PDSRSG and Head of OSCE Mission visit KRCT on UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

PRISTINA - PDSRSG Larry Rossin and DSRSG for Institution Building/Head of the OSCE Mission Werner Wnendt today visited the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) in recognition of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Joining PDSRSG Rossin and DSRSG Wnendt were Mr. Paul Miller, Head of the Pristina Office of the UN High Commissione r for Human Rights, Ms. Vjosa Dobruna, noted human rights advocate and Chairperson of RTK Board, Mr. Adem Demaci, KRCT Board Member, and many staff members of the KRCT, UNMIK and OSCE.

PDSRSG Rossin commended the KRCT as "an important initiative not just for Kosovo society but also for individual people. The work of this Centre can help people overcome trauma associated with the torture they have experienced and suffered." He observed: "Compared to the time that I was here immediately after the war, I see now how much better the people look, the children are healthier with color in their cheeks, but it is also clear that much of this improvement is only on the surface, and that many wounds have not fully healed." He emphasized how important were the lessons visible in the trauma of the victims assisted by the KRCT, noting that "it is important that people do not forget what happened, as can be the case. This is why UNMIK, OSCE and the PISG are working so hard to build a better legal structure and improve patterns of social interaction between communities. Conflict and its resulting victims are tragedies Kosovo should not have to face again." Mr. Rossin also read the message from the UN Secretary General on the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

DSRSG Wnendt said: "Torture is one of the most deplorable human rights violations. It leaves not just individuals traumatised but also their families and societies. Today is important because when a conflict ends, there is a sense that victims of torture are sometimes forgotten. It is imperative not to forget the past while a future is being built. That is why this Centre and its important work need to be supported."

The KRCT provides treatment and rehabilitation for traumatized and tortured individuals. In its six years of existence, it has served over 10,000 Kosovans suffering from the consequences of conflict and political imprisonment, increased awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and other consequences of conflict among both the medical community and Kosovo society at large, and provided training to doctors and teachers around Kosovo, including from minority communities. Its dedicated professionals, led by KRCT's founder Dr. Feride Rushiti, provide services from its Pristina headquarters and seven field offices in Kosovo.