Political Quotes

“The Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment underscores that freedom, justice, and peace rests on the recognition of the inalienable rights of all members of the human family. It further states that these basic rights derive from the inherent dignity of the human person. Thus, when one individual suffers, all of humanity suffers. When one individual is tortured, the scars inflicted by such horrific treatment are not only found in the victim but in the global system, as the use of torture undermines, debilitates, and erodes the very essence of that system. Torture not only terrorizes individuals but entire societies, the impact of which is felt in future generations as well. It is used as a weapon against democracy by eliminating the leadership of the opposition and by frightening the general population into submission. As a Member of Congress who represents men, women, and children who have fled repressive regimes, I have witnessed firsthand the mental and physical damage that torture inflicts on the individual and on society as a whole.”