To mark its 40th anniversary, ACAT Luxembourg launched "Torture: Breaking the Silence", an annual initiative that reflects on decades of efforts to combat torture while highlighting that such human rights violations remain a present day reality, often hidden from view.

The programme was developed under the leadership of Christina Fabian, then President of ACAT Luxembourg. Her long standing commitment to human rights played a key role in shaping the initiative: "ACAT stands for Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture. Marking the 40th anniversary of ACAT Luxembourg, it was essential for us to place our sustained commitment to abolishing torture, our support for victims, and the memory of those who have suffered from torture at the heart of our activities. We are guided by the warning expressed by Jean Améry: ‘Anyone who has been subjected to torture can never again feel at home in the world.’"

Rather than focusing on commemoration alone, the organisation chose to frame this anniversary as a starting point for renewed engagement.
“We wanted this anniversary to mark a beginning, not an end, ” explains Shabnam Sabzehi. 

Rolled out throughout 2025, the initiative took the form of a multidisciplinary programme combining public events, thematic discussions, cultural activities and educational initiatives. The aim was to create inclusive spaces for dialogue, encouraging exchange, critical reflection and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of torture and its human consequences.

The programme was open to a wide audience, including the general public, young people, as well as civil society and institutional stakeholders. Particular attention was given to reaching those less familiar with these topics, with the objective of broadening the conversation and fostering a shared understanding of human rights challenges.

The project was implemented through close collaboration with numerous partners. “Designing and coordinating a year long programme required flexibility and continuous dialogue between all those involved, ” notes Shabnam Sabzehi. This collaborative approach led to new connections, with several encounters resulting in initiatives that extended beyond the original framework.

The impact was also visible on an individual level. Many participants described a gradual shift in awareness, with some going on to engage in awareness raising activities within their own networks. Feedback highlighted both the quality of the discussions and the diversity of formats, helping to reach new audiences while strengthening existing partnerships.

Beyond 2025, "Torture: Breaking the Silence" has laid the groundwork for continued engagement. The initiative demonstrates that even sensitive issues can be addressed in open and accessible ways, encouraging sustained commitment. “Breaking the silence, upholding human dignity” captures the spirit of the project, inviting everyone to take action, at their own level, in support of a more just society.