Human Rights Day 2011: Church of Scientology Spearheading Human Rights Education

Human rights are the rights that belong to everyone without exception—topeople of any color, creed, age, ethnicity or gender. But as United NationsSecretary-General Ban Ki-Moon pointed out in his Human Rights Day message thisyear, “…unless we know them, unless we demand they be respected, and unless wedefend our rights — and the right of others — to exercise them, they will beTo make the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsknown to all, the Church of Scientology has undertaken a massive human rightseducation initiative, reaching more than 180 million people in 2011 with theinformation on human rights in 17 languages.

Get More Information On The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at http://www.HumanRights.com and http://www.YouthForHumanRights.org

The United Nations estimates that 2.45 million people are trafficked eachyear, nearly a billion live in hunger, and almost half the world’s populationsubsists on less than $2.50 a day, making it clear any momentum generated thisyear must continue and that education and insistence on human rights has neverbeen more vital.In a global demonstration of support for the Universal Declaration of HumanRights and its 30 rights, Scientology Churches and Missions marked Human Rights
Day with seminars, rallies, concerts, round tables, forums and festivals, andhelped organize more than 80 human rights walks in 26 countries to raiseawareness of the Declaration and the need for its full implementation.In 1969, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “The United Nations came up with the answer.An absence of human rights stained the hands of governments and threatened theirrules. Very few governments have implemented any part of the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights. These governments have not grasped that their verysurvival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms and thus giving theirpeoples a cause, a civilization worth supporting, worth their patriotism.”For more than four decades, the Church has worked to make the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights broadly known. The Declaration appeared in the firstedition of Freedom Magazine, the Church’s human rights journal, in 1968. In1998, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, the Churchcarried out the first of five annual cross-European marathons, reaching anestimated 33 million with its message in support of human rights.Ten years ago, the Church began publishing materials that present theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights in terms anyone can understand. Thesebooklets, award-winning public service announcements and human rightsdocumentary videos are available free of charge to any individual or group.“There are many examples in history of what individuals can accomplish bydemanding their rights and insisting on the rights of others,” says Rev. RobertAdams, Vice President of the Church of Scientology International. “But aknowledge of these rights comes first. The United Nations adopted the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights in 1948, yet in many ways, despite advances, theviolations of its articles are as abhorrent today as they were six decades ago.We work with many dedicated groups, organizations, agencies and governmentbodies to make human rights a reality. To achieve this goal, education in humanrights must be mandatory, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must begiven the force of law.”

Since Human Rights Day 2010, through direct action and sponsorship of activities and materials, the Church of Scientology has reached hundreds ofmillions of people with humans rights information, distributing more than 2million publications and providing educational materials to more than 45,000human rights organizations and 4,500 educators and educational institutions.

Links: http://www.HumanRights.com and http://www.YouthForHumanRights.org

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. RonHubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954

and has grown to more than 9,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups andmillions of members in 165 countries. More information: http://www.Scientology.org

Opening the Door to Opportunity for an Entire Generation of Youth

Meet a Scientologist—Mary Shuttleworth, Opening the Door to Opportunity for an Entire Generation of Youth

Overcoming her own study difficulties through L. Ron Hubbard Study Technology, Dr. Mary Shuttleworth became an educator and touched the lives of millions of youth with her human rights education initiative.

Scientologist Dr. Mary Shuttleworth,
President and Founder of Youth for Human Rights International

"Education is a bridge to human rights and other positive social change"

Los Angeles, CA June 16, 2011

How many bright, creative children give up on their goals, frustrated with learning difficulties they simply cannot overcome?

Mary Shuttleworth had personal experience with the despair caused by such a dilemma. Overcoming it and accomplishing her academic goals, she dedicated herself to enabling children to achieve their full potential by helping them learn how to learn.

Grade school was academically difficult for Shuttleworth, who came from a highly educated family. Her father, a Scientologist, introduced her to Study Technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard.

“This knowledge changed my life,” says Shuttleworth, who went on to become a teacher and earn a doctorate in education.

“In today’s information-overload world, illiteracy is not just a handicap, it is a severe disconnect from available opportunities,” she says. “So many of my students arrive saying ‘I hate math’ or some other subject. It is a thrill every time I see the ‘light go on’ for the student—that ‘ah-ha!’ moment when they realize they can understand.”

Her love of children and the earnest desire to help them accomplish their goals prompted Shuttleworth’s concern with human rights education.

