CCVT 2005-2006 AGM Report.pub - Canadian Centre for Victims of

Transcription

CCVT 2005-2006 AGM Report.pub - Canadian Centre for Victims of
2005-2006
Annual Report
Main Office: 194 Jarvis St. 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5B2B7
Tel: (416) 363-1066 Fax: (416) 363-2122
Scarborough Branch: 2425 Eglinton Ave. E. Unit 220, Scarborough, ON,
Canada, M1K5G8 Tel: (416) 750-3045 Fax (416) 750-4990
Website: www.ccvt.org E-mail: mabai@ccvt.org
Accredited Member of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT)
Charitable Reg. 13332 7908 RR0001
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Table of Contents
2
Mandate
4
A Message from the Executive Director
5
A Message from the Chair
6-7
Report of the Legal Committee
8-9
Report of Public Education
10-11
Report of the International Committee
12-13
Report of Health and Program Committee
14
Settlement Program
15
Volunteer Program
16
Children’s Program
17
English as a Second Language and Computer Training Program
18
Board of Directors
19
Financial Report
20-21
CCVT Programs
22
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Health Network
23
CCVT Legal Network
24
CCVT Staff
25
Interns and Students
25
CCVT Volunteers
26-27
CCVT Survivors—New Intake and Previous Clients
28-33
Special thanks
34-35
Funders: Government and Foundations
36
Contact Us
37
Table of Figures
Figure 1: New Clients by Country
28
Figure 6: Marital Status
31
Figure 2: Previous Clients by Country
29
Figure 7: Education
32
Figure 3: Source of Referrals
30
Figure 8: Employment Skills
32
Figure 4: Gender of Clients
30
Figure 9:Type of Torture
33
Figure 5: Age Category
31
Figure 10: Client Referral
33
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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CCVT ANNUAL
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2005-2006
Mandate
"Hope after the Horror"
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
(CCVT) aids survivors to overcome the lasting
effects of torture and war. In partnership
with the community, the Centre support survivors in the process of successful integration
into Canadian society, works for their protection and integrity, and raises awareness of
the continuing effects of torture and war on
survivors and their families. The CCVT gives
hope after the horror.
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Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
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2005-2006
A Message from the Executive Director
During the past 12 months CCVT has assisted a total of 730 clients from over 60 countries, providing a range of therapeutic services. CCVT has also collaborated with several agencies at home and abroad to strengthen the global human
rights movement and to hold governments accountable to the international human rights treaties and conventions. CCVT
has also provided training to front line workers, educators, health professionals, private sponsors, faith groups on the
effects of torture and war and has also received visitors from United States, Rwanda, Switzerland, Holland, Finland,
United Kingdom, Denmark, Russia and Cambodia.
The past year has also been a year of further building for CCVT. The Centre has been able to expand its services and
open a satellite office in one of the under-serviced areas identified as priority neighborhood by United Way. CCVT also
has formed partnership with East Scarborough Storefront and A.C.C.E.S to provide services in both locations.
CCVT also participated in an international conference in Bangladesh, United States, United Nations Excom in Geneva.
CCVT staff traveled to Geneva to participate in the Annual Consultations with NGOs prior to the Executive Committee
(ExCom) meeting. This years June 26 UN International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture included a North American
screening of the film the Secret Life of Words. This would have not been possible without the generous contribution
made by the Canadian Actor Sara Polley and the dedicated staff of the National Film Board of Canada, Tony Boston, our
own dedicated board members, Jim Lane former chair of the board and the tireless and dedicated CCVT staff.
During 2005 some of the world’s most powerful governments were successfully challenged, their hypocrisy exposed by
the media, their arguments rejected by courts of law, their repressive tactics resisted by human rights activists. After five
years of backlash against human rights in the “war on terror”, the tide appeared to be turning.
Nevertheless, the lives of millions of people worldwide were devastated by the denial of fundamental rights. Human security was threatened by war and attacks by armed groups as well as by hunger, disease and natural disasters.
We witnessed some significant developments towards bringing to justice those responsible for crimes under international
law, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances. However, there was also continuing widespread impunity in national courts in the states where crimes were committed, as well as only limited use of universal jurisdiction by courts in other states.
Governments profess to champion the cause of human rights but show repressive reflexes when it comes to their own
policies and performance. Grave abuses in Afghanistan and Iraq cast a shadow over much of the human rights debate,
as torture and terror feed off each other in a vicious cycle. The brutality and intensity of attacks by armed groups in these
and other countries grow, taking a heavy toll on human lives.
What is different about 2005 compared to past years is that the public mood is changing. Thanks to the work of human
rights advocates and others, this is putting governments on the defensive. There is a realization that flouting human
rights and the rule of law, far from winning the “war on terror”, only creates resentment and isolates those communities
targeted by these measures, plays into the hands of extremists, and undermines our collective security.
It is in this scenario that CCVT has an important role. It will continue to carry out its mandate and will be at the forefront
working on behalf of survivors.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all friends of CCVT for their sustained support, and invite those who
wish to contribute to the mandate of the centre. I would also thank the board for their support and guidance, all CCVT
staff for their dedication, commitment, professionalism and making my job much easier. Special thanks to all our donors,
and funders.
Thank You
Mulugeta Abai
Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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CCVT ANNUAL
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2005-2006
A Message from the Chair
We, at the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, continue to advocate for victims of tortures, and their families,
who manage to make it to our shores. Under the direction of the Executive Director and Programme Coordinator, our
staff dedicate themselves to the tasks of counselling clients; facilitating housing, education and job skills; and providing resources so that clients can lead normal lives as soon as possible. At the same time, we provide an environment to assist them in surviving their trauma. One of our counsellors describes survivors of torture “not only as individuals but as members of a family, of the community of the country, people with gifts as well as great pain. The
greatest impediment to a person’s healing is hopelessness which can overwhelm and overpower an individual.
CCVT gives survivors a place of welcome, a safe place to speak the ‘unspeakable’ truths of their past and opportunities to gain the confidence to move forward.” Another counsellor adds, “Survivors of torture are normal people who
have had abnormal experiences.”
Yet today, there is a climate of fear and suspicion in the world that has allowed governments to justify torture and
abuse. This has made it more comfortable for the public to accept, and be silent about the prevalence of this inhumane treatment.
Despite the numerous legal instruments established by the United Nations to prevent torture, and despite the importance for governments to honour international agreements, there is still great cause for concern. A call for a deeper
commitment from our governments and the public is essential. Governments require courage from their citizenry in
order to act courageously on the world stage. As global citizens, we must continue to inform ourselves about the
laws against torture, voice our objections when these laws are disregarded, and advocate for those who are most
vulnerable in the world. We must communicate with government ministers to give them our support and the moral
strength to speak out forcefully at international forums against injustice.
Thus the challenges are greater for organizations such as ours. The reality of this world situation has focused our
attention at CCVT on making us stronger and healthier. Our funders (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Ontario
Region; Ontario Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship; City of Toronto; United Way of Greater Toronto; our regular
donors, both monthly and one-time) have been of immense help to us by providing the financial support to continue
to offer our many programs. Not only do we now have a computer lab housing 15 computers dedicated to language
learning, but our offices and corridors are freshly painted and carpeted, offering a more pleasant and healthy workplace. We recently opened a satellite office in Scarborough to provide services for clients closer to their homes. This
year we have expanded to a bigger location in the same area, and are now serving a greater number of clients
there.
On June 26 this year, through the work of Tony Boston, one of our Board members, it was CCVT’s great privilege
and honour to co-host with the National Film Board, the Canadian Premiere of a film, “The Secret Life of Words”,
starring Sarah Polley. “The movie tackles its big theme – silence as a defense against tragedy – with delicacy, sympathy and originality.” We wish to thank Sarah Polley for her generosity in making this screening in support of CCVT
possible. She has graciously donated all of the profits from the screening to the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. It was auspicious that this event took place on June 26, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, commemorating the date in 1987 when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into force. It was a fitting time to hold this event, on a day
of reflection and a commitment to action to end torture and to support its victims. Also attending this screening were
Mrs. Anja Jeffery, Deputy Chief of Mission, Royal Danish Embassy, Dr. Abdel Hamid Afana, President of the International Council for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, and Arsinee Khanjian, the distinguished Canadian actor of
Ararat.
