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Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture: Difference between revisions
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Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) | The '''Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture''' (URVT) was a specialized unit to assist victims of torture by providing them with multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation services. It was launched in 2006 and runs since under [[Future Worlds Center]]. URVT was first funded by the [[UNVFVT]] (United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture). | ||
==Overall Objective== | ==Overall Objective== | ||
The URVT's mission was to support and promote the empowerment and rehabilitation of people who have been subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment in their country of origin and/or in Cyprus. Victims are mainly refugees and asylum seekers, and at times victims of trafficking. URVT’s aim was to assist victims and their families to rehabilitate and to integrate into the local society. | |||
==Detailed Description== | |||
The Unit aimed to support and promote the empowerment and rehabilitation of torture victims and victims of trafficking who are asylum seekers or persons granted with international protection status in Cyprus and to assist them to integrate into the local society. | |||
URVT | URVT adopted a holistic approach to rehabilitation offering a full range of services, including psychological support and rehabilitation; legal counselling and assistance throughout the asylum procedures; and social counselling during the rehabilitation process. The URVT team worked alongside the UNHCR funded project [[Strengthening Asylum]]. URVT also focused on raising awareness among the local community on torture related issues. | ||
The URVT operated according to the standards of the Istanbul Protocol - United Nations Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Its services were offered to the beneficiaries by specialized, experienced and well-trained personnel. URVT furthermore works closely with a network of volunteer service providers, medical professionals and interpreters. | |||
The | |||
Modeled after the Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (MRCT) in Athens, the Cypriot URVT was established in June 2006 as a collaboration between the Greek MRCT and the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (CNTI), a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in Cyprus. | Modeled after the Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (MRCT) in Athens, the Cypriot URVT was established in June 2006 as a collaboration between the Greek MRCT and the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (CNTI), a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in Cyprus. | ||
URVT | The URVT operated under the [[Humanitarian Affairs Unit]] of the [[Future Worlds Center]]. | ||
One of the most important beliefs of the Future Worlds Center is that by befriending and understanding people of different cultures, backgrounds and experiences, the future world becomes a better place. | |||
==Our Mission== | ==Our Mission== | ||
URVT’s mission | URVT’s mission was to: | ||
* Assist victims of torture by providing multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation services | * Assist victims of torture by providing multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation services | ||
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"No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."(Article 5, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948) | "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."(Article 5, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948) | ||
The Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture | The Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture was dedicated to helping victims of torture and their families rebuild their lives, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status. | ||
<b>Who is a victim of torture?</b> | <b>Who is a victim of torture?</b> | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
== | ==Staff== | ||
<b>Dr. [[Elias Papadopoulos]] (Medical Director)</b> | <b>Dr. [[Elias Papadopoulos]] (Medical Director)</b> | ||
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<b>[[Larry Fergeson]]</b> | <b>[[Larry Fergeson]]</b> | ||
Larry began with FWC in 2005 as a graduate student intern from Portland State University. From 2006-2008 he performed the duties of Project Coordinator and Program Developer. In 2009 Larry became the Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Unit which implements the projects "Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture" and the "“Strengthening Asylum for Refugees and Asylum-seekers in Cyprus” as the implementing partner of UNHCR in Cyprus. Larry also acts as media consultant/expert for FWC because of his long history working in media related matters. | Larry began with FWC in 2005 as a graduate student intern from Portland State University. From 2006-2008 he performed the duties of Project Coordinator and Program Developer. In 2009 Larry became the '''Head''' of the [[Humanitarian Affairs Unit]] which implements the projects "Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture" and the "“Strengthening Asylum for Refugees and Asylum-seekers in Cyprus” as the implementing partner of UNHCR in Cyprus. Larry also acts as media consultant/expert for FWC because of his long history working in media related matters. | ||
= | =Sponsors== | ||
URVT emerged under the European Refugee Fund (ERF) II - programme period 2005 – 2010. In particular, URVT was established in June 2006, after a collaboration of the Cyprus Neuroscience & Technology Institute (CNTI) with the Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (MRCT) in Athens. The latter offered the training for URVT’s first staff and assisted in its preparation. The actual operation of URVT started with the second ERF grant that was provided in January 2007, funding which was also obtained in 2008. | URVT emerged under the European Refugee Fund (ERF) II - programme period 2005 – 2010. In particular, URVT was established in June 2006, after a collaboration of the Cyprus Neuroscience & Technology Institute (CNTI) with the Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims (MRCT) in Athens. The latter offered the training for URVT’s first staff and assisted in its preparation. The actual operation of URVT started with the second ERF grant that was provided in January 2007, funding which was also obtained in 2008. | ||
URVT currently runs under a new grant awarded by the Asylum Service, Ministry of Interior, within the framework programme of the European Refugee Fund on “Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows” for the period 2008-2013. This fund is covered 75% by the European Refugee Fund and 25% by the Government of Cyprus and is to be concluded on 30th June 2010. | URVT currently runs under a new grant awarded by the Asylum Service, Ministry of Interior, within the framework programme of the European Refugee Fund on “Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows” for the period 2008-2013. This fund is covered 75% by the European Refugee Fund and 25% by the Government of Cyprus and is to be concluded on 30th June 2010. | ||
The Unit also | The Unit also received, since May 2009, a supplementary fund from the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNFVT), which aimed to support and promote the empowerment and rehabilitation of torture victims with a focus on refugees and asylum seekers. This fund was concluded on 1st June 2010. | ||
==Partnerships== | ==Partnerships== | ||