Born and raised in apartheid South Africa, Shuttleworth saw firsthand the devastation that results from discrimination and abuse of human rights. In 2001 she founded Youth for Human Rights International, a nonprofit group dedicated to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations more than 60 years ago, human rights issues abound. Ten years ago when we began Youth for Human Rights International, 90 percent of those surveyed were unable to name more than three of the 30 rights granted by the Declaration,” she says.

In meeting with government, civic and community leaders on eight annual Youth for Human Rights International World Tours, Shuttleworth found that while most are concerned and well-meaning, the majority could not define human rights, let alone enumerate the specific rights the Declaration guarantees. Here too, education is key.

“Such vital knowledge must be disseminated,” says Shuttleworth. “If Edison’s ‘secret’ of electricity had only been available to the few, we might all still be living in the dark.”

The problem was how to get across the concepts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to youth. Shuttleworth’s teenage son Taron had the answer—get their attention by using an audiovisual approach.

“Following Taron’s vision, we set out to produce, on a shoestring budget, the hip-hop music video, UNITED,” says Shuttleworth.

They premiered UNITED at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in August 2004, and its universal appeal made it a favorite for youth in countries from Guyana to Great Britain and Thailand to Tanzania, winning more than a dozen awards around the world.

Based on the resounding success of UNITED, they developed further human rights education materials, inspiring youth from diverse backgrounds to themselves become human rights educators.

A teenage singer in Canada combined human rights education with entertainment in local schools. Youth in Taiwan circled the island on bicycles, visiting schools and meeting with officials to promote human rights education. In South Africa, students produced plays depicting human rights abuses followed by scenes to illustrate the human right that would remedy each scenario. A 12-year-old girl in India met with the president of her country to tell him the importance of teaching human rights.

Shuttleworth says the effectiveness of the program lies in its simplicity.

“With these materials, anyone can teach human rights,” she says. “Education is a bridge to human rights and other positive social change.”

The Church of Scientology International and individual Scientology Churches and Missions support and sponsor human rights education initiatives. For more information on how Scientologists improve the world around them, watch the “Meet a Scientologist” videos at http://www.Scientology.org.
The Church of Scientology International and individual Scientology Churches and Missions support and sponsor human rights education initiatives. For more information on how Scientologists improve the world around them, watch the “Meet a Scientologist” videos at http://www.Scientology.org.

The popular “Meet a Scientologist” profiles on the Church of Scientology International Video Channel at Scientology.org now total more than 200 broadcast-quality documentary videos featuring Scientologists from diverse locations and walks of life. The personal stories are told by Scientologists who are educators, teenagers, skydivers, a golf instructor, a hip-hop dancer, IT manager, stunt pilot, mothers, fathers, dentists, photographers, actors, musicians, fashion designers, engineers, students, business owners and more.

A digital pioneer and leader in the online religious community, in April 2008 the Church of Scientology became the first major religion to launch its own official YouTube Video Channel, which has now been viewed by millions of visitors.


Contact

Karin Pouw
Church of Scientology International
(323) 960-3500

Healthcare Professionals Volunteer Aid To Human Trafficking Victims

January 26, 2011 -(MMD Newswire) - Ida Lopez, the head of Tampa's branch of World Relief recently presented Gracia Bennish, President of United for Human Rights Florida (UHR), with a "Humanitarian Acknowledgement" for the generous community minded contributions of United Physicians for Human Rights Tampa Bay (UPHR).

UPHR Tampa Bay is a grassroots group of physicians, dentists, chiropractors and nutritionists who are contributing their professional services to assist human trafficking victims who have been rescued from their captors.

UPHR Tampa Bay is under the umbrella of United for Human Rights, a non-for-profit international organization. UHR actively works together with Youth for Human Rights (YHR) to increase public awareness about human rights as well as supports the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document approved unanimously by the United Nations in 1948. Additionally, UHR and YHR provide educators with free human rights educational materials, which includes the award-winning documentary film,

The Story of Human Rights. These materials are created in collaboration with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International.

Gracia Bennish found that the non-for-profit organizations in the community who work with human trafficking and other human rights abuse cases have an urgent need for assistance with health care issues. Other sources are available, but not always on an immediate basis or they are not always able to meet specific needs. United Physicians for Human Rights was created to fulfill this need with the healthcare professionals donating their time free of charge.

