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UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture - Assistance

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Psychological assistance is provided to enable victims of torture to overcome the psychological trauma they have experienced. Individual therapy, whether based on clinical, psychoanalytical, behavioural or other therapy, seeks to assist victims with their gradual reintegration into society. Psychiatric therapy may be combined with medication to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms.

Medical assistance treats the physical after-effects of torture. Following diagnosis by a general practitioner, treatment is provided by medical specialists in the fields of orthopaedics, neurology, physiotherapy, paediatrics, sexual health, urology as well as traditional healing and complementary medicine.

Social assistance complements the above-mentioned forms of assistance by providing various services to reduce the sense of marginalization that many victims experience. Social assistance ensures that victims have access to a minimum of basic services, including housing, health care, education, language classes and employment training.

Legal assistance may be provided in a number of ways including covering the costs of lawyers, courts, translations and legal proceedings. For torture victims seeking asylum, legal assistance can be crucial in the preparation and follow-up of asylum applications in a host country. The Fund also contributes to combating impunity where grants are used to seek reparation and compensation for victims through claims before competent national, regional and international bodies.

Financial assistance enables victims to meet their basic needs and to gain access to other types of assistance, such as health care. In some cases, nominal assistance is distributed to unemployed victims, particularly when they are unable to work as a result of the serious physical and psychological effects of torture. Financial assistance may also be used to offset the costs of educating their children.


Forthcoming events

News flash

Applications 2009
(1 February-1 April)

Deadline for applications 2009: 4 April 2008 - CLOSED

International Day against Torture 2008

The Fund

What the Fund is
What the Fund does
Decision-making
List of grantees 2008
The grants cycle
Reporting on the activities of the Fund  
Torture under International Law

How to apply to the Fund

Circular n° 2/2007 - Call for 2009 Applications
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Guidelines for the use of organizations:
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How to report to the Fund

Narrative and Financial Report Form and Project Summary Form on the use of 2007 grants for direct assistance projects
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Narrative and Financial Report Form & Project Summary Form on the use of 2007 grants for training and seminar projects
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Acknowledge receipt form:
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Other Sources of Funding

Past observances

From 22 to 26 October 2007, the Board of Trustees of the Fund met to adopt recommendations for new grants

25 Years - Rebuilding lives - United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of TortureInternational Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2006            

Others links

Committee against Torture
Special Rapporteur on Torture