ACAT is an ecumenical association which:

  • Campaigns against the use of torture
  • Works for the abolition of the death penalty
  • Calls for the right to seek asylum


Founded in France in 1974, the ACAT network aims are to:

  • Raise awareness among governments around the world
  • Condemn all inhuman situations
  • Support the victims of torture
  • Campaign to further education in human rights
  • There are 28 ACAT associations worldwide


Every year we are successful in bringing relief to hundreds of torture victims internationally.


...irrespective of ethnic background, race, ideology or religion. We work for the abolition of the death penalty and to maintain the right to seek asylum.


Men and women who have become victims of torture...

 

What have they done wrong?

They don't have correct beliefs. They don't adhere to the correct religion. They don't have the correct skin colour. They oppose oppression.
In roughly half the countries of the world ordinary people defending human rights or common law or peaceful opponents of the state are tortured. Sometimes they are never seen again.

 

What happens to them?

Those who torture strip and beat them, burn, rape or electrocute them for weeks or months on end. Sometimes to death.
Many who survive all this never shake off a sense of fear, shame and humiliation.

 

So, what can be done?

We can bear witness on behalf of those who others would wish to silence. We can take action: demand the release of torture victims, demand a fair trial, call for an end to these abuses. We can uphold in prayer both the victims and the perpetrators of torture.