This "Humanitarian Acknowledgement" was given to United Physicians for Human Rights in recognition of their generous contributions of time, supplies, expertise and support of human rights. Ms. Bennish was delighted with the acknowledgement. "It is our hope to expand this grassroots movement to service more nongovernmental organizations in the Tampa Bay area and beyond and to forward understanding about human rights".

Ms. Bennish and her colleagues work for UHR on a pro bono basis donating their time and efforts to further the goals outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information contact Gracia Bennish at 727-942-4668
Visit the website www.humanrights.com.

International Human Rights Day 2010

International Human Rights Day 2010

Today we celebrate December 10th, 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations. Since then we have made huge strides toward improved human rights but much, much more needs to be done. Human Rights Education is needed so that people everywhere can know about this document and know, too, that with human rights come responsibilities (UDHR, Article #29).

Congratulations to all who are working to improve human rights and celebrating Human Rights Day. Thank you and congratulations!

Congratulations to all those who submitted, "What are Human Rights?" art, essays and poetry from countries such as the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. What a delight to see how vividly those concepts pop off the pages. Bright ideas! Bright colors! Bright messages! I appreciate your educators and the thought and care that went into your inspiring creations. Congratulations!

Artwork by Rico in the Philippines

Congratulations to our Youth for Human Rights teams in countries around the world who are participating in our International Walk for Human Rights. Youth walking down the street, around the block, over the bridge, in the snow, in the rain or in the sunshine. Some carrying their country flags, some carrying candles and some carrying banners promoting human rights.

Remember, all the footsteps together are going a long way toward promoting human rights. We still have a considerable distance to go but, through your efforts, our forward progress is certain. Congratulations!

Happy Human Rights Day 2010!

Mary Shuttleworth, Ed.D.
President

http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/

Education Package, Materials for Teachers & Educators: Youth For Human Rights

Education Package, Materials for Teachers & Educators: Youth For Human Rights

The Youth for Human Rights Education Package is designed for elementary, middle and high school students. It may be used as a full course or as a supplemental resource within another curriculum. The aim is to engage students in human rights topics and provide opportunities to put human rights principles into action and use.

While the materials were designed for teachers, they are equally appropriate for youth group leaders—both religious and secular—as well as mentors and parents.

Educators - Youth for Human Rights International

Educators - Youth for Human Rights International

Educators

Lesson Plan Convention on the Rights of the Child FAQs “Youth who do not know their rights are vulnerable. Youth must know their human rights and know too that they have responsibilities according to Article 29 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Responsibilities are key in learning human rights.” — Mary Shuttleworth (EdD) An intergovernmental conference on human rights education held by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna in March 2004 recommended that schools undertake education in human rights and children's rights1. "Human rights education should be included in all school curricula starting from the earliest years of education. It should be mandatory particularly for secondary school education," the conference urged. The conference also recommended that "In human-rights education, particularly in promoting tolerance and countering discrimination, non-traditional methods such as dance and music should also be employed." YHRI has developed a lesson plan that educators can use in teaching human rights to young people. See also: Music Video for Human Rights 1 Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting, "Human Rights Education and Training". Final Report, Vienna, 25-26 March 2004 (ODIHR.GAL/33/04. 4 May 2004.)

Seventh Annual Youth For Human Rights World Tour Launched

Seventh Annual Youth For Human Rights World Tour Launched



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Scientology Member Brings Message of Human Rights to the World - Church of Scientology International - pitchengine.com

Scientology Member Brings Message of Human Rights to the World - Church of Scientology International
05.27.2009 – For eight weeks, members of Youth for Human Rights International carried out the Sixth Annual Human Rights World Tour, led by Scientology member and International Association of Scientologist Freedom Medal Winner, educator Mary Shuttleworth. The Scientology Press Office interviewed Mary on what inspired her to undertake this project and what results were accomplished.

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Pennies For Peace

Pennies For Peace


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..to Pennies for Peace, a program of Central Asia Institute (CAI).

Pennies for Peace educates children about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time.

Our best hope for a peaceful and prosperous world lies in the education of all the world’s children. Through cross-cultural understanding and a solution-oriented approach, Pennies for Peace encourages children, ultimately our future leaders, to be active participants in the creation of global peace.

To participate in the Pennies for Peace program, please start by completing the registration form and returning it to Pennies for Peace. Feel free to contact us anytime for more information.

