WHEREAS, According to the United Nations, survivors of torture include, people who have suffered intentional, severe, physical and/or mental distress at the hands of their government; and
WHEREAS, The effects of torture are manifested physically and emotionally with personal, professional, legal and social consequences which have a profound impact upon the individual’s health, social relationships, and overall sense of well-being; and
WHEREAS, The long-term consequences of torture and forced exile are felt not only by the individual, but also by their families who have lost their traditional support systems; by their children who have difficulty assimilating and being accepted in a new culture; and, by their communities which have lost their leaders and talented citizens; and
WHEREAS, There are as many as 400,000 torture survivors now living in the United States who have come from many different countries, such as: Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Liberia, Bosnia, Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Cameroon, Togo, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that over 5000 survivors of torture reside in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Torture survivors living in the Philadelphia region make positive contributions to neighborhoods throughout our City and serve as courageous examples of strength and hope for us all; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is honored to house the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture, a division of Lutheran Children and Family Service, and a nationally recognized service provider which coordinates legal, medical, mental health, and social services for over 250 immigrant survivors of torture each year; and
WHEREAS, The United Nations has declared June 26th as “International Day of Torture Victims” to honor and support all who are affected by torture locally, nationally and internationally; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby declare June 26, 2005 as Philadelphia Day in Support of Torture Victims.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Liberty Center as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body for the extraordinary experiences survivors of torture have encountered, and for their determination and steadfast spirit.
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