Our story

Many refugees are victims of torture, including sexual torture, which has catastrophic effects on their physical, psychological and social well-being. They face challenges in accessing support and services for rehabilitation. Those problems are exacerbated when they are in flight, lack shelter, and lack social or medical support. Lamp Lifeboat Ladder recognizes the need of torture survivors to resettle in safe countries, while receiving support in rebuilding their lives.

LLL’s mission of resettling survivors has been fully brought to life by the Canadian government, which enacted temporary public policies facilitating placement in Canada of up to 90 torture survivors, along with their family members. Under these public policies, Lamp Lifeboat Ladder has brought 30 survivors and their families to Canada so far.

Global law firm Reed Smith is the primary implementing partner along with the Canadian Center for Victims of Torture (CCVT) and other Canadian and international NGOs. The partnership combines the creativity of the private sector with the regulatory capacity of the public sector and the social representation of civil society to help refugee families.

Lamplifeboatladder has so far raised US$2.0 million, including contributions from other philanthropists, such as Dean Dakolias, chief investment officer of Fortress Investment Group.

In fall 2020, LLL proudly submitted its first two applications for resettlement to the Canadian government. These were Syrian families totaling 11 persons. Since then, other families have been accepted; and by early 2025, 30 survivors and their families - a total of 90 persons - have resettled in Canada with the opportunity to integrate into a peaceful and safe society.

Ahmad Hussein

The cost of resettling these refugees and providing support for two years ranges from US$18,000 to $35,000 per person.

Lamp Lifeboat Ladder is currently supporting the initial wave of 30 families in Canada, identifying, vetting and selecting additional applicants now in Greece and Jordan, and raising funds to ensure that financial and settlement support is available in Canada to all families for two years each.

In addition to donations, the project is getting international recognition. Lamplifeboatladder and Reed Smith were the winners for "Innovation in Pro Bono" at the 2024 Legalweek Leaders in Tech Legal Awards. Legalweek explained this pro bono project is so innovative because it provides survivors with end-to-end protection, from the point of flight to the point of self-reliance.

What do you know about war?
What do you know about her?
About a scared child,
About a doll that fell from her hand,
About a song that lost its way,
About a family that fled leaving their morning tea at the table,
About a bored house longing for its parents and children's laughter.

Ahmad Hussein
(Poet & Cheesemaker)