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2005-2006
Still, it’s not all work and no fun at CCVT. By the time you read this report, the Fourth Annual First Light Celebrations, Dinner, Dance and Auction would have been held on Thursday November 23, 2006 at a new venue, the historic Enoch Turner Schoolhouse. The Fundraising Committee worked diligently to organize a first rate celebration
to honour our patrons, donors, funders, staff and volunteers, and also to raise funds that are sorely needed. It was
an opportunity to relax and have fun, away from the daily reality of the office. In this spirit, we have also decided to
have our Annual General meeting at the same time as our annual Holiday Party, so that new and old Board members will have an opportunity to mingle with clients and their families in a festive atmosphere.
We are fortunate to have wonderful staff, volunteers and Board directors at CCVT. The staff continue to do the
difficult work of counseling, and training. Amongst their other activities, CCVT staff offer training to Foreign Service
officers in Ottawa, to the Immigration and Refugee Board, to Foreign Service staff, and to front line workers in
many Canadian cities. Our Executive Director, Mulugeta Abai, and staff member Ezat Mossallanejad have participated in a seminar series on Torture at the University of Buffalo, and at international forums abroad. We can never
thank our volunteers enough. They constantly surprise us with their altruism, their kindness and their hard work,
exhibiting human conduct and commitment at its best. Our Board Directors, stewards of this organization, work
quietly to assist the Executive Director and the Program Coordinator. They have participated with staff in an antiracism and antidiscrimination seminar, have voted unanimously to raise the salary of the staff, have done work for
the organization in health, public education, fundraising, volunteer advisory, international, personnel and ad-hoc
committees. Sadly, we are losing three Board members this year, Susan McGrath, Fred Case and Sil Salvaterra.
On behalf of CCVT, I thank them for their selfless contribution to CCVT and wish them well in their continued endeavours.
Hari Lalla,
Chair, CCVT Board of Directors
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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Report from the Legal Committee
The CCVT Legal Committee is presently composed of three lawyers (in different fields of refugee/immigrants and human rights)
and two staff members of the Centre who act as liaisons and bring the legal problems of the CCVT clients to the attention of the
Committee.
The Legal Committee deals with legal matters arising from the CCVT mandate with the view of making the CCVT work more
effectively in serving its clients. The Legal Committee is specifically active in the field of policy analysis, legal support and research. The Legal Committee is also involved in monitoring national and international human rights instruments regarding torture, survivors, refugees and other uprooted people. The Committee recruits its members from the CCVT Board, Legal Network, staff and volunteers. It provides recommendation to the CCVT Board and includes at least one person from the Board
and one from the CCVT staff members.
During the past year, the CCVT Legal Committee has been involved in the following areas of policy support:
Feedback on the IRB Guideline
Legal Committee helped CCVT to finalize its feedback about the Immigration and Refugee Board’s Guideline on Vulnerable
Persons Appearing Before the IRB. The draft document was about vulnerable people appearing before the 3 divisions of the
IRB, specifically the Refugee Protection Division. We shared our concerns that the document had mentioned about torture in a
haphazard manner. We brought it to the attention of the IRB that torture was different form other types of trauma. It is something that never goes away. Scars, especially psychological ones will remain forever. We requested that guidelines pay special
attention to the victims of torture, war, genocide and other crimes against humanity. It should contribute towards our efforts to
promote the coping capacity of our clients.
Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (CAT)
The Legal Committee is involved in monitoring international accession to this important human rights document. The Optional Protocol is intended to create a sub-committee of the UN Committee Against Torture to inspect jails and detention centres where torture
might take place. Canada has not yet ratified the Protocol. On the basis of advice from the Legal Committee, the CCVT would
make a new request to the government for the ratification of this crucial instrument in the prevention of torture.
Clients’ Immigration problems
Throughout the year, the Legal Committee provided CCVT with advice on the following issues related to the CCVT clients: Immigration limbo, legal obstacles to family reunification, different kinds of inadmissibility problems/acceleration of landing process for vulnerable groups. The Legal Committee also helped a client to get Ministerial Relief. He had been in limbo for six
years. He recently received his landed status. We are helping him to have his wife in Canada on an expedited basis.
Working with CBSA
With the help of the Legal Committee, the CCVT staff made effective connections with the Canada Border Security Agency in
dealing with cases of clients who were deemed inadmissible and were under potential or actual deportation or removal orders.
In some cases, we succeeded in changing the condition of clients’ release. The greatest success we had was in the case of a
client who was under deportation order. The CCVT staff liaison with the Legal Committee attended his deportation hearing at
the Appeal Division of the IRB and gave testimony. The IRB stayed the client’s deportation.
Mental Health and Petty Offences
The Legal Committee provided the CCVT with advice about dealing with clients who became involved in petty offences as a
result of their severe mental health disorders. We effectively dealt with the case of a young women survivor of torture who was
supposed to be transferred to the forensic section of a mental hospital due to her violent behavior. We helped her mother to
discharge her and to put her under home care.
Legal Aid Ontario
The CCVT staff continues to act as a member of the Legal Aid Ontario’s Advisory Committee and keeps the Legal Committee
posted about the new developments, especially those that may affect CCVT clients.
Clients in Detention
The Legal Committee is following the conditions of Immigration detention centres in Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We work with
a big coalition under the umbrella of the UNHCR legal office in Toronto to monitor the situation of detention centres in Ontario
and provide CCVT services to detainees, when it is possible.
.
Chair: Sil Salvaterra
Staff support: Thilaga Jeganathan, Ezat Mossallanejed
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Report from the Health
and Program Committee
The role of the Health committee is to develop and to implement guidelines and procedures for the assessment of
clients and the provision of services. It makes its contribution to fulfilling the CCVT’s mandate in cooperation with
the other committees and the Executive Director. The tasks that the committee carries on a year to year basis, involves combining efforts with the Legal committee and other committees to ensure that the approach to services
integrates Health care as well as attention to Legal and Social concerns.
Activities during the year included:
The screening of the film: “Before the Rain” A film by Milo Manchevsky portraying cycles of violence and trauma in
Macedonia amidst the Balkan conflict followed by a discussion with Dr. George Awad, Associate professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; Training and supervisory analyst, Toronto Institute for Psychoanalysis.
Dr. Debra Stein placement at CCVT has ended and the committee recommended to look into the possibility of continuation; currently Dr. Chetana Kulkarni is doing her placement at CCVT as part of her psychiatric residency program and continue with the task of providing mental health care services for children and youth survivors of torture.
Several presentations on the issue of Health were made this year:
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CCVT in partnership with the Centre for refugee Studies University of York delivered a presentation in Uganda
on “Trauma Counselling and coping Strategies for Human Rights Defenders” on November 2, 2005
Lessons form the Canadian Center for Victims of Torture at the Scarborough General Hospital for Family Physicians
Community Approaches to Working with Trauma: at the Victim Support Program of St. Joseph Health Care.
Hamilton for Doctors Nurses and Social workers
“Working with Victims of Torture” Session with doctors and other Health care personnel at North Hamilton Community Health Centre Professional Development day
“Circle of Support Services for Exceptional Children in Shelters, Bringing Resources Together” Working with
Victims of Torture
Panel on Conflict and Health Organized by
MSF “Living in Fear, Colombia’s Cycle of Violence”: CCVT Experience - Torture and
Health
The committee is looking forward for the upcoming year to cooperate in the expansion of services
in our Scarborough branch.
