will be held tonight, Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
The evening is held in recognition of survivors of torture worldwide and the June 26th UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Youth poetry and art, speakers addressing legal, psychological, policy, and personal aspects of torture, advocacy actions and a candle light procession and vigil comprise this non-partisan and secular event held at Southside Presbyterian Church Location: 317 W. 23rd street, from 7:00
PM – 10:00 PM.
Citizens’ actions on specific torture cases prepared byAmnesty International will be available for concerned citizens, as well a Candle Light Procession and Vigil to the local public shrine, El Tiradito, at Main Street and Cushing Street in downtown Tucson.
The event is free and open to the public.
Co-sponsoring Organizations are: Amnesty International Tucson, the Center for Prevention and Resolution of Violence, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest -Asylum Program, Owl and Panther Project, Torture on Trial, Tucson Human Relations Commission, United Nations Association of Southern Arizona.
The full event schedule and organization’s electronic links specifically relating to the event or survivors of torture testimony and advocacy are listed below.
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Full Schedule for July 2nd, 2008 Event:
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Poetry readings by youth of the Owl and Panther group precede speakers.
Speakers:
Rachel Wilson, JD, PhD, Lead Attorney for Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest's Asylum Program – Legal Challenges in Protecting Torture Survivors.
Lucy Wilson, Clinical Psychologist, CPRV – Hope and Healing
Dr. Roberto Cintli Rodriguez – A Policy Perspective on Torture
Leonardo Maturan – Life In Prison
Following the speakers, the audience is invited to:
8:00 - 8:45 pm
-- Chalk drawings artistically developed by youth of the Owl and Panther group on public view in the adjacent patio.
-- Enjoy light refreshments and non-alcoholic drinks.
-- Review and act on specific cases presented by Amnesty International in Tucson of persons currently imprisoned who are at risk for torture. Participants may send post cards requesting international and national legal procedures be followed and that no violations of the rights of detainees be allowed by responsible authorities. Letters from federal representatives who were asked to present their views on torture will be available for viewing.
8:45 - 9:10 pm
Assemble for procession of Candle Light Vigil toward El Tiradito Shrine on Main Street at Cushing Street.
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Organizational Links Related to Survivors of Torture
Amnesty International – Worldwide Torture Cases
Owl and Panther Project – http://www.owlandpanther.org/
United Nations Association of Southern Arizona - http://www.untucson.org/
United Nations background on torture:
Asylum Program of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Torture on Trial – http://www.tortureontrial.org/
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