Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture

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URVT
URVT
Contract Title Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) I
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) II
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) III
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) IV
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) V
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) VI
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) VII
Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) VIII
Contract Number YA/ETΠ/2005/3
07/CYP/LS/400(b)
YA/ETΠ/2007/4
G_594DA_11
G_594DA_13
G_594DA_14
G_594DA_15
G_594DA_16
Funding Period 01/07/2006-31/12/2007
31/12/2007-30/12/2008
01/01/2009-31/12/2009
01/01/2010-30/06/2010
01/01/2011-31/12/2011
01/01/2013-31/12/2013
01/01/2014-31/12/2014
01/01/2015-31/12/2015
01/01/2016-31/12/2016
Total Cost 2006-2007: €89,499.96 €80,553.72
2008: €101,995.47
2009: €30,515
2010: €30,515.00
2001: $181,125.00 (2011)
$105,780.00 (2013)
$97,638.00 (2014)
$123,344.00 (2015)
$103,136.00 (2016)
Website http://www.urvt.org/



Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) is a specialised unit to assist victims of torture by providing them with multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation services. It was launched in 2006 and runs since under Future Worlds Center. URVT is currently funded by the UNVFVT (United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture).

Overall Objective

Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture’s (URVT) mission is to support and promote the empowerment and rehabilitation of people who have been subjected to torture, inhumane, degrading treatment or punishment in their country of origin and/or in Cyprus. Victims are mainly refugees and asylum seekers, and at times victims of trafficking. URVT’s aim is to assist victims and their families to rehabilitate and to integrate into the local society.

URVT adopted a holistic approach to rehabilitation offering a full range of services, including psychological support and rehabilitation; legal counselling and assistance throughout the asylum procedures; and social counselling during the rehabilitation process. The URVT team works alongside the UNHCR funded project Strengthening Asylum. URVT also works on raising awareness among the local community on torture related issues.

URVT operates according to the standards of the Istanbul Protocol - United Nations Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment - and its services are offered to the beneficiaries by specialised, experienced, and well-trained personnel.

URVT runs under the Humanitarian Affairs Unit of the Future Worlds Center.

History and Credits

Elia Petridou is credited for the creation of the Unit, Larry Fergeson for securing UNVFVT funding for many years and Corina Drousiotou for heading and stabilizing its operations. Many people supported the worked at the Unit.

Activities/Services

  • Psychological support
  • Legal counselling
  • Social Support
  • Awareness Raising