Co Chairs: Dr. Donald Payne Dr. Lisa Anderman
Members: Dr. Lisa Anderman and Dr. Rosemary
Meier, Dr. Debra Stein
Staff Support: Mohamed Ahmed and Teresa Dremetsikas
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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Public Education
Mandate
The function of the public education committee is to contribute to the implementation of the organizational mandate
to raise awareness of the continuing effects of torture and war on survivors and their families and to work for their
protection and integrity. The committee strives to increase public awareness of torture, its effects and its global dimensions and to contribute to the development of human rights theory and practice. CCVT is a learning centre on
issues related to torture and human rights. Activities include research, the production and distribution of learning materials, onsite training and education programs for staff, volunteers, students and the community, and public forums
and presentations - locally and globally. During the past year, the committee focused particularly on the protection of
Canadian citizens overseas against torture, impunity, the need for absolute prohibition of torture, the principle of
non-refoulement to torture and the holistic rehabilitation of survivors of war and torture.
Training and Education
It is unfortunate that in the first decade of the 21st century torture is being perpetrated in 2/3 of the world’s countries.
The continuing impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States has led some states, including advanced industrial ones, to sanction “excessive measures” against suspected terrorists. While we must warn
the public about the evil of terrorism, we also need to work against torture. All these have prompted CCVT to increase its efforts towards public education. Following are some of our activities during the past year:
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We provided several workshops on the holistic services of CCVT to newcomers in the COSTI Reception Centre
in Toronto.
We provided a workshop in English and French to staff members and health professionals of a sister organization in Hamilton, Ontario.
The CCVT staff made a half day visit to hold discussions with the students, professors, and community activists
at the Centre for Inter-disciplinary Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. We provided a workshop about the
various services of CCVT to the newcomers who are survivors of war and torture. We tried to describe the best
practice and established links for future collaboration.
We participated at an evening gathering of 130 human rights, church, and community workers in Winnipeg. The
CCVT staff provided the audience with information on the impact of torture on survivors and the need for meaningful settlement services in Canada.
The CCVT Staff Counsellor made a half day visit to Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) and discussed with the MIIC Executive Director and staff members at both group and individual levels about the best
practice in serving clients. The CCVT Counsellor also visited the Welcome Place, a shelter for governmentassisted refugees run by MIIC and learned about problems of newcomers, especially survivors of torture in
Manitoba.
CCVT staff visited the Jesuit House in Winnipeg and exchanged information with Jesuit priests who were active
in the community and enthusiastic about contributing towards the settlement of newcomers.
CCVT staff provided a workshop to a group of 10 students and academics at St. Paul’s College at the University
of Manitoba about torture and the need for its prevention and eradication.
CCVT participated in an afternoon meeting held at the Toronto Legal Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We discussed the best ways of working with Immigration and the Canada Border Security
Agency (CBSA) enforcement officials to serve people in detention for immigration reasons.
We gave a presentation at the Lambert Public School in Toronto.
We provided a workshop to a group of 15 men and women affiliated with Amnesty International in Toronto about
the scourge of torture and the need for its prevention and eradication. The participants were also provided with
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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information about CCVT and the need for the rehabilitation of newcomers who are victims of torture, war
crimes, and crimes against humanity.
CCVT staff participated in a public education seminar organized by the St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto. It was
attended by a panel of community activists including the Minister of Public Safety. Following presentations, an
open discussion started. Dozens of people, especially newcomers and settlement workers, intervened. The
CCVT staff member also intervened and provided the 300 people present with information about CCVT and its
services.
The CCVT Children Worker attended “Youth Community Consultation and Sharing Information Session” at
Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto.
The CCVT organized a workshop for a group of 30 volunteers on the premises of the CCVT and provided
them with information about torture, survivors and the need for their meaningful settlement.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, CCVT’s Policy Analyst gave a presentation at North York
Library to a group of 200 Iranian seniors, social workers, women and community activists on torture against
women and CCVT’s efforts in their rehabilitation.
CCVT provided a workshop to a group of students, professors and others at Queen’s University in Kingston.
We provided them with information about torture and CCVT’s services.
CCVT provided a workshop to a group of 400 students at Highland Hills High School in Toronto and gave
them with information about torture, rehabilitation, and the needs of survivors.
CCVT gave a presentation to a group of 40 lawyers and paralegal workers of the Law Union of Ontario at Ontario Institute for Studies on Education at the University of Toronto.
Apart from the above, staff, volunteers and board members of the CCVT frequently gave other presentations in a
variety of settings (both locally and globally) on torture and the work of the Centre. We actively participate at two
bi-annual conferences of the Canadian Council for Refugee and give workshop on the needs of torture survivors.
We also provided workshops for members of the Immigration and Refugee Board as well as Refugee Protection
Officers in Toronto. The sites during the past year have included local high schools, universities, human service
agencies, and national and international conferences. Learning activities included placements for students of law,
medicine and social work, public forums by local and international guests, monthly education sessions by and for
volunteers, and special celebrations such as the June 26 United Nations Day in recognition of survivors of torture.
Research
CCVT continues its research partnership with the schools of social work at the University of Toronto, York University and St. Thomas University. Ezat Mossallanejad, member of the CCVT staff and of the Education Committee,
continued to promote his book, Torture in the Age of Fear, which was launched on September 21, 2005. This book
is written in collaboration with the CCVT.
Learning Materials
CCVT’s journal First Light continues to provide valued and
critical commentaries on current issues along with information on the Centre’s programs and activities. The last issue
contains articles and research works done by the CCVT
staff, volunteers, clients and supporters. This edition will
serve as a valuable record of the concerns and efforts that
resulted in the creation of CCVT. First Light along with other
research reports and public education materials are available on the CCVT web site.
Chair: Susan McGrath
Committee members: Seema Saadi, Mulugeta Abai, Ezat
Mossallanejed, Teresa Dremetsikas
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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Report from
the International Committee
The CCVT International Committee monitors the activities and services of a network of organizations that support
survivors of war and torture and it makes recommendations to the CCVT Board of Directors. This committee monitors and responds to global issues related to the prevention, exposure and eradication of torture.
During the year 2005-2006 the International Committee was involved in the following activities:
Protection of human rights and human rights workers
The international Committee monitored the persecution of human rights workers across the globe and helped CCVT
to intervene:
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Based on repeated requests from our Iranian clients as well as sister agencies, the International Committee
monitored the cases of torture and gross human rights violations in Iran. We wrote to the governments of
Iran and Canada to work towards the immediate release of Iranian journalist Mr. Akbar Ganji and other Iranian human rights supporters—writers, journalists, union and women activists.
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The International Committee monitored human and refugee rights in Turkey where hundreds of asylum
seekers live. Based on recommendations from the International Committee, the CCVT wrote to the governments of Canada and Turkey, as well as the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, for protection of the rights to
asylum in Turkey and non-refoulement to torture.
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The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) issued an appeal for the immediate release of the Christian Peacekeeper Team (CPT) peace activists, Harmeet, Jim, Norman and Tom, missing in Baghdad, Iraq
and asked for their safe return home. We re-iterated that the ideal of justice should by no means be retributive. There must always be room for correction, rehabilitation, reformation, reparation and cure. These objectives are accompanied with the ultimate idea of forgiveness. We also emphasize that every section of the
holy Quran begins with this magnificent phrase: “In the name of God the most compassionate, the most merciful.” In the name of compassion and mercy inherent in all faiths, we appealed for the immediate release of
the Christian peace workers. Fortunately, the peace workers were released.
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The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) appealed to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to take
urgent action against the practice of the sordid crime of torture at the global level. We made this appeal in
the name of universal love and compassion, inherent in Christianity in general and in the Catholic tradition in
particular. We appealed to the Holy Father to take action on 12 specific recommendations we made to him.
We shared our conviction while we endorse governments’ involvement in the struggle against terrorism, we
believe it should not undermine governments’ commitments towards protection of their vulnerable citizens or
their fulfillment of national and international human rights obligations. We urged the Holy See to call upon
the governments of the world to adhere to the most basic principles of morality and human decency.
