What is the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT)?
In 2006 the UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture marked its 25th anniversary, being established by General Assembly resolution 36/151 of
After the European Union, which has an annual budget of around 14 Million Euros (2005), the UNVFVT is the second biggest source of funding for non-governmental organizations working with victims of torture worldwide.
In 2005, UNVFVT had a budget of $7.3 million and distributes its resources amongst rehabilitation centers. The Fund accepts applications for grants aimed at providing medical, psychological, social, economic, legal, humanitarian or other forms of assistance to victims of torture and members of their family.
The increasing need to relieve often life long pain and suffering of torture victims and prevent trauma in the families and the destruction of community life underlines the importance of this UN initiative.
The UNVFVT currently supports around 187 projects worldwide. The Fund is administered by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and advised by a Board of five Trustees who provide expert advice on the issue of torture and rehabilitation to OHCHR.
In recent years a total of 65 countries have contributed to the Fund, 18 of these countries contribute regularly. The largest single donor to the Fund is the
The Fund particularly supports holistic treatment in working with and for survivors of torture. Assistance is sought for individuals psychologically and medically as well as for reintegration into society. Legal assistance helps not only individuals to find redress and justice but also combats impunity supporting individuals seeking reparations from the relevant national, regional or international authorities.