Media Releases
Church Agencies Speak Out for Victims of Torture.
26th of June 2002
On 26 June the international community marks the International Day in Support
of Survivors of Torture. Father John Murphy, Director of the Australian Catholic
Migrant and Refugee Office, and Sandie Cornish, National Executive Officer
of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council made the following statement
today to mark the International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture.
Torture continues to take place all around the world, including within our
region.Today we remember especially those survivors of torture who have sought
refuge in Australia, hoping to find safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Once again, on this International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture we
must ask ourselves: How well have we as a nation welcomed and supported survivors
of torture?As Bishop Morris, Chairman of the Australian Catholic Social Justice
Council, said on this day last year, "Human dignity is at the centre of
Catholic thinking about human rights and social justice, and torture is a profound
attack on human dignity. In torture the victim is treated as something less
than human and the perpetrator becomes less human. Respect for human dignity
and human rights calls us to act to stop torture in whatever way we can."We
may encounter victims of torture without realising it.
The scars are not always visible or of a physical nature. Often they are traumatised
again by recounting their experiences and prefer not to talk about it.We must
bring the hidden horror of torture into the light, and work for its elimination.
We must raise our voices on behalf of those who are silenced by torture.We
invite you to consider taking some of the following actions:· Pray for survivors
of torture on 26 June & include survivors of torture in the prayers of
the faithful during Mass at the weekend · Pray for those who inflict torture · Make
use of the Amnesty International resource materials for action against torture
available at www.amnesty.org ·
Read the prison writings of Cardinal Van Thuan, President of the Pontifical
Council for Justice and Peace, and former Amnesty International prisoner of
conscience. These writings share his story of surviving torture and have inspired
and given hope to many. · Visit www.fiacat.org for information about the international
Catholic campaign to end torture · Provide financial support to services for
survivors of torture and trauma ·
Set up a shrine or monument to survivors of torture in your community · Mediate
on the image of the crucified Christ Further Information:
Fr John Murphy
National Director
Australian Catholic Migrant & Refugee Office
Tel 02 6201 9848
Mobile 0418 224 524
Sandie Cornish
National Executive Officer
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
Tel 02 9956 5811
Mobile 0412 125 222
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