Presentations at international events
• The CCVT participated in a session with Consular officers in Ottawa on July 26, 2005 on Torture, Health
and Human Rights.
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Again, on February 9, 2006, we provided a workshop to Consular officers in Ottawa, focusing on human
rights and torture.
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The CCVT staff had a full day visit and discussions with the Director and other staff members of the Centre
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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for Survivors of Torture (Dallas, Texas) on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2006. We exchanged information about
various services that both the centres provided to the newcomers who are survivors of war and torture. We
tried to come up with the best practice to serve clients and to keep links for future collaboration.
Feedback to the government on global human rights issues
On February 8th and 9th, 2006, the CCVT representative attended the annual human rights conference of the
Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. The meeting was attended by approximately 150 NGO representatives.
It was for Canada’s preparation for attending the UN Human Rights Council. We frequently intervened and spoke
about CCVT, its services, the need for protection of survivors of war and torture as well as other issues related to
torture and impunity. We shared our experiences in serving clients from different countries with a view of helping
Canada to strengthen its activities against torture and for the protection of survivors at the global level.
Protection of Canadian Citizens against Torture
The CCVT continued in bringing the public and the Canadian government’s attention to the plight of Canadian
citizens who were sent to other countries to be tortured or ill-treated (the practice of rendition). We specifically
supported the cases of Zahra Kazemi, Mr. William Sampson and Mr. Maher Arar and we provided our feedback to
the Government of Canada.
Optional Protocol
The International Committee continued to monitor developments regarding the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, dealing with the mandate of the UN Committee Against Torture to enter and monitor conditions in places of detention. This important Protocol was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December
18th, 2002 and is ready for accession. The CCVT will try to persuade the Federal Government of Canada, as well
as Provincial Governments to sign and ratify this crucial international legal instrument for the prevention of torture
and we will encourage other governments to do the same. The Protocol is about the inspection of jails by an international subcommittee.
CCIJ
During the past year, the CCVT continued its collaboration with the Canadian Centre for International Justice
(CCIJ). The CCIJ is now incorporated as a non-profit NGO. The mandate of CCIJ is addressing the global problem of impunity and bringing torturers, war criminals and people who have committed crimes against humanity to
justice in Canada.
Committee members: Susan McGrath, Ima Madadi, Mulugeta Abai, Ezat Mossallanejed, Teresa Dremetsikas
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
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Settlement Program
This year the CCVT assisted 291 women, 261 men and 178 youth, making a total of 730 clients. Thirty youth receive
ongoing direct service at the centre. Our Scarborough Centre is now one year old and has assisted 128 clients. CCVT
staff also offer a total of 2.5 days of service at East Scarborough Storefront and at A.C.C.E.S. We have also developed
Needs Assessment and Evaluation Tools to monitor the effectiveness of the services we provide and to assist CCVT in
program design.
CCVT services continue to be needed in the community and, based on the evaluation conducted, the following were
identified as priority areas by the clients:
• Personal counselling
• ESL/LINC classes, conversation circles
• Immigration and settlement counselling including: information on housing, job searches, family reunification, skill
training opportunities, assistance with finding day cares, group programs, and homework support for clients’ children.
• Computer Instruction
• Legal assistance and access to medical care
In general, the response to CCVT settlement services were positive:
• 62% of clients felt that the CCVT could help them with resettlement and life in Canada.
• 72 % of clients surveyed are finding life in Canada to be “ok” or “very good” because they have found a place to live,
have friends and a social network, are able to get their children into colleges and universities, are able to learn English through the CCVT, have access to medical help and feel safe and free from the conflict of the home country
• Compared to clients from the Middle East and Albania, African clients were more likely to report that their lives in
Canada were very difficult: Middle East (9%), Albanian (10%), African (20 %).
A clearer idea of the satisfaction of our clients with the services they’ve received can be given by clients’ seldomreported spontaneous statements during one-on-one discussion with their counsellors:
“I feel free and my burden has lighten up so much by talking to you” - An abused woman in her second week in Canada
after her first assessment session with a counsellor.
“I am really happy that CCVT has an office near my homes specially the group sessions are so helpful for me to
come out from my loneliness” - An elderly client in the support group at the CCVT Scarborough branch.
“I do not need to pay for anyone to mend the cloth of my child. This sessions in the group give me skills and
save me money” - A woman in the Somali Support group
“When I come here I feel at home because I have a big family” - A woman in the Mixed African women support group.
CCVT Staff have received professional development sessions in order to be better equipped to respond to the needs of
clients. Topics for these sessions include Information and Referral, CPR, Client Assessment, Group Facilitation, Vicarious Trauma and Self Care, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination, Crisis intervention, Access-based data input and collection, and additional training at the OCASI Professional Development Conference and at the CCR Conference in Toronto.
We hope to continue to improve and act on the issues raised during the evaluation process.
Other activities have included the following: individual needs assessment, orientation session on settlement issues, brief
counselling sessions, referrals to public services and medical care, support groups, interpretation, and employmentrelated services. Orientation sessions have included topics such as: resume writing, Labour Market, Job Search, Ontario Works, Volunteer Opportunities, Landlord and Tenant Issues, etc.
Teresa Dremetsikas
Settlement Coordinator
14
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Counsellors
African Women’s Group
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
15
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Children’s Program
From April 2005 to March 2006, the CCVT has provided services to 178 children and youth. The five most common
countries that the children and youth come from are Iran, Afghanistan, Albania, Ethiopia and Somalia. The children and
youth have been through different traumatic experiences, some have directly experienced trauma, others have witnessed traumatic events or were exposed to them through family trauma. The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
(CCVT) continues to be active in assisting child and youth survivors as well as their families in healing from their traumatic past and rebuilding their lives in Canada. The CCVT offers unique services and the Child/Youth Program is geared
to the special needs of child and youth survivors. The services provided are individual and family counseling; ESL &
computer training classes for youth aged 18 or older, support groups for children, Homework Club, referrals to medical
professionals for treatment and documentation, social and recreational activities, and public education on the issues and
challenges faced by the child and youth survivors.
This summer, the Child/Youth Program partook in several social and recreational activities. In the months of July and
August 2006, the Child/Youth Program launched the second year of “Summer Quest”, an educational field trip for children and youth. The children and youth went on a gardening expedition to the Toronto Botanical Garden, visited the
Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, and the Royal Ontario Museum and attended a Youth Lunch and Movie day at
Rainbow Cinema.
In addition, two new programs, “Gurlz” Club and Youth Future Pathway, were implemented this year. The former was
initiated by the pre-teen girls that attend the CCVT homework club and it is intended to be a safe supportive environment
for young girls’ from newcomer families. The second new program, Youth Future Pathway (YFP), is for high-school-aged
youths to meet with youth counsellors to discuss and plan post-secondary education, employment opportunities, and
resume, cover letter and interview preparation.
Overall, this was an exciting year for the children and youth at the CCVT and we hope to continue the spirit next year.
This year was also marked by the Child/Youth Program’s successful implementation of CCVT’s second Youth Roundtable Discussion on how to build safer communities. The three main objectives for this roundtable discussion were:
• To generate discussion between youth from different ethno-specific groups as to what constitutes a safer communities
• To provide war-affected and non-war affected youth with the opportunity to share their experiences about safety in
the community
• To make some recommendations as to what community service providers, government and youth can do to ensure
safety in the community.
The CCVT would like to thank all the youth who shared their personal experiences with us and took their time to voice
their beliefs about specific youth issues. The success of this event would not have been possible without the hard work
of dedicated CCVT staff, participants and facilitators.
In the coming year the CCVT Child/Youth Program will continue to implement more youth initiative programs to involve
youth in the development of the child/youth program. Public education remains a priority for the CCVT Child/Youth Program, especially in promoting awareness of the unique needs of child and youth survivors of torture in schools and community agencies. We hope all future ventures of the Child/Youth Program will be as successful as those of this past year.
