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[DOCID: f:hc168eh.txt]
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 168
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of Congress in support of victims of torture.
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 168
_______________________________________________________________________
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas the people of the United States abhor the use of torture by any
government or person;
Whereas the existence of torture creates a climate of fear and international
insecurity that affects all people;
Whereas torture results in mental and physical damage to an individual that
destroys the individual's personality and terrorizes society and the
effects of torture can last a lifetime for the individual and can also
affect future generations;
Whereas repressive governments often use torture as a weapon against democracy
by eliminating the leadership of their opposition and frightening the
general public;
Whereas more than 500,000 survivors of torture live in the United States;
Whereas torture has devastating effects on the victim which often require
extensive medical and psychological treatment;
Whereas both the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-320) and the
Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-87)
authorize funding for rehabilitation services for victims of torture so
that these individuals may become productive and contributing members of
their communities;
Whereas the United States played a leading role in the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and has ratified the United Nations
Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Inhuman and Degrading
Treatment or Punishment; and
Whereas June 26th of each year is the United Nations International Day in
Support of Victims of Torture: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That, on the occasion of the United Nations International Day in
Support of Victims of Torture, Congress pays tribute to all victims of
torture in the United States and around the world who are struggling to
overcome the physical scars and psychological effects of torture.
Passed the House of Representatives July 10, 2001.
Attest:
Clerk.
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