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Schedule of Activities for TASSC Survivors Week 

Thursday, June 25, 2009

2:00 - 3:30 PM: Congressional Human Rights Commission Hearing with TASSC, Cannon Building, Room 340

Panel of Survivors Will Address the Need for Accoutability (Location to be announced)

Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) will chair the hearing, during which four survivors from TASSC will testify. We believe that it is crucial that we hear the voice of torture survivors. A huge task lies ahead for us in the United States, where Congress, the Obama administration, public opinion, and the media will play a determining role. The process of bringing the truth to light and establishing justice requires clear decisions by both President Obama and the Congress. The opportunity is now and not later.

7:00 PM: “A World Without War and Torture":

Catholic University of America: 108 Hannan Hall

Thursday evening will feature a keynote speaker to critique the framework of the war on terror as undermining international human rights, and address the urgent need for the international community to reassert core values and principles of international law.

Friday, June 26, 9:00 AM: Conference: “Torture Never Again!”

Catholic University of America Law School: Moot Court

9:15 AM: Morning Panel I: "Torture in Our Backyard"

11:15 AM: Morning Panel II: "Torture Never Again"

2:30 PM: Afternoon Panel I: "Truth, Justice and Accountability"

4:00 PM: Afternoon Panel II: "Torture, Women and Children of Survivors


Saturday, June 27, 7:00 AM: 24-Hour Vigil "Torture Never Again!"

Lafayette Park, Across from the White House

For its 12th consecutive year, TASSC will hold a 24-Hour Vigil in Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 27, across from the White House. The Vigil will be attended by survivors of torture from around the world and supported by our many friends and colleagues. We invite and welcome delegations from participating communities everywhere. Let us know if you are able to travel to DC or send a delegation. If not, please try to organize a vigil in your home community and let us know about it. Let this be the strongest TASSC vigil yet. We will all take great strength from knowing that our efforts are ongoing in all parts of the world and that untold numbers are joining with us.  

Sunday, June 28, 6:00 AM: "Light One Candle of Hope" 

Lafayette Park, Across from the White House

TASSC will close the 24-Hour Vigil and invite interfaith communities to light a candle as a symbol of the light of truth and justice in a torture-free world. Candles will be lit at the end of the 24-Hour vigil on Sunday as a sign of hope for a torture-free world and for truth, justice and reconciliation in our world. 

To see pictures from Survivors' Week 2008, click here: