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MISSION

The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) is the only organization founded by and for torture survivors. The mission of TASSC is to end the practice of torture wherever it occurs and to empower survivors, their families and communities wherever they are.

VISION

In the spirit of non-violence and with the hope of achieving justice and social change, TASSC 

• Works to abolish torture and ill-treatment currently practiced by more than 138 governments.

• Advocates for the immediate implementation of Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and all other relevant treaties and conventions

• Breaks the silence surrounding torture and gives voice to survivors through outreach, education and advocacy

• Calls for an end to military assistance, training and arms sales to governments that torture
  

• Demands an end to impunity for the architects of torture--those who order, justify and practice it

WHO WE ARE/CORE VALUES:

TASSC is a coalition of torture survivors, representing countries and ethnic groups throughout all parts of the world. The following principles guide our actions.  We believe that:

• Survivors are one of the strongest and most effective voices in the campaign to abolish torture

• TASSC survivor-advocates must build solidarity with other advocacy groups and the global community of survivors

• Family members as well as survivors of all forms of torture, ill-treatment and political violence are invited to join the global movement for the abolition of torture

• TASSC is concerned not only with the prevention of torture but also addresses its aftermath, the individual survivor, family, community, and society

• The voices of all survivors must be heard equally in TASSC's decision-making

WHAT WE DO / GOALS:

• Create a world-wide network of International Communities of Healing for torture survivors and their families

• Influence domestic and international policy through advocacy, social action, public testimony, and targeted media campaigns
  

• Monitor human rights violations in nations where TASSC members may be at risk

• Operate Helping Hands, a direct assistance program for survivors
  

• Coordinate the annual United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors (June 26th)

• Speak out personally to the public through the Truth Speakers program. 

TASSC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and operates independently of any ideology, government or economic interest.

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"Enabling torture is a violation of domestic law, international law, and treaties to which the United States is a signatory."

Society of American Law Teachers

Dear Friends and Supporters of TASSC:

With mounting concern, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, TASSC has watched the Bush administration's increasingly disgraceful commitment to a policy of torture and congress' utter refusal to challenge that policy. 

In recent weeks, Attorney General Mukasey has left no doubt that he is committed to the protection of those who torture and those who order this crime against humanity. 

TASSC's commitment to the repeal of the Military Commissions Act (MCA) remains firm as we continue to work toward that end. However, much more needs to be done. I am writing, therefore, to tell you that we have expanded our Education and Accountability Project. We have held meetings with various human rights organizations and have consulted with human rights attorneys and we have concluded that effective opposition to the practice of torture by our government requires the following: an independent investigation of the President and others in his administration.  Should the results of that investigation warrant, those culpable should then be prosecuted.

We do not say this lightly. The Bush administration is only the most public example of an administration ordering torture.  This practice has gone on decade after decade, most often out of sight.  We believe that members of the present administration may well have violated U.S. law. As such, they should be prosecuted – period.  We also believe that to deter future administrations from facilitating this same crime against humanity, there must be accountability and punishment, if warranted.

TASSC, then, is initiating a call for an independent prosecutor to examine the actions of the Bush administration.  We are under no illusion that it will be acted upon prior to the elections.  We do anticipate, however, that with a new congress, will come support for our call.  However, if no action is forthcoming, an international response will be sought.

On June 26, 2003, George Bush said that the U.S. would never engage in torture. Even before that date, the president and others in his administration had already ordered its practice.  On behalf of our members, I write to you today so that you will know that TASSC is undertaking this new effort to fulfill our mission to confront torture wherever it may occur and to hold accountable those who order it.

In the coming months, TASSC's efforts will be greatly enhanced by the support of others.  We hope we can count on you.

In solidarity

Harold Nelson

TASSC Advocacy Coordinator
hnelson@tassc.org
info@tassc.org

Your feedback will be appreciated.
www.tassc.org

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The Green Light

As the first anniversary of 9/11 approached, and a prized Guantánamo detainee wouldn’t talk, the Bush administration’s highest-ranking lawyers argued for extreme interrogation techniques, circumventing international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the army’s own Field Manual. The attorneys would even fly to Guantánamo to ratchet up the pressure—then blame abuses on the military. Philippe Sands follows the torture trail, and holds out the possibility of war crimes charges.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/
guantanamo200805

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