The United Against Torture Consortium (UATC), a coalition comprising over 200 international partners, faces a troubling loss of financial backing from nations such as the US, UK, and France. This reduction comes amid alarming reports of widespread torture and human rights violations, compelling UATC to call on international donors to reinforce their commitment to combatting torture and supporting its victims.
The importance of aiding torture survivors is underscored through personal experiences. A client from the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT), a UATC affiliate, asserted, “If it wasn’t for CVT, I think I would be dead by now.” Responsive funding cuts by the previous US administration have led the CVT to shutter nearly all its global operations, impacting about 75% of its workforce.
Currently, UATC reports a complete cessation of rehabilitation services in four nations linked to its partners, including war-torn regions of Ethiopia. An additional 18 programs are grappling with significant funding deficits due to the discontinuation of USAID support.
In Latin America, UATC members are pivotal in promoting civil society initiatives to enhance the rule of law and build equitable societies, especially in areas historically affected by military rule and the ‘War on Drugs’. “The loss of USAID funding threatens essential programmes for marginalised and forgotten communities,” noted Ari Vera of Corpora en Libertad, a UATC partner.
In Asia, UATC partners are compelled to halt torture documentation efforts in oppressive regimes, hampering accountability measures. In Europe, cuts to US funding jeopardise civil society operations in Belarus, coinciding with investigations into human rights violations by authorities there. Staff in Ukraine documenting torture are also facing job losses, signalling significant and painful setbacks for these communities.
Despite constituting a small portion of global development aid, funding the fight against torture delivers substantial benefits. Survivors, subjected to severe human rights abuses, are entitled to comprehensive rehabilitation. Neglecting this fundamental right potentially undermines broader human rights initiatives. Amid pressing global tensions, international support to avert future torture is more crucial than ever.
The UATC warns of a substantial loss of support from global donors in the fight against torture, leading to halted rehabilitation programs for survivors across multiple countries. This troubling trend, alongside significant funding cuts, threatens vital services in regions including Latin America, Asia, and Europe. UATC implores for renewed financial commitment to prevent torture and support victims, emphasising its vast importance despite being a minor fraction of international aid.
In summary, the call for sustained financial support from international donors for the United Against Torture Consortium is critical. The loss of funding not only endangers existing rehabilitation efforts for torture survivors but also undermines overall human rights advocacy globally. It is imperative that funding strategies evolve to safeguard the vulnerable and ensure that no community is left to suffer in silence.
Original Source: www.omct.org
