What they've said about us

“Torture and other violations of human rights can have devastating consequences on individuals, their families and the greater community. Healing is possible, however: this is the message carried forth by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims.”
- Author Isabel Allende and His Holiness the Dalai Lama
 

“…I express my great gratitude for their vital work, and for their commitment to ridding the world of an odious practice that should have no place in a humane, peaceful 21st century.”
 - Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations

 

‘‘Freedom from torture is one of the most fundamental of all human rights principles…it is particularly fitting that the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has chosen to bestow its Humanitarian Prize on the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, an organisation that has done so much to end torture and to support its victims worldwide.’’
- former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“Fifty years ago, the Nobel Laureate Albert Camus said, ‘For every man tortured, ten terrorists are born.’ Inge Genefke and the organizations she founded are working to help the victims and stop the torture. What better way to wage the war on terrorism?”
 - Julie Christie, actress, who played IRCT founder Inge Genefke in the film The Secret Life of Words

“By addressing the unimaginable suffering of men, women and even children who have endured torture, IRCT personifies the purpose of the Hilton Humanitarian Prize, which is to recognise and support the work of organisations alleviating human suffering throughout the world.”
 - Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which awarded the Hilton Humanitarian
Prize to the IRCT in 2003 

“Your organisation is actually compassion implemented.”
 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama  

“As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus I have had the privilege of working with IRCT and its network of affiliates around the world…I want to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the IRCT and its global network of treatment and support centres for their continued invaluable service to humanity.”
 - Hon. Tom Lantos, former U.S. Congressman (deceased)
 

“Those of us who have experienced torture and who know its horror from the inside out will always be grateful to IRCT for its groundbreaking work. In the dark world of torture, IRCT has been a constant ray of hope.”
 - Sister Dianna Ortiz, author and founder of Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition

“Through its support for victims and its global campaigning for the universal ratification and implementation of the UN Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, the IRCT reminds us of our shared responsibility for ending torture throughout the world.”
 - Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

“As the IRCT has expanded to include centres with more eclectic approaches to the treatment of torture victims (other than a strict medicalised approach), it has become a potent worldwide force of essential medical, social, psychological and, increasingly, legal support to victims.”
 - Sir Nigel Rodley, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture

“The IRCT shows to all of us that something can be done for those who have suffered so terribly.”
- Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu