Supportive Services for Survivors of Torture
In January, NSC launched a new program to serve immigrant survivors of torture throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Through this program, NSC provides survivors of torture and their family’s access to comprehensive and culturally competent medical, mental health, legal, educational and social assistance to assist in their recovery from trauma and successful integration into their new surroundings.
The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a document that asserts basic rights and freedoms to which all people should be entitled. Article 5 of the declaration reads: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”
On June 26, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we are given an opportunity to reflect on the needs of survivors of torture who are making Philadelphia their new home. NSC is committing itself to serve survivors of torture and we hope that you will join us. We are eager to offer survivors the chance to become contributing members of the Philadelphia community.
“This is a day on which we pay our respects to those who have endured the unimaginable. This is an occasion for the world to speak up against the unspeakable. It is long overdue that a day be dedicated to remembering and supporting the many victims and survivors of torture around the world.”
~ Secretary-General Kofi Annan
For more information about the resources NSC provides to survivors of torture, please contact Emily Spann at Nationalities Service Center at 215-893-8400, extension 1540 or espann@nscphila.org.
