Welcome to QCAT

Introduction

Welcome to the Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture (QCAT) website. The aim of the site is to help you get more informed on the subject of torture and its use in the world today. We believe that once people, such as you, understand the terrible harm done by torture, and other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment, you may wish to get involved in finding ways to eradicate its use.

We invite your support. You may also wish to support other charities that are working against the use of torture in different ways. On our site you will find more about our perspectives, what we do and ways that you can become involved with us. Feel free to browse the site or contact us for more specific information.

Torture is illegal under international law and all states have responsibilities to uphold this law. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes:

The law is crystal clear: torture can never be used at any time or under any circumstances, including during conflict or when national security is under threat.

Current Concerns

This section details QCAT's current work and areas of focus in the campaign against torture.

(Content for "Statement of Current Concerns" and "Current work" would go here. Example: "We are currently focused on advocating for stronger international enforcement mechanisms and raising awareness about the psychological impacts of torture...")

Get Informed

Learn more about torture and QCAT's efforts through various resources.

• Q-CAT Leaflet: A concise overview of our mission and work.
• Briefings: In-depth reports on specific issues related to torture.
• Newsletters: Regular updates on our activities and relevant news.
• From the Friend: Articles and perspectives published in "The Friend" magazine.
• Definitions of Torture: Understanding the legal and practical definitions.
• Historical Summary: The history of the anti-torture movement and QCAT's role.
• Links to other organisations: Connect with other groups concerned with torture and its victims.

(You can expand each of these points with more details or links to downloadable documents if you have them.)

Get Involved

There are many ways you can contribute to the fight against torture.

• How you can help: Discover practical steps you can take to support our cause.
• Donations: Your financial support helps us continue our vital work.
• Writing letters: Learn how to effectively write to MPs and other officials on this issue.

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Events

Stay informed about past and upcoming QCAT events, workshops, and conferences.

(List any upcoming or recent events here. Example: "Upcoming Webinar: The Role of Civil Society in Combating Torture - Date: DD/MM/YYYY")

About Us

Learn more about QCAT's mission, values, and structure.

• Concerns and Aims: Our core principles and objectives.
• Quaker perspectives on torture in the world: The faith-based foundation of our work.
• Constitution: The governing document of our organization.
• History: The story of QCAT's formation and evolution.
• How we fit in with other Quaker Structures: Our relationship with the broader Quaker community.

Trustees

Juliet Morton (Convenor), Michael Hutchinson (Treasurer), Jane Laxton (Newsletter Ed.), Barbara Forbes, John Cockcroft.

Contact Us

For more specific information, please reach out to us:

Email: [email protected]