Mother waiting outside Abu Ghraib

Torture Destroys Us All is an ongoing campaign for a torture-free world. The purpose of the campaign is threefold: (1) to join the world in commemorating the ratification of the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the suffering and courage of torture victims and survivors worldwide; (2) to encourage people in the United States to take a bold stand in condemnation of torture and; (3) to hold our government accountable for its human rights practices.    

The Advocates for Human Rights developed the campaign with assistance from the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights for people and groups to use as they raise awareness about the issues of torture. The Advocates produced informational and advocacy materials as part of a toolkit to help others to carry out their own exhibits, displays and campaigns against torture. The toolkit consists of images of the torture carried out by U.S. officials at Abu Ghraib along with quotes about torture by public officials, military personnel and others, an informational brochure, an evaluation survey, and a petition. The petition denounces torture and asks that the U.S. government establish an independent commission to investigate the abuses by U.S. personnel and civilians at Abu Ghraib, Guantánamo, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Statement against Torture by The Advocates' Executive Director Robin Phillips:

Torture is prohibited by U.S. and international law. Its impact — to diminish the essence of human life, to humiliate, punish and control it — violates fundamental principles of human rights.

The photos of Abu Ghraib did more than document abuses on a single day by a few soldiers. They pulled back a curtain, revealing a sordid practice that has been documented in several of the 24 secret detention centers run by the United States government. The photos have also opened up a public dialogue — making real Theoretical arguments about whether the U.S., or anyone, for that matter — should engage in the practice of torture.

The U.S. public opposes torture. The Advocates is sponsoring the Torture Destroys Us All campaign to provoke the people of this country to speak boldly in condemnation of torture and to hold our government accountable for its human rights practices. As the U.S. moves forward an international agenda of peace and security, democracy and human rights, the people of this country will ensure that humanity will be recognized and torture will not be tolerated —  because torture destroys us all.

Robin Phillips, Executive Director

The Advocates for Human Rights