1. HOPE in a New World - Supporting Survivors of Torture
A Presentation by Ellen Messali, Esq.
International Institute of Connecticut & The Law Offices of Ellen M. Messali, LLC

2. Global Scale of Torture
In 2014, Amnesty International Investigated human rights abuses in 160 countries and territories world wide
82% (131 of 160) of countries tortured or otherwise ill-treated people
Amnesty international (2014). “Human Rights Facts & Figures.” Retrieved from

3. Global Scale of Torture
Armed groups committed abuses in more than 20% of countries studied (35 countries)
War crimes carried out in at least 18 countries
62 countries imprisoned people exercising rights and freedoms
119 Governments restricted freedom of expression
Amnesty international (2014). “Human Rights Facts & Figures.” Retrieved from

4. Frequently Used Torture Techniques
-  Beatings
- Rape and Sexual torture
- Electrical   
- Forced postures, stretching, hanging
- Waterboarding
- Burning
- Kidnapping and disappearances
- Pharmacological
-Threats to family members
- Asphyxiation
- Dental
- Deprivation
- Threat and psychological
- Witnessing  torture of others
- Severe humiliation
- Wounding/maiming
-Isolation
-Mock Executions

5. What does torture look like?
Torture is the intentional infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering by or with the consent of the state authorities for a specific purpose.
Revolution-news.com
In Iran, LGBT individuals face the death penalty
In the Congo, UDPS members are sent to detention facilities where they are burned, beaten, and gang raped for opposing the government.
In Ethiopia, police attack groups of peaceful student protesters.
hrexach.wordpress.com

6. Lasting Physical & Psychological Effects of Torture
Psychological Consequences
Shame
Sadness and depression
Survivor guilt
Anger and rage
Fear of crowds
Difficulty trusting
Intrusive thoughts & images
Flashbacks
Insomnia (Sleep disorders)
Memory, concentration logical thinking problems
PTSD
Severe anxiety
Psychosis (hallucinations and delusions)
Physical Effects
Burns and scars
Damaged Organs
Bone Fractures
Damage to genitals or impotence
Musculoskeletal problems
Headaches
Deformities
Loss of hearing
Cognitive problems
Changes in blood pressure, hypertension  or cardiovascular diseases

7. The United States as a Safe Haven
The U.S. has a long history of accepting persecuted groups
1951 Refugee Convention
The Principle of “non-refoulement”
ARTICLE 33 – “No Contracting State shall expel or return (‘refouler’) a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.”
Today, the U.S. government estimates there are more than 500,000 survivors of torture living in the U.S.
We know this number to be very low due to underreporting and lack of updated information.

8. Asylum Seekers & Refugees: What is the Difference?

9. Refugees - Globally
In mid-2014, there were approximately 14.4 million Refugees of Concern to UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)
Half in Asia
28% in Africa
Live in widely varying conditions, from well-established camps and collective centers to makeshift shelters or living in the open
Of the 14.4 million refugees of concern to UNHCR around the world, less than one per cent is submitted for resettlement.

10. Refugees - in the U.S. & in Rhode Island
The U. S. is the world's top resettlement country.
Australia, Canada and the Nordic countries also resettle refugees.
As of 2015, Italy and South Korea have started resettling refugees, increasing the number of resettlement countries to 28.
In Fiscal Year 2013, the United States resettled 69,926 Refugees. Nearly half came from the Near East/South Asia
Rhode Island
In 2012, Rhode Island resettled 130 Refugees (Less than 1% of the refugees that arrived in the U.S.)
Main resettlement agency is the International Institute of Rhode Island
The largest refugee populations in Rhode Island are from Bhutan (Asia), Burma (Myanmar, Asia), Iran (Middle East, Asia), and Eritrea (East Africa)

11. Asylum Seekers How do they come to the United States?
Enter the U.S. with some type of visa
Enter the U.S. via one of the land borders, usually without proper documentation
Two Ways of Applying for Asylum
Affirmatively with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Defensively with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (Immigration Court)

12. Asylum Seekers Crucial Parts of the Asylum Process
Preparing Applicant’s Declaration
should explain the applicant’s entire story, his feelings about why the persecution occurred, and his extreme fear of returning to his country.
The goal is to create a very vivid picture of what happened to the applicant.
Working with a talented Interpreter is very important!
Collecting Supporting Statements from Family/Friends
Conducting Medical/Psychological Evaluations
Preparing for Interview/Hearing
Post-Interview/Hearing Work – Reuniting Families, Applying for Benefits, Appeals, etc.

13. Interpreting & Translating for Torture Survivors
Interpreting = Spoken Communication
Translating = Written Communication
Very important for the interpreter to
Understand that his/her only role is to facilitate the conversation taking place between the provider and the client.
No side conversations between the interpreter & the client during the session/meeting either in person or over the phone
Both the provider and the interpreter should use the first person
Wrong: “Ask the client if she will be safe if she returns to her partner”
Correct: “Will you be safe if you go home?
Interpreting for traumatized individuals can be very different from interpreting for other populations…

14. The story of Pinfante Djindjele

15. How You Can Get Involved
Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island
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