Andrea Joy Campbell: “I rise to address the barbaric practices that constitute torture as we mark the United Nations Day in Support of the…”

“I rise to address the barbaric practices that constitute torture as we mark the United Nations Day in Support of the Victims of Torture. Astonishingly, an estimated 500,000 victims of torture live in the United States today, including many in my home State of Colorado. The United States has provided vital leadership in the campaign to prevent torture around the world. The United States must not equivocate on this most basic of human rights. While the United States has consistently spoken out forcefully against the use of torture around the world, serious questions have been raised suggesting U.S. complicity in torture as part of the war against terrorism. This prompted me to join other members of the Helsinki Commission in writing to the White House recently urging an investigation of 'serious allegations that the United States is using torture, both directly and indirectly, during interrogations of those suspected of terrorism.' Against this backdrop, I urge the administration to issue a forthright statement on torture.”