It was instituted really at the request and response of Governor Rudy Perpich in 1985. The Center has treated almost 600 persons at this particular center to date. When we look at the problem throughout our country and the world. in terms of reaching out and extending political and religious amnesty to individuals in refugee status. and my colleagues well know my role with the southeast Asians and the resettlement in Minnesota of the Hmong community. we have 400.000 such persons in the United States. and there is precious little support available for them. Clearly. the existing social services that we offer are inadequate to deal with this type of problem. When we celebrated June 26 as international day in Minnesota. it was pointed out that there are 124 nations around the globe. 124 nations. that still practice various types of torture and intimidation of the civilian population.