Mbalu Wembo
Children/Youth Counsellor
16
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Homework Club
Youth Round Table Discussion
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
17
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Volunteer Program
The Volunteer Program is an essential part of the work and vision of the CCVT. For survivors of torture, the process of
successfully settling into Canadian society is facilitated by a welcoming community. The volunteers at the CCVT, who
generously contribute their skills and time to this organization, provide an invaluable amount of support and encouragement to survivors by welcoming them, not as victims, but as equals and friends. In practical terms this involves interpreting for clients at medical and legal appointments, tutoring both adults and youth, providing administrative support in the
office and, most importantly, offering friendship to newcomers who may be feeling discouraged, confused or isolated.
There were numerous training sessions for volunteers throughout the year including:
•
•
Initial training for new volunteers. In 2005-2006, five orientation sessions were held for the sixty-eight new volunteers
recruited for the program.
Daylong training session for volunteers interested in participating in the befriending program.
Information evenings on relevant topics. Topics for this year’s sessions included: A Presentation on “Stories of Survival - Memories of the Rwandan Genocide”, Slavery and Torture in Sudan, Women Fleeing Persecution; and Torture in the Anger.
Volunteers made numerous programs at the CCVT possible this year by leading or supporting staff in facilitating
sessions including:
•
•
•
Six tax clinic sessions attended by a total of thirty-seven clients
Three conversation circles held on a weekly basis which provided ESL students at the CCVT with an opportunity to practice their speaking skills in a fun, safe environment
Weekly homework club for elementary and high school students
Moreover, volunteers contributed to the success of numerous events held throughout the year including:
•
•
•
•
United Nations Day in Support of Survivors of Torture which was marked by the event “Reaching within
celebrating the courage of survivors” at Innis Town Hall on June 24, 2005
The Annual Picnic in High Park on July 30, 2005
The fall First Light fundraiser held on November 24, 2005
The Holiday Party held at the Bickford Centre on December 18, 2005
CCVT is grateful for all the invaluable contributions that volunteers
made during 2005-2006. Without the dedication, talent and care that
volunteers brought into the centre, CCVT would not have had the successful year as we did. In the coming year, there is no doubt that volunteers will continue playing a key role in various CCVT programs.
Chizuru Nobe
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Advisory Committee: Fred Case, Kevin de Jesus,
Jennifer Spinner and Mia Toose
Homework Club Volunteer Tutor
18
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
English as a Second Language and
Computer Training Program
In the past 17 years, the CCVT English Language Program has been a key component to the successful rebuilding
of the lives of torture and organized violence survivors. Our English Program caters to the needs of adult learners
who suffer from debilitating imprints that make the learning process hard and strenuous. Our classes are specially
adapted to the learning abilities and needs of CCVT clients. Our teachers are specially trained and our curriculum
adopted to assist students in the acquisition of various skills related to their immediate life goals. The classroom atmosphere and supportive environment we foster in the program provide the clients with encouragement and hope,
as well as the community and multifarious help they need to progress with their language and social skills.
The class levels available to our clients range from low beginner to advanced. Every year, the CCVT provides language training for approximately 300 clients from 60 countries. Clients stay with our English Language programs for
an average of 3 to18 months, moving through the language proficiency levels at various paces. Classes are provided strictly on the CCVT premises so that clients and teaching staff can access counsellors in case emotional or
other kinds of difficulties make counselling necessary. The ESL program is funded partly through the Federal Government’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) project and partly through the Toronto District
School Board and through fundraising efforts.
We are constantly seeking ways to improve our programs through collaborative work with instructors, counsellors,
the CCVT Computer Program, CCVT volunteers and other partner agencies in Europe. The CCVT Language Program has accumulated significant expertise in providing workshops and seminars for other English language and
educational professionals and in delivering services to traumatized refugee learners. The CCVT has already developed its reputation as an active and leading organization that can provide professional insight into newcomer, refugee learners’ issues, as well as curriculum and delivery practice.
In cooperation with the volunteer program we have enhanced the English tutoring and befriending program to encompass a significant number of our students. We also instituted two conversation circles facilitated by volunteers to
assist low beginner and intermediate level students in their communication skills. For the first time, we have a successful computerized English language lab program that is benefiting our students tremendously.
Despite challenges, the CCVT Language Program continuous to be an irreplaceable component of a successful recovery program for our clients. It is also the first point of contact
for our clients with their new home, Canada. Our English program at the CCVT has become a source of strength and support that helps our clients resume their lives independently with
dignity and confidence.
The CCVT has also incorporated a Computer Program in order
to educate our clients in new technology and help them find
gainful employment. The CCVT teaches a basic and advanced
computer curriculum including MS Office, Internet, e-mail, and
office procedures. There were 55 students in the computer program this year, including 38 women and 17 men. There were
29 graduates, among them 23 women and 6 men.
Abdul Abubaker
LINC/ESL Coordinator.
Graduation of computer students Feb, 2006
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
19
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Board of Directors
Dr. Lisa Anderman
Psychiatrist, Mount Sinai Hospital
Co-Chair, Health Committee
Susan McGrath
Tony Boston
Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work,
York University,
Director of the Centre for Refugee Studies
Chair, Public Education Committee
Social Worker, Consultant
Strategic Planning and Community Development
Member, Fundraising and Personnel Committee
Adeena Niazi
Fred Case
Professor, Department of French,
University of Toronto
Chair, International Committee
Executive Director, Afghan Women’s Counseling
and Integration Community Organization
Member, Personnel Committee
Dr. Donald Payne
Psychiatrist
Co-chair, Health Committee
Regine King
Mental Health Counsellor, Canadian Mental
Health Association
Member, Health Committee
Sil Salvaterra
Hari Lalla
Abbas Ekhtiari
Curriculum Coordinator Anti-Racism and
Multiculturalism, Toronto Board of
Education (retired)
Chair, Board of Directors
Ima Madadi
Bilingual Programme Administrator, Employment
Insurance Office, Federal Government of Canada
Member, International Committee
Lawyer, CLASP, Osgood Law School
Chair, Legal Committee
Certified General Accountant
Treasure, Board of Director
Seema Saadi
Community Work
Member, Public Education
Nancy Slamet
Community Worker and Advocate
Board Member
20
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Financial Report
Consolidated Schedule of Operations
Year Ended March 31, 2006
Revenues
2006
2005
Citizenship and Immigration Canada – ISAP A
349,748
324,762
Citizenship and Immigration Canada – LINC
252,696
217,843
Donations
United Way
United Nations
City of Toronto
Ministry of Citizenship
- NSP
- Pay Equity
174,070
183,518
22,800
22,500
171,839
163,649
24,700
22,500
45,622
23,311
45,622
23,311
Interest and sundry income
Foundations
(-37)
0
(7,651)
5,046
Honorarium
6087
1,350
1080,315
992,971
1,041,191
924,442
39124
68,529
Expenses
Excess of Revenues Over Expenses
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
21
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Consolidated Statement of Expenses
Year Ended March 31, 2006
Expenses
2006
2005
613,608
0
66,307
76,954
8,300
16,672
28,180
1007
11,697
15,724
17,229
681
5,043
11,462
4,584
7,348
4,235
1,977
13,310
12,131
608,715
5,046
86,261
57,023
6,302
19,271
33,385
170
6,854
16,626
18,107
605
6,159
10,307
3,899
6,442
2,274
2,933
3,309
12,468
4,935
1,949
120
2,958
2,884
300
Amortization
16,817
12,144
Funded Capital Production
91,730
______
9,191
______
1,041191
924,442
Wages and benefits
Partnerships/Sponsorships
Fundraising expenses
Program supplies and expenses
Stationery and supplies
Common expenses
Traveling expenses
Conference and meetings
Telephone
Maintenance and cleaning
Bookkeeping
Resource Production
Mortgage interest
Utilities
Postage and courier
Insurance
Printing and photocopying
Interest and bank charges
Professional fees
Equipment rental
Development and travel
Dues and fees
Publicity
Rent
Total
Note: To view the complete audited financial report, please contact CCVT at 416-363-1066
22
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Programs
• Mental Health: mutual support
groups, crisis intervention, art therapy,
individual and group therapy, coordinated professional services including
legal, medical and social care which
provide treatment, documentation and
legal support. The use of art assists
survivors in learning to cope with the
torture experience and transforms it into
one that is understood and objectified.
