I believe in fairness. I believe that each of us, every single person in the world, is entitled to a life free from cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment, punishment, torture, or discrimination.
Growing up, my family was no stranger to discrimination, torture, and degrading treatment. As I got older, some of the discrimination increased as I was constantly reminded of what others like me were facing on a daily basis. I have been detained and degraded by U.S. Border Patrol interior checkpoints without cause because I "look Middle Eastern," I’ve been denied jobs, I’ve been profiled and not served in a place of business, I get it.
Sometimes, when you grow up in a marginalized population or as a protected class, it is easier to spot discrimination and to be moved to challenge it. I have devoted my life to improving the lives of people like me, looked down upon in society, and facing barriers simply due to facts they cannot change. I have dreamt of the opportunity to make a difference, and to be that helping hand I always wished existed for me and my family. I went to college with the intent of being a part of the process of healing while fighting for the rights of all people to live a life free of the encumbrances of discrimination by the privileged, and oppression by those entrusted with the authority to serve the people.
As the Systemwide President of the International Coalition to End Torture, I plan to do just that. There is no greater pleasure in the world than securing the release of a torture victim from prison or saving a human being from facing torture. Thanks to the Coalition, since the 1990s I have been privileged to advocate for forgotten victims.
My dream is to one day make this office moot, to exist in a space where we are treated with the civility and respect we so rightfully deserve. Until that day, however, I want you to know that we are here, and we are here for you.
S. Amir Kohan
Systemwide President
San Francisco, California
