UN fund for torture victims appeals for more donations

Having reached less than one-tenth of its annual target for funding in the first quarter of the year, a United Nations trust fund for victims of torture appealed today for donations to help it reach its minimum goal of $13 million for 2003.

As of 2 April, the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture had only about $1.2 million available for the next session of the Board of Trustees, which is scheduled to take place from 12 to 28 May.

The UN General Assembly established the Fund in 1981 to receive voluntary contributions from Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals for distribution to non-governmental organizations providing humanitarian assistance to victims of torture and members of their family.

In 2002, more than 80,000 victims were assisted through the Fund with the support of donors.