On behalf of the many colleagues we express our deep sorrow at the passing of a close friend and pioneer in the field of health and human rights.
I think it was 1988 that I first met Helen Bamber in London. At that time, I did not yet know much about her personal history. As a young German I understood why she was critically questioning my personal and professional involvement in the work for victims of torture but I also found it irritating and challenging. Still it was the beginning of a friendship and professional exchange which continued from then until now.
She was present at a meeting in 1996 in Bad Boll in the south of Germany where she was a strong supporter of the idea of founding the BAfF, the German Association of Psychosocial Centers for Refugees and Victims of Torture, as a force that would have more political input into society.
As she made clear at the time: for her it was important to get involved with a new generation of professionals in Germany who were responding to the need of those seeking refuge in Germany and supporting the struggles of survivors.
And on the other side, it was our engagement and accompaniment that made it possible for her to make a trip to Nuremberg, to find out more about some of her family members who had “disappeared” during the Nazi time in Germany.
“Hate can become a companion and a guide of your life if you nourish it – and there is always a good reason for it. You have to let it go or it will ruin your life,” she once told me in one of our many conversations.
Helen moved and inspired many of us. She was convincing not only because of her profound knowledge as a psychotherapist but mostly because she was, as her biographer described her, a “Good Listener” – engaging, responsive definitely, but also critical; she did not hesitate to make fun of you in a most subtle but respectful fashion. Helen’s dry comment on a desperately wordy 14-page press declaration which a colleague at the above mentioned conference presented: “at least she cares” became a saying within the BAfF for good intentions poorly achieved.
Helen was a pioneer in the fight for justice for survivors of torture and human rights violations. As a pioneer she had a mission: while warm and responsive to those who suffered abuse anywhere in the world, she fought tirelessly with the authorities for the rights and dignity of refugees seeking protection from prosecution or torture. Although it was not always comfortable to work with her, it was fun, lively and thought-provoking. We will miss her – but we are grateful that we had the chance to know her. She has given us a lot and accompanied us on very important steps of our way. Thank you, Helen.
August 2014, Berlin
Elise Bittenbinder
President of BAfF, German Association of Psychosocial Centres for Refugees and Victims of Torture
Official announcements:
Medical Foundation (now Freedom from Torture)