asked in 2005

1. Do you have a job in which everyone would lose his or her smile sooner or later?

No. Rather because of the many highly ethical victims of torture my smile is now after more than 30 years of work warmer and more confident. We know today that we CAN help them. And then of course we should.


2. Is torture on the way to become an accepted instrument of warfare and operations against political enemies again?

Torture is NOT to become an accepted instrument of warfare and operations against political enemies again, no. It has always been at a certain level. The latest development, the war against terrorism makes it more difficult. We know torture creates terrorism. We know torture is a power instrument for many governments. But with all the professional knowledge of torture we have today, I do no think the politicians dare to undertake the slippery way of accepting torture publicly.


3. What is the first step in the rehabilitation of a torture survivor?

To create trust, to show respect, to show you are humble to the great task to assist someone who has gone through the most horrible trauma in the world.  To show humanity.


4. Why is it so important to work against torture?

Because torture is the worst trauma, the most effective power instrument against democracy. Because three billion people - half of the population in the world - live in countries, where governments condone torture, instigate torture, and even institutionalize torture. And the governments do this in order to keep power. Because torture victims are courageous people who work for more democracy in the world. People like: honest politicians, honest journalists, union members/leaders, human rights fighters, student leaders, leaders of minority groups. They take these people in, make them down through torture. Because torture is very bad as an information instrument, but very good at destroying the personality of people. And because we can help the people back to a good life.


5. What effect has the Right Livelihood Award had on your work?

Great happiness in the honour of receiving it. Great happiness in meeting the people behind the award: especially of course Jakob von Uexküll  – but also his team. More visibility for our work for victims of torture. Great happiness in meeting the other laureates.