Action Options for Protesting Use of Torture

By Corinne Whitlatch
June 25, 2004

The graphic images of torture and the sadist abuse of Iraqi people in the custody of the U.S. military have mobilized, as well as shocked, U.S. citizens. At this time, the allegations and official investigations are ongoing and inconclusive as to how far up the chain of command lies responsibility.

A year ago, on June 26, 2003, President Bush declared, “The United States is committed to the worldwide elimination of torture and we are leading this fight by example.â€_ The example, however, shames our nation and ourselves. Still, the President continues to make righteous declarations of superior moral standards, rather than acknowledging the scope of detainee abuse issue. On June 22, 2004, the President said, "Let me make very clear the position of my government and our country. We do not condone torture. I have never ordered torture. I will never order torture. The values of this country are such that torture is not a part of our soul and our being."

Organizations and citizens across the country have decided that more than placing blame is required. Action is needed to heal those abused and repair those trained to abuse, to apologize to the people of Iraq and the Middle East, to prevent any future use or justification of torture by the U.S. or Middle East states, and to rededicate our nation to the framework on international law. Helena Cobban, a member of CMEP’s Leadership Council, makes similar points in her column which is published by the Christian Science Monitor and attached here.

Since the repulsive nature of the abuses causes many people to resist action and avoid the issue, prayer, introspection, education and leadership are essential. Churches for Middle East Peace will alert you when and if constructive legislation emerges, and for now, we hope you find these suggestions useful.

FAITHFUL AMERICA, a project of the National Council of Churches, has filmed a television ad that will be broadcast on Arabic language television in the Middle East. Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders “condemn the sinful and systemic abuses committed in our name, and pledge to work to right these wrongs." You can endorse and contribute to the ad, print out a fact-sheet on torture, link to numerous newspaper editorials, key articles and statements at www.FaithfulAmerica.org

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE is on Saturday, June 26. An excellent guide for action on June 26, and far beyond, has been developed by Amnesty International. You can download the 20 page PDF document at http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/iraq/iraq_teachin_guide.pdf (copy and paste the link into a new browser window)

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL has reported torture and ill-treatment in Iraq for over a year, in US detention facilities elsewhere for two years, and worldwide for decades. You can download resources including a teach-in guide and media kit as well as a sign on letter to the President at http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/iraq/activism.html

HONOR THE LEGACY PETITION urges the Bush administration to rededicate the United States to the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as core elements of the legacy of World War II. Oxfam, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Amnesty International have joined the National Council of Churches and United Methodist Board of Church in Society in supporting this project which is hosted by Education for Peace in Iraq. You too can sign on at www.epic-usa.org

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN COUNT NETWORK/US has organized a sign-on letter to Congress that focuses on stopping the rape and other torture of Iraqi women and US servicewomen by US military personnel, and women in US prisons. To get a copy of the letter and information go to http://www.globalwomenstrike.net/English2004/LApetitioRapeandTorture.htm

LETTER TO THE IRAQI PEOPLE is a grassroots initiative undertaken by New England Friends and encouraged by the American Friends Service Committee. While not specifically mentioning torture, the letter signers express their apology to the people of Iraq and their responsibility to pressure the US government. The deadline is August 1, 2004. Individuals can sign and organizations can endorse the letter at http://lettertotheiraqipeople.org

--------------------------------------------
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Mission Service, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM) . For further information, see www.cmep.org

Contributions to CMEP are tax deductible and can be made by check or on www.cmep.org by secure, on-line credit card service.
******************************************************
To remove your address from this network, send a note to cmepdc@aol.com

Churches for Middle East Peace
110 Maryland Ave NE, #311
Washington, DC 20002
Telephone (202) 543-1222
Fax: 202-543-5025
www.cmep.org