Torture Awareness Month: Remember the victims; honor the resisters 

The United Nations General Assembly has designated June 26 of each year as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Today and in subsequent posts, we want to honor several military leaders in the United States and elsewhere who have spoken out against torture, labeling it appropriately morally offensive, a violation of human rights, and a defiance of international law.

By guest author Andrew Potter  

Two days ago we toured a genocide memorial at the site where over 10,000 Tutsis were massacred. This was a very visceral experience, one that was extremely difficult to digest. A description will have to suffice because photography was not permitted.

We entered a church, the same church where thousands of Tutsis had attempted to seek refuge. Walking into the church is like stepping onto a crime scene. Everything is freshly preserved. The pews of the church are piled with mounds of cloths from the dead.

In the underbelly of the church is a coffin holding the body of a Tutsi lady who... Read more... 

There are groups that have promoted the idea of an International Day of Forgiveness and a Global Day of Forgiveness.

I believe that there is an international need for an increase in education and awareness regarding apology as well as forgiveness and their roles in personal, social, and international relations. I suggest the establishment of an International Day for Apology and Forgiveness.  

During this day, schools can discuss the roles of apology and forgiveness, do workshops on how to apologize accurately, and discuss various issues related to forgiveness.   Read more... 

Parents, teachers, and librarians can use this book to teach about conflict resolution and its application to children's lives. Read more...