UN approves grants totalling some $7.8 million to assist torture victims

The United Nations today announced the allocation of grants totalling some $7.8 million to organizations supporting survivors of torture.

The announcement came out of Geneva, where UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson approved the allocation from the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture on behalf of Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Grants were provided to some 200 organizations working in more than 60 countries worldwide and assisting about 80,000 victims of torture along with members of their families. The disbursements were based on priorities set by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, which also recommended maintaining a set amount for emergency assistance to individual victims or programmes already backed by the Fund that could encounter financial difficulties.

Despite its far reach, the UN Fund did not meet all requests, and all indications are that needs will also outpace resources in the future. This year, grants amounting to more than $12 million were sought – up by about $1 million over 2001. While expressing gratitude to the dozens of governments that regularly contribute to the Fund, the Board has expressed concern over the implications of the continuing rise in requests for financial assistance.

New applications for 2003 are expected to top $13 million, underscoring the need for fresh voluntary contributions, according to the UN.

Established by the General Assembly in 1981, the Fund is mandated to give priority to organizations providing direct medical, psychological, social, economic, legal, humanitarian or other forms of assistance to torture victims and members of their family. The Board serves as an advisory body to the Secretary-General.