• Settlement Services: employment,
housing, language, skills training, social
assistance, applications for family
reunification, sponsorships, orientations
based on the client’s needs are provided
to assist in settlement, Volunteers
also facilitate the settlement process
by providing interpretation, escorting,
Befriending and English tutoring.
• Children’s Program: Art and Play
Therapy, mutual support groups,
settlement services, mental health.
• Volunteer Program: a Befriending
Program that assists survivors in
rebuilding their connections to others
as well as to the greater community;
an ESL Tutoring Program to help
students learn and practice their
English; Escorting and Interpreting
for survivors at different appointments
(medical, legal, social) More than 200
volunteers assist in all programs of
the CCVT and hold monthly meetings,
usually with a guest speaker. A structured
orientation program prepares volunteer
befrienders to work with torture survivors
within a context of community understanding of global issues. The “CCVT
Newsletter” is sent to all volunteers
each month, which provides information
on CCVT events, volunteer opportunities
and job postings. A volunteer guide has
also been prepared.
• Public Education: responds to numerous
requests for information, assistance and
consultations on torture and the effects
of torture as well as regularly producing
resource materials. CCVT’s semi-annual
publication “First Light”, is produced which
discusses issues related to the CCVT's
mandate and ongoing work.
• Language Instruction and Computer
Training: English as a Second Language courses which are specifically
designed to meet the needs of survivors
and include a strong life skills component. Classes include all levels of literacy: beginners, intermediate and advanced. Computer courses in Microsoft
Office and Windows are provided at introductory and intermediate levels.
• International Projects: CCVT is associated with a coalition of Centres which
support victims of organized violence,
repression and torture, in exile or in
their own countries
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
23
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Health Network
Psychiatrists, Dr. F. Allodi
Psychologists Dr. L. Andermann
Dr. R. Berdichevsky
Dr. Gerald Devins
Dr. M. Freire
Dr. Fornazzari
Dr. Mitra Gholamani
Dr. Oren Gozlan
Dr. S. A. Hassan
Dr. Tat Lo
Dr. R. Meier
Dr. Clare Pain
Dr. D. Payne
Dr. J. Pilowsky
Dr. R. Ruskin
Dr. J. Santa Barbara
Dr. Richard Stall
Dr. Stewart
Other
Specialists
24
Dr. Degani, General Surgeon
Dr. Singer, Ophthalmologist
Dr. Sliwin, Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Wade, Hearing Specialist
Dr. Ryhanian, Dentist
General
Practitioners
Dr. J. Blakeney
Dr. P. Berger
Dr. Wendell Block
Dr. N. Degani
Dr. M. Del Junco
Dr. J. Flynn
Dr. H. Getu
Dr. M. Goodman
Dr. Y. Hailemeskel
Dr. Irazusta
Dr. Sidiq Janjua
Dr. R. Klein
Dr. Moran
Dr. D. Pinksen
Dr. A Pyper
Dr. L. Richmond
Dr. A. Stern
Dr. J. Sugiyama
Dr. D. Thow
Dr. A. Vaezi
Dr. J. Weinstein
Dr. Miriam Wiebe
Dr. Debra Stein
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Legal Network
Michael F. Battista
Raoul Boulakia
Michael Brodzky
Larry Butkowsky
David Buzaglo
Michael Campell
Juan F. Carranza
Tollis Chan
Laurence Cohen
Nancy Elliot
Lorne A. Faratovitch
Joseph S. Farskas
Daniel M. Fine
Monica Franklin
Jeffrey Goldman
Mendel Green
John Grice
Isak Grushka
John M. Guoba
Peter E. Haber
Marchand Hagan
Kenneth N. Hagan
Kenneth Hahn
Toba Hamersted
Marc Herman
Rita Hisar
Barbara Jackman
Douglas A. Johnson
Anthony Kako
Sergio Karas
Catherine Kerr
El-Farouk Khaki
Mitchell E. Korman
Michael Korman
Benjamin A. Kranc
Marianne P. Kroes
Peter J. Kroshak
Douglas Lehrer
Lorne Lichtenstein
Cynthia Mancia
Harry Mann
Harvey S. Margel
Kristin Marshall
Jack Martin
Caroline McChesney
Lisa McCullough
Roderick H. McDowell
Adam McIver
Kevin McTavish
Jegan N. Mohan
Dennis S. Morris
Connie Nakatsu
David Orman
Norris J. Ormston
Pamila Bhardwaj Pohani
Patrick Roche
Joel Rosen
Lisa Rosenblatt
Roger Rowe
Geraldine Sadoway
Harvey Savage
Regina L. Senjule
Geary B. Shorser
Maureen Silcoff
Donald C. Simmons
Catherine Smee
Belva Spiel
Thampiah Sripathy
Nathan Sritharan
William A. Sullivan
Leonard Susman
Byron J.M. Thomas
Helen Turner
Paul Vandervennen
Patricia Wong
Ian Wong
Rodney L.H. Woolf
Susan J. Woolner
Peter J. Wuebbolt
David P. Yerzy
Sil Salvaterra
Leon Damonge
Paulina Wyrzykowski
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
25
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Staff
Mulugeta Abai
Executive Director
Elizabeth Jones
ESL Instructor, Toronto Board of Education
Marion Abel
LINC Instructor
Ezat Mossallanejad
Settlement Counsellor
Abdurahman Abubakar
LINC/ESL Coordinator
Samar Nejar
Teaching Assistant
Mohamed Ahmed
Settlement Counsellor
Jorge Pombo
Maintenance Worker
Dave Burt
LINC Instructor
Catherine Raine
LINC Instructor
Teresa Dremetsikas
Settlement Coordinator
Elena Solokhina
Computer Instructor
Ambaro Guled
Group Program Facilitator
Munni Subhani
LINC Instructor
Thilaga Jeganathan
Settlement Counsellor
Delfina Vega de Paiz
Administrative Assistant
Sandra Monteath
ESL Instructor,
Toronto Board of Education
Mbalu Wembo
Child/Youth Program Counsellor
Interns and Students
Benjamin Bell
Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
Catherine Tamam
Community Work Program
George Brown College
Ripudaman Minhas
Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
Darioosh Salahshoor
Community Work Program
George Brown College
Renee Ferguson
Faculty of Social Work
MSW, University of Toronto
26
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Volunteers
Zehra Abbas
Adrienne Abrahamson
Rheba Adolph
Gabriela Agatiello
Arturo Aguilar
Sidrah Ahmad
Tola Ajao
Naseem Akbar
Hasan Al-Batram
Najwa Al Hassani
Lisa Aldworth
Nyka Alexander
Barakat Ali
Elham Alizadeh
Dina Aloi
Lina Anani
Maureen Anglin
Ayesha Anwari
Jamileh Arfa
Danielle Astor
Muzaffer Aydin
Sima Azmi
Anne Bain
Jason Baker
Ali Bangi
Nayfeh Bani-Khaled
Ali Barakat
Jillian Barber
Heather Barclay
Stephen Bartlett
Euridice Baumgarten
Sandra Baumgartner
Graham Baxter
Muhammed A. Bayiz