Day of Service: Volunteer on MLK Day

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News & Press Releases - City of Boston

News & Press Releases - City of Boston

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BOSTON YOUTH INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN MLK JR. "SPIRIT OF SERVICE" DAY

1/12/2009 - Released by Boston Centers for Youth and Families
For more information contact Sandy Holden

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) Peace Fellows invite Boston youth to join them in painting original works of art interpreting the day’s theme, “The Spirit of Service.”

The Spirit of Service Day will be held at the Holland Community Center, 85 Olney Street in Dorchester and the Charlestown Community Center, 255 Medford Street in Charlestown on Saturday, January 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The MLK Jr. “Spirit of Service Day” will both engage Boston’s youth in service by creating original works of art for their communities and build awareness about the life and times of Dr. King. The paintings created during the event will be displayed throughout Boston to teach others about the spirit of service embodied by Dr. King. To participate, please call 617-635-4920 ext. 2246 and leave your name and telephone number.

The event will also include an interactive presentation teaching the importance of community service by Northeastern University’s Sport in Society’s Project TEAMWORK. A partner of the Peace Fellows program, Project TEAMWORK is a diversity awareness and conflict resolution program facilitated by former collegiate student-athletes.

BCYF’s Peace Fellows are 15 men and women ages 17-24 who teach and model nonviolent conflict resolution, leadership and civic responsibility to youth in out-of-school programs in Boston’s neighborhoods most affected by violent crime. The program and this event are supported by Massachusetts Service Alliance.

The Spirit of Service Day is recognized as a Presidential Inaugural Committee Event and a Signature Service Site for Massachusetts. Art supplies, as well as breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided throughout the day. For more information please contact the Peace Fellows at (617) 635-4920 ext. 2246.

Scientology Today: International Youth Summit Demands Governments Restore Fundamental Human Rights

Scientology Today: International Youth Summit Demands Governments Restore Fundamental Human Rights

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Human Rights - ECO

Singer reaches out to Lynn students

Daily Item, The (Lynn, MA)
Author: ROBIN KAMINSKI; THE DAILY ITEM

Singer/songwriter Kelly Riley wants to extend her musical talents to kids in Lynn who are eager to learn how to make music. Having recently received an alumni grant from Berklee College of Music in Boston for $5,000, Riley, a Lynn resident, is ready to teach a handful of kids how to hone their own musical abilities. However, due to the limited funds, Riley said she is going to select the dozen or so kids by holding an essay contest. "I thought it would be a good idea to have a contest for kids to understand a little more about the Declaration of Human Rights because it has everything to do with music, creativity and the freedom of expression," she said. "Just a little paragraph or two about why they think it's important."

Riley said she got the idea for the essay topic from a volunteer gig a few years back, called Youths For Human Rights International in Boston. The group is an independent non-profit corporation that aims to educate young people on their human rights.

"The more kids understand their human rights, the more they will understand people," she said. "I also plan to give each of the kids a booklet on all of the 30 human rights, a recorder, and voice once a week for eight weeks for school-aged kids who are seven to 17 years old. "I'm also looking for donations of small electric key boards and guitars," she said. "For those kids that can't get instruments, I'll give them voice lessons instead."

As a child, Riley said she picked up her older brother's guitar and quickly learned how to play the instrument, and is excited to help other children realize their own talents.
"The alumni grant is all about setting examples and doing good things," she said. "I thought it would be a good idea to teach a few underprivileged kids in the city."

Copyright, 2008, The Daily Item, All Rights Reserved.

Human Rights Summit 2008

July 2nd, 2008

Youth for Human Rights International

INVITATION

Dear Friends,

As the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaches its 60th Anniversary, only a small percentage of the population worldwide know of its existence. Today, the UN reports that more than a billion people are without clean water; most of the 25 million who have HIV/AIDS in Africa have no access to health care; and 121 million children are denied a basic education. Furthermore, Amnesty International has documented serious human right abuses by armed opposition groups in 42 countries, including deliberate and arbitrary killings of civilians. Viewing these statistics, who could disagree that actions must be taken now to make human rights known, understood and most importantly, put into practice.

With this aim in mind, Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) has teamed up with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology and Artists for Human Rights for its annual international human rights summit and Human Rights Heroes Awards presentations to be held this year in New York.

