Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International: TASSC's Petition and Call for Support

On behalf of the members of TASSC, each of whom is a survivor of torture,--Thanks (if you have signed the petition on torture accountability. If you haven't already, PLEASE SIGN TASSC’S petition calling for the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate those who may have violated U.S. law by ordering the torture of persons detained by our government.

MISSION

The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International (TASSC) is the only organization founded by and for torture survivors. The mission of TASSC is to end the practice of torture wherever it occurs and to support and empower survivors, their families and communities wherever they are.

WHO WE ARE/CORE VALUES:
TASSC is a coalition of torture survivors, representing countries and ethnic groups throughout all parts of the world.

WHAT WE DO / GOALS:

* Create a world-wide network of International Communities of Healing for torture survivors and their families

* Influence domestic and international policy through advocacy, social action, public testimony, and targeted media campaigns

* Monitor human rights violations in nations where TASSC members may be at risk

* Operate Helping Hands, a direct assistance program for survivors

* Coordinate the annual United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims and Survivors (June 26th)

* Speak out personally to the public through the Truth Speakers program.

TASSC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and operates independently of any ideology, government or economic interest.

The Petition--Go: Here

To find out more about this organization go to tassc dot org

Your support is both important and deeply appreciated by our members as well as those who make up our coalition for accountability.

More information is constantly coming to light, which makes our accountability project even more important. As but one example... several years ago, the White House issued secret memos expressly endorsing the CIA’s use of water-boarding and other forms of torture.

More than ever, we must insist that government officials up to and including those at the highest level be held accountable for their actions. Thus as I express our gratitude to you, may I also ask that you take another step with us. Would you be willing to tell those with whom you come in contact about our petition and the importance of holding anyone accountable who has ordered or otherwise facilitated the commission of this crime against humanity? May I also ask that you consider speaking with members of groups to which you belong about those groups joining with
TASSC and our coalition? The more members of the coalition, the stronger we will be.

I wish to express my personal gratitude to you for being a partner in this important cause. If we (AT TASSC) may be of any assistance in the future, please let us know.

Thank you again.

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