Robyn Benjamin-Schwartz
Rakesh Bhardwaj
Pat Bishop
Mark Blackstone
Daniel Blumenfeld
Lambert Boenders
Phillip Bougard
Catherine Brooks
Fisnik Brovina
Sarah Buhler
Ranka Bulajic
Vicky Burrus
Yolanda Cadavos
Andrea Cameron
Alan Campbell
Nicole Campbell
Laryssa Carter
Nicola Carty
Julie Chamberlain
Lee Ann Chapple
Jasmine Chatha
Yao Chen
Zinawbizu Chewaka
Abba Emmanuel Chima
Sonam Choedon
John Clark
Leonore Clauss
Patricia Coker
Jane Connoly
Maria Cordero
Thelma Correa
Melissa Coward
David Crean
Cynthia Cross
Leon Damonze
Alix Davis
Samah Dawood
Julie De Corneille
Kevin De Jesus
Jonathan De La Cruz
Juliette Del Junco
Suha Diab
Simon Dickie
Rufus Dickinson
Serena Dimitrakopoulus
Isabel Drever
Mark Duff
Sam Dughman
Carol Eisenberg
Sara Elder
Colleen Elliot
Iraj Emad
David G. Evans
Adriana Fernanda Salazar Villa
Jacqueline Hoffman Fitz
Thomas Foster
Geoff Fridd
Michelle Gabowicz
Aleksandra Gagic
Jane Gallagher
Luis Martin Flores Garcia
Myriam Garcia
Kimberly Gibbons
Ekaterina Gogidze
Larissa Goodyear
Rebecca Grant
Diana Karolina Grimaldos
Varrick Grimes
Aitana Guia
Sunil Guneratne
Janet Haddock
Madina Hadi
Mark Hajnal
Nadia Halim
Soula Hardy
Faith Hare
Remy Harerimana
Amir Hasan
Melissa Haw
Ali Hayes
Roy Heron
Mara Herscovitch
Taras Hladyak
Vicki Hodgkinson
Laura Hodgson
Ami Holenghan
Brian Hubbs
Deanne Hulett
Samarra Hyde
Umbereen Inayet
Lisa Inglis
Juliana Iyirhiaro
Andrea Jarema
Fello Jarvis
Laura Jenner
Eun-Ji Jeoung
Aaron Jones
Andrea Jones
Helin Kanya
Shahin Kara
Muneeba Karolia
Linda Keane-Luke
Yen Kha
Yeon Wha Kim
Rowena Kirk
Songul Kirk
Senada Lazic
Cynthia Lee
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
27
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
Rebecca Lee
Dirk Leemans
Catherine Legere
Douglas Lehrer
Christophe Linhares
Ivana Ljubic
Kaher Lmar
Tim Lucas
Timothy Lwanga
Michelle Ma
Stephanie Maar
Jill Mackie
Meera Malik
Eli Malinsky
Gillian Manning
Helder Marcos
Lucy Nyanchera Mariera
Luis Martin Flores Garcia
Paul Mayorga
James McMahon
Hammad Mehmood
Nadia Mia
Ivana Miletic
Elisa Minakis
Hodan Mohamed
Rahma Mohamed
Maria Socorro Molina
Michael Moreau
Jun Morikawa
Meena Nallainathan
Tania Natsheff
Kamau Ngugi
Irina Nigay
Jawid Noor
Joyce Nyokabi
Manuela Ocrainschi
John O'Grady
Dianne Oliphant
Michele Oswald
Rodrigo Otheguy
Anna Pashin
Mita Patel
Kathleen Pattinson
Elaine Paz
Tunde Pelyvas
Susan Peters
Margo Pfeiff
Valerie Pigeon
Tania Pisa
Mitzi Ana Pisio
Claudia Ponce
Toni Prinss
Nicki Probatidis
Sasmita Rajaratnam
Claudia Ramirez
28
2005-2006
Natalie Ramtahal
Kate Raynes-Goldie
Nalina Sathi
Fana Seife
Danie Oduro Sem
Hassan Sesay
Rhys Santos Sevilla
David Shah
Negar Shahyar
Toma Shamani
Deepa Shankaran
Daphna Sharan
Aleksandra Sheard
Fawzra Sheikh
Willy Shim
Suzanne Shub
Melanie Shulman
Joan Simalchik
Dr. Gurbir Singh
Hazel Skapinker
Iraj Soltani
Matt Somers
Jennifer Spinner
Adrianna Stipanovich
Kyle Stone
Jeffrey Strasburg
Mary Tangelder
Ed Tarter
Nashwa Tawfiq
Shira Taylor
Woinshet Tekle
Alexander Teleki
Vasaikala Thevakanthan
Gnanambikai Thillainathan
Corry Thomas
Jean-Philippe Thompson
Tamara Ticoll
Mia Toose
Barry Trentham
Irina Tsamtsourova
Lena Vanslack
Srijeeta Verma
Lavanya Vijayenthiran
Shruti Vora
David Wall
Ruth Warner
Andrew Webster
Susan Weinert
Judith Weisman
Danielle White
Gia Williams
Lindsay Windhager
Bryson Wiser
Michele Woodey
Barb Yealland
Dib Youssef
Esmat Zahedi
Mark Zbogar
Andrew Captan
Amit Khanna
Anja Kortenaar
Darren McKee
Hanna Caplan
Dejana Milinkov
Kimberly Murdoch
Trevor Lee
Robin Wills
Saed Idres
Nancy Rizzo
Dechen Khangkar
Najwa Al Hassani
Maureen Neville
John Faustmann
Diep Nguyen
Alice Schuda
Rahma Mohamed
Alison Mills
Candice Salhab
Zaim Custovic
Donna Nicoloff
Patricia Chraiteh
Wendy Sandy
Vongdy Un
Leena MacLeod
Aminah Husain
Muhammad Asif
Jason Forsyth
Thanga Sinnathamby
Woinshet Tekle
Natalie Ramtahal
Benamar Benatta
Sarah El-Shaarawi
Julie Chamberlain
Parames Shanmukaratnam
John Sakeris
Sanda Kazazic
Shirley Camia
Ola Czerska
Maija Puddle
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Survivors
Figure 1. New Clients by Country (April 2005-March 2006)
Total new clients: 558 Countries: 63 Female: 200 Male: 201 Children/youth: 157
Country
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Bangladesh
Bolivia
Bosnia
Brazil
Burundi
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Congo Dem.
Rep.
Costa Rica
Djibouti
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial
Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Germany
Ghana
Guatemala
Guinea
Honduras
Hungary
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Adults
F
M
4
8
13 7
2
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
2
3
3
1
1
1
2
1
6
7
20 7
Children/Youth
F
M
7
10
3
9
2
6
1
1
1
1
5
5
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
15
1
5
8
7
1
37
6
1
29
32
2
10
6
1
1
3
7
3
3
1
19
35
Ivory Coast
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosova
Lebanon
Liberia
Macedonia
Mexico
Morocco
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestine
Adults
F
M
1
1
2
5
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
3
6
1
1
1
1
1
9
2
6
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
Peru
Romania
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
1
1
3
1
18
31
3
3
1
1
2
1
20
35
1
1
5
2
9
1
17
1
1
6
86
St. Lucia
Sudan
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Trinidad Tobago
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
Yemen
3
1
17
1
Zimbabwe
Grand Total
1
1
4
23
Country
1
9
1
2
Total
Children/Youth
F
M
1
4
2
1
1
1
2
1
4
1
3
22
5
4
2
1
6
5
1
2
2
1
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
Total
1
1
8
2
3
3
2
15
1
2
1
12
11
2
2
1
10
2
32
62
1
5
2
5
2
1
1
1
1
1
7
1
1
3
2
3
9
3
1
9
4
200
5
201
65
2
92
11
558
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
29
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
CCVT Survivors
Figure 2. Previous Clients by Country (April 2005-March 2006)
Total previous clients: 172 Countries: 25 Female: 92 Male: 59 Children/youth: 21
Country
Adults
Total
F
M
F
M
Afghanistan
4
4
2
1
11
Albania
9
4
1
14
Angola
2
2
Azerbaijan
2
2
Burundi
1
1
Cameroon
1
1
Chile
1
1
Colombia
1
Congo Dem. Rep.
