RCT, the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture
Victims, is a self-governing institution independent of party
politics. In Denmark, RCT treats refugees who have survived torture
and it undertakes research in torture and torture sequelae. By
doing so, RCT has gained specialised knowledge and experience on
the basis of which the interventions of RCT's partners in the South
are developed and targeted.
RCT exposes and documents torture on a health professional
basis. The clinical diagnoses and treatment methods are based on
systematic examination of the torture survivors and research into
torture and organised violence. The experiences are used in RCT's
education and advocacy in order to contribute to the global effort
to abolish torture.
RCT's international project work is carried out in co-operation
with local organisations in connection with projects aiming at
diminishing the after effects of torture or preventing the use of
torture and organised violence in the future. Treatment, prevention
and education of local health professionals are main parts of the
projects. RCT's personnel work as consultants on the projects. The
aim is to exchange and pass on knowledge and expertise. RCT works
in South Africa, Sierra Leone, Gaza, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India,
Honduras and Guatemala.
Besides the extensive co-operation with partner organisations
around the world, RCT has contacts in a widely ramified network of
Danish and other European organisations working with health, human
rights, refugees and development aid. The aim is to fight torture
and protect human rights by means of continuous exchange of
experiences and specific projects. RCT is a self-governing
institution that is dependent on economic support from a number of
contributors, the main contributor being the Danish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Foundations, grants and private persons also
support RCT's work.