PHR, Consortium of Centers Help Refugees, Victims Get Political Asylum

(Additional information regarding violence and trauma can be found in the Special Report section of the April 2001 issue of Psychiatric Times-Ed.)

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) in Boston operates an Asylum Network of over 300 health care professionals to help people who have fled torture or other persecution in their native countries and are seeking political asylum in the United States. Volunteers conduct examinations of asylum applicants and prepare written testimony.

According to PHR literature: Through physical and psychological examinations, health professionals can determine whether injuries or trauma sustained by the applicant are consistent with the person's account of his or her experiences. Health professionals can also help judges and attorneys understand the effects of trauma on the applicant's behavior, memory, understanding and demeanor.

Natalie Audage, Asylum Network coordinator, told Psychiatric Times that 100 of the members currently are psychiatrists, and more are needed. "We give training seminars but they're not necessary to do this work," she explained. "For anyone who wants to do this, we will send a training manual and sample affidavit, and provide an experienced mentor to help."

Most physicians and psychologists qualify to provide expert testimony. It is not necessary that they have prior specific experience in treating torture victims.

PHR is contacted by lawyers who want medical evaluations of their clients and then locates a volunteer member who can take the case. Lawyers will provide translators as needed. Volunteers are not required to appear in court to provide testimony, and commitment for involvement may be as limited as taking one case a year.

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