by Johnny Zokovitch
Executive Director, Pax Christi USA
Torture has long been a primary issue of concern for our movement, and this month, as we mark Torture Awareness month and stand in support of survivors of torture, my colleague Dianna Ortiz, OSU is foremost in my mind. Perhaps no one has done more to raise awareness of torture or create a network of survivors of torture and their advocates than Di did. I hope that many of you will join me this month in making a special donation to the organization she started, TASSC International (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition).
In addition to TASSC International, Pax Christi USA is proud to be an active member and supporter of both the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and Witness Against Torture. In the “Action” section below, you’ll find several actions you can take from a menu of actions curated by Witness Against Torture.
Lastly, in recognition of Dianna’s life’s work and continuing to carry the flame forward in support of torture survivors and victims, we’re inviting all members of the Pax Christi USA family to light a candle, place it in a window tomorrow evening (June 26th), and offer up the prayer below for the UN International Day of Support for Victims of Torture. I hope you’ll join me in this simple act of prayer and commitment to see the abolition of torture.
(And special thanks to Edward Ablang, the newest member of our staff, who pulled together the pieces for today’s PSA below!)
Click here to read the PSA (Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin), “Remembering victims & supporting survivors of torture“.
Thank you , Johnny and Edward, for keeping this issue in the forefront and providing avenues to take some action. As life reopens for many in the US, it is potentially easy to lose sight of those who have a terribly more difficult life–from sunrise to sunset and more. Whether communicating with our political representatives, sending a donation, or both, it is important to do whatever we can (along with prayer). We are all connected, whether close or distant–however we can, reach out. Peace.