United Nations Day in Support of Victims of Torture at SPIRASI

The first event to mark UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture was a public seminar, "Survivors of Torture — the Irish Response" organised jointly with the Irish School of Ecumenics Peace Studies programme.

The seminar took place, on the eve of the 26^th June, at Trinity College Dublin and was opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. An audience of 180 people listened intently to the three speakers, Professor O’Neil an Irish Human Rights Commissioner, who reminded the audience of the importance of the importance of the prevention of torture. Dr Eileen Keane using the title Past, Present and Future describe the work of SPIRASI’s Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture and its hope for the future. Then Laith, a survivor of torture gave a testimony of his torture and his recovery. Laith received a standing ovation for his presentation and his courage in being prepared to speak so publicly about his experiences.

The President’s speech and the papers from all three speakers can be downloaded below.

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The second event took place in SPIRASI and afforded the staff and service users an opportunity to spend some reflective time together to mark the day.

The Solid Rock choir opened the event with singing and Father Michael Begley, Director of SPIRASI then introduced Senator David Norris as the invited guest of honour. Senator Norris’s speech, which illustrated his vast knowledge and understanding of human rights, with humour and passion touched all those present. The choir then sang their second song which was followed by three students from the CEIM English Language programme who read a poem in French, Arabic and English (the three main languages of the SPIRASI).

Senator Norris then lit a symbolic candle and a minute’s silence was held to remember victims of torture and their families through out the world. One of the Centre’s therapists then read out the SPIRASI poem. Before adjourning for tea and cakes the choir closed the event with another song.

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Related Documents

• President McAleese’s speech (MS Word format)
• Helen O’Neill’s speech (Adobe PDF)
• Eileen Keane’s speech(Adobe PDF) and presentation (MS Powerpoint)
• Laith’s speech (Adobe PDF)