Our first such event were held in August 2004 at the United Nations Headquarters and UNICEF House in New York and in Los Angeles in 2005. In 2006 the summit was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and last year it was held at the University of California in Los Angeles. Participants have included delegates have from the USA, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda, Liberia, Zambia, Congo, Morocco, Nepal, Toga, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Colombia and the Philippines along with UN officials and UN country mission representatives, human rights and religious leaders, NGOs, local community activists and students.

Our three-day series of events will begin on September 5th with a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. In the evening we will present the recipients of the 2008 International Human Rights Heroes Awards at the elegant Roosevelt Hotel. The following day we will host the Human Rights Conference followed by an Inter-Religious Parade and Service on Sunday afternoon, September 7th at the Dag Hammerskjold Plaza in New York.

As has been our tradition, youth will play a prominent role in the events with young human rights activist attending from around the world to represent their countries.

Entrance to all events is free of charge to enable broad participation by young people and the community at large. However it is suggested that you RSVP as soon as possible as seating is limited and those on the RSVP list will receive first preference. The United Nations clearance procedures require prior submission of names for security purposes so please confirm early to avoid disappointment.

For further information about us visit our website at www.youthforhumanrights.org. Please feel free to call the YHRI office with any questions or email us at info@youthforhumanrights.org.

I look forward to seeing you and welcome your active involvement in our joint efforts to make human rights become a reality for all.

With kind regards,
Mary Shuttleworth
President
Youth for Human Rights International

Starting a Youth for Human Rights Club

Congratulations on making the decision to start a Youth for Human Rights Club. Here are some basic steps you can take:

1. If you are not already familiar with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (and most people are not), read it as a first action. You will find an abridged version, as well as the full version, in the What Are Human Rights? booklet. If you do not have a copy of the booklet, you can obtain one here.

Make sure you fully understand each of the rights described in the 30 "articles" of the Universal Declaration. As you read through them, think of different times when you or others were allowed these rights and other times when they were ignored.

Watch the UNITED music video. It can be obtained from Youth for Human Rights International at www.youthforhumanrights.org. UNITED is a five-minute film that conveys a message that determination and non-violent confrontation is the best method of curbing violence and intolerance.
Go to the YHRI websites and get familiar with YHRI and its activities around the world.
Visit the UNITED website at www.unitedmusicvideo.org.
Browse the websites of two famous human rights organizations, Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org) and Human Rights Watch (www.hrw.org). These sites will help to brief you on major human rights issues in the world today.
Read all the elements in this starter pack—items you will need to get your club into action.
Now that you have some basic familiarity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and key human rights issues, it is time to get started!
2. Discuss human rights with your friends and associates. Invite those who show an interest to start a human rights club. You don't need many people—two or three is enough at first.

3. Now that you have your club formed (i.e., active members who know their human rights, and who want to help others know and use their rights), go through the starter pack with them. You can download the pack below.

4. Start by expressing your views per Article 19 of the Universal Declaration—Freedom of Expression. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister and tell him that you have formed a Youth for Human Rights Club that is devoted to teaching the Universal Declaration. Ask him for the government's position on the issue of human rights and the use of the Universal Declaration, and also ask him what you and your club members can do to help.
5. Look at the "Things Anyone Can Do for Human Rights" section in this starter pack and work out the next action that your club should do. Now get into action on this!

6. Finally, it is important that you let us know what you are doing so we can update the website with news from clubs around the world. Regularly fill out the success form you have in your Starter Pack and send it to us. We always love to hear from you. Remember you can also contact us for help, questions, ideas or just to share your thoughts. If you have any pictures of your club in action, please send them in to the President of Youth for Human Rights International, Mary Shuttleworth, at info@youthforhumanrights.org.

Youth for Human Rights International created human rights club starter packs for both adults and youth.

reproduced from Official Youth for Human Rights International

Get Active

Get Started Now

Things Anyone Can Do for Human Rights
Start a Youth for Human Rights Club

Order the booklets and distribute them

Download and distribute the electronic versions of the booklets

Download the PSAs and show them to your friends

Raise Your Voice – Sign the Petition
Use the power of your signature to help protect your rights and make Human Rights for the world a reality.

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Bloggers Unite

Bloggers Unite is an initiative designed to harness the power of the blogosphere to make the world a better place. By challenging bloggers to blog about a particular social cause on a single day, a single voice can be joined with thousands of others to help make a real positive difference; from raising awareness for cancer, to an effort to better education systems or support 3rd world countries.

Scientology Religion in the News

Youth for Human Rights #20