AN appeal to welcome and assist victims of torture was made at an ecumenical service for torture survivors at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, yesterday.
The service, held by the Rescue Trust, was addressed by Dr Kathleen Allden, medical director of Harvard University's Programme for Refugee Trauma. A message of support for the trust's work from the President, Mrs Robinson, was also read.
Dr Allden praised the work of Irish aid workers and the Republic's record in providing humanitarian assistance in developing countries.
She said "In spite of the troubles and turmoil which Ireland has gone through over the years, the real voice of Ireland is still heard in its people as they provide humanitarian assistance in developing countries, when they speak out in solidarity with the oppressed in far off lands such as East Timor, and when they struggle for family reunion and services for refugees here at home."
She added "Torture shatters a person's world and social order. It produces deep humiliation and fractures the person's ability to trust. It leaves the human being feeling powerless and can crush any sense of hope for the future.
"Although the natural reaction is to be repelled by the violence, somehow we shouldn't allow ourselves to remain confused and restrained or allow our feelings of shame and guilt to keep us silent.