtig in diesem Kontext die Arbeit der BafF ist:

 

„The struggle against torture and its destructive effects has to take place on all levels of society, in Parliaments, in courts, in public discussions, in homes, in schools and universities –and not to speak of – in the therapy room. There is an absolute prohibition against torture in our world, but despite the strong international efforts to eradicate torture, it exists, and it keeps destroying individuals as well as societies. An important part of this battle is making people understand what torture is and what it does to people. And here awareness raising is of priority. Training and informing are therefore important aspects of this struggle. But there is more – there is the obligation to investigate allegations of torture, to bring to court and punish those responsible for torture, and there is, least but far from last, the right of those who have been tortured to obtain redress and compensation, and as it says in article 14 of the UN convention against torture, for as full rehabilitation as possible. 
It is here the work of BafF is so important. Rehabilitation of torture survivors is not something one can do alone, in a consultation room far from others. The need to work together, to systematize experience and delevop working methods and understanding, as well as to support and learn from each other is of essence here. BafF celebrated its 10 years of existence in 2005. Today this coalition of 25 therapy and rehabilitation centres for torture victims has passed its 15th anniversary and the need for services and care is not reduced in our world today – on the contrary – it is growing. June 26th is the UN day for the victims of torture, an opportunity to say out loud, both our no to torture and yes to a society that takes care of those who have suffered and provide them with new opportunities and new changes in life – including understanding the long way to obtain this – through therapy, multiprofessional support, activity and social network.“

 

Oslo 22.06.2010

Nora Sveaass

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