Mission
The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) was founded in 1998. It is the only organization in the United States 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.
Meaning of TASSC’S LOGO
TASSC’s logo was designed by Elshafei Dafalla Mohammad from Sudan. His paintings, photography, and sculpture have been widely exhibited and is part of public and private collections in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. The large umbrella-letter T represents truth and zero tolerance for torture.
The dark blue color signifies resilience and spiritual purity. As the dark blue embraces the pure red orange, a pigeon symbolizing peace-love-freedom in many cultures, soars out of the form towards a brighter future which marks the end of oppression.
The letters ASSC in TASSC visualizes a person rising, under the TASSC umbrella, from a state of “bowing under oppression.”
The color black gives the logo a high degree of contrast that reflects the strength and vitality of its lines. TASSC’s logo signifies the awakening and the uprising of those who have been tortured.
