Freedom from torture is a universal and fundamental human right. Yet torture continues to take place in more than 120 countries worldwide. It is estimated that onethird of the worlds 12 million refugees are victims of torture. Politicians. joumalists. teachers. students. religious leaders. trade union and human rights activists are all targets. The aim of torture is not to kill the victim. but to break down the victims personality. Crippled. traumatized. and humiliated. the victims are returned to their communities as a warning to others. There are more than 500.000 torture survivors in the United States alonerefugees and asylum seekers who have fled repressive regimes. In recent years. there has been a dramatic increase in the number of victims of torture seeking help at U.S. rehabilitation centers. In the U.S. there are 34 rehabilitation centers and programs joined together under the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs. which was started by the Center for Victims ot Torture in Minnesota.
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refugees asylum seekers