8
2
Eritrea
1
1
Ethiopia
5
1
Georgia
1
1
Guinea
1
1
India
1
2
10
1
3
6
1
1
Iran
19
11
2
2
34
Iraq
6
3
1
1
11
Kenya
1
Kosova
3
Moldova
30
Children/Youth
1
9
1
13
1
1
Rwanda
2
2
Somalia
16
7
4
2
29
Sri Lanka
6
7
1
1
15
Sudan
1
2
3
Tanzania
2
1
3
Turkey
2
2
4
GRAND TOTAL
92
59
12
9
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
172
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Figure 3. Source of Referrals
176
200
173
135
124
150
77
100
50
7
7
7
14
4
6
0
y
h
enc
u rc
Ag
Ch
y
t
i
un
mm
Co
sp i
Ho
tal
y
Law
er
e
Ot h
r
lie
er C
m
r
Fo
nt s
P
ici
hys
c
Psy
hia
tri
an
o
hol
syc
p
/
t
s
t
gis
ool
Sch
lf
Se
Sh
r
elte
Figure 4. Gender
Female
Male
50%
Female
50%
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Male
31
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Figure 5. Age Category
Senior
5%
Youth
16%
Child
9%
Senior
Adult
Child
Youth
Adult
70%
Figure 6. Marital Status
Common Law
1%
Divorced
Widowed
4%
7%
Common Law
Divorced
Married
Single
38%
Married
44%
Seperated
Single
Widowed
Seperated
6%
32
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Figure 7. Education Category
Illiterate
2%
Post graduate
2%
Post secondary
34%
Secondary
43%
Illiterate
Post graduate
Post secondary
Primary
Secondary
Primary
19%
Figure 8. Employment Skills
Unskilled
46%
Skilled
54%
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Skilled
Unskilled
33
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Figure 9. Type of Torture
Both
47%
Both
Physical
Psychological
Psychological
52%
Physical
1%
Figure 10. Client Referral
Psychologist/psyc
hiatrist
10%
Medical
6%
Medical
Others(in-house programs
and services
Others(in-house
programs and
services
84%
34
Psychologist/psychiatrist
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Special Thanks
United Way of Calgary
United Way of Greater Toronto
United Way Centraide
United Way of Saskatoon Donor
Directed Giving Program
Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions
Eglinton St. George's United
Church
Wardens of St. Thomas' Anglican
Church
St. Andrew's United Church
Canadian Labour Congress
ChumCity Christmas Wish
The William Rathbone Family
Charitable Trust
The Ben and Hilda Katz Charitable
Foundation
Maple Grove United Church
Howard Family Foundation Inc.
De Saint-Joseph Religieuses
Hospitalieres
Congregation of the Presentation
Sisters of Holy Cross
Les Soeurs de Notre Dame
d' Auvergne
The Generalate Office
The Sisters of St. Joseph
The Sisters, Faithful Companions of
Jesus
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Diocese
of London
Bookworld Production Ltd.
James Fydell
Elaine Slater
John M Christie
Johanna Householder
Donald & Heather Barclay
Maureen G. Eberts
Selwyn L. & Marion Abel
Yvonne Millman
Suzanne Bond
Harry S Shannon
Belva Spiel, B.Mus., LL.B.
Carmen Bourbonnais
Roy Thomas
Lorna Berlinguette
Michele Landsberg
Marguerite Wales
Elizabeth Last
Kenneth B. McPherson
Florian Bail
Alexandra Noga
Dirk Leemans
Ruth Wilkins
Barbra Shaw
Sheila Wolofsky
Donna Bobier
Michael J Jackson
Linda M. Butler
Martin Klein
Brenda Berek
Geraldine Dobbin
Frances Warren
David R. Schurmann
Jason Anderson
Ida C Henderson
Henry Jackh
Paul Michaud
Patricia A Martin
Gary Giffin
Judith Dueck
Catherine Graham
Anne E. Mills
Caterina Lindman
Dorothy A Leggett
Edward Gordon
D.S. Greig
Llloyd & Phyllis Little
Ruth Reid
Marie S. Rodd
Husam Dughman
Michael Ethan Brodzky
Bill Bryson
Margaret Carruthers
Elizabeth D Wangenheim
Dorothy Davidson
Doug & Jane Pritchard
David Young
Raoul Boulakia
Peter Meier
Kathryn Mary VanderVennen
Mary Ferracin
John & Mrs Barbara Buttars
Eric Perryman
Thomas Marlin
Bruce Cockburn
Reesa Greenberg
Joan M. Eakin
Tony Boston
Santa Barbara Family Foundation
David & Rosi Jory
Silahi & Asif Khatiak
Thomas Howe
Alkis Kontos
Estate of the late Helene Murphy
House
Martin S Alford
Jeanette R Amdur
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
35
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Special Thanks
Paul Arsenault
Morton Beiser
Deborah Birkett
Rachel C Brown
Barbara Brown
John Blum
Isabelle Bradbury
Michael Bullock
Grace T Burke
Wendy M. Burns
Bruce E Burton
Marco Campana
William Clarke
J Douglas Campbell
Carola Conle
Geraldine Connelly
Heather Cooper
Debby Copes
Andrey V. Cybulsky
Yvonne Chmielewski
Lynnette Dalton James
Andrew & Suzanna Daviel
Hans B De Groot
Derek de Sa
Marie Dunn
Mytle W. Dyer
Helke Ferrie
Peter Busby & Dr. KA Gelmon
Richard B Gilman
Philip Gold
Barbara Grisdale
John Green
Douglas Gruner
Ewing Guy
Soula Hardy
Ann Harrinton
Rhoda E Hassmann
Douglas Hay
Mary Heiberg
36
Annette Horton
James Ironside
Rita Johnson
Grace Kaattari
Thomas S Kuttner
Angela King
Joy S.Korman
Margaret Knittl
Hari Lalla
Margarita & Vincent H.C.Lam
Douglas Lehrer
Carolyn Lemon
Sylvia Lee
Marilyn Lightstone
Mary I.Macrae
Catherine McNairn
Murray MacBeath
Lynda Maki
Janet Mason
Alexander Malycky
Pauline Mazumdar
Jean McClure
Carolyn J. McGhee
Catherine McKeen
Marilyn J.McKim
Rosemary Meier
Donald Moors
Thomas Morris
Raymond and Anne Morris
Helen Nation
Michele O’Keefe
Erma L. Parker
Bill Parsons
Ron Philipp
Cranford & Renata Pratt
Lisa S.Price
Mary Robinson
Maria Romanec
Julie Salveron
Marnie Schaetti
Dona Shar
Harold & Margaret Sinkinson
Ann Simpson
Ruth Smalley
Rodney Stokoe
Henry Van Essen
Stephen Wadhams
Beth Wagschal
Menai Wardle
Heather E Watson
Flora Jean Westney
Christopher Whynot
Margaret Whyte
Sheila M. Williams
Melissa S. Williams
Geoffrey Williams
Shelagh Towson
Barbara Yealland
Robert J.Zettel
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Source of Funds:
Government and Foundations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Program – ISAP – A
• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada - LINC
Canadian Centre for Foreign Policy Development
City of Toronto
• Community Services Grant
Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
• Newcomer Settlement Program (NSP)
Toronto Board of Education
United Way of Greater Toronto
• Membership allocation
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Torture Victims
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
37
CCVT ANNUAL
REPORT
2005-2006
Contact Us
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Main Office:
Scarborough Branch:
194 Jarvis St., 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON
M5B 2B7
2425 Eglinton Ave. E.
Unit 220, Scarborough, ON
M1K5G8
Tel: 416-363-1066
Fax: 416-363-2122
Tel: (416) 750-3045
Fax: (416) 750-4990
Email: mabai@ccvt.org
Website: www.ccvt.org
38
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

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