Slovakian Youth Promote Human Rights Awareness

Bratislava, Slovakia—The Slovakia chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) celebrated the 61st Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) with the launch of a new web site and a human rights walk from Old Town in Bratislava to Grassalkovich Palace, the residence of the President of Slovakia. This was part of the “International Walk for Human Rights,” where youth from countries around the world, including Australia, Austria, Barbados, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Holland, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, United Kingdom the United States and Zambia, walked to raise awareness of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The new YHRI Slovakia web site at www.MladezZaLudskePrava.org features 30 public service announcements, one illustrating each of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration, available for the first time with Slovakian subtitles. The short films were produced by Youth for Human Rights International in partnership with the Church of Scientology International.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Youth for Human Rights 2009 World Fosters Peace and Hope

For eight weeks, members of Youth for Human Rights International carried out the Sixth Annual Human Rights World Tour, led by Scientologist 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.

Scientology Today: You are not only the President of Youth for Human Rights, you also founded it in 2001. Why did you decide to do this?

Mary: As a young girl growing up in apartheid South Africa I saw firsthand the devastating effects of discrimination and the lack of the most basic human rights. Traveling abroad I realized that discrimination and slave-like conditions could be found far beyond the borders of my country. Children who do not know that they have human rights are vulnerable. As an educator I knew that teaching learners about human rights would be the first step for them to defend and protect not only their rights but also those of their peers.

Scientology Today: In less than a decade you have turned this idea into an international organization — Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). What are you most proud of having accomplished?

Mary: Taking the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), an excellent but scholarly document, and depicting those rights in simple literature and videos so that anyone can quickly learn and teach the 30 articles enshrined in that document. We have brought the UDHR, a document for the people, to the people.

Scientology Today: You have just completed the 6th annual Youth for Human Rights World tour. In less than two months, you visited twelve countries. Why did you decide to do human rights world tours?

Mary: Human rights cannot be taught at people-it has to be with people. Because those rights need to relate to the people where they live, study, work and dream.

Nothing replaces meeting people and interacting with them where they live.By traveling to different countries I can see the issues people face and the outstanding efforts individuals are making to improve conditions. One face-to-face meeting accomplishes more than months of e-mails, phone calls or faxes.

This year our World Tour started in the US and wound its way through twelve countries: From Mexico to Barbados, Colombia and Argentina in the Americas, on to the Pacific and Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor). From there we went to Jordon in the Middle East and Russia and Switzerland, and finally to Africa with Uganda and South Africa. Within the space of a couple of months, with the help of dedicated volunteers around the world, we spoke with hundreds of leaders, met thousands of students and reached millions through the media resulting in exponential expansion of global knowledge about human rights.

Scientology Today: What stands out about this year’s tour?

Mary: It was an inspiration to see how much support there is for human rights, and how many public-spirited leaders and dedicated individuals are adopting our program. United Nations officials, heads of state, ministers of education and so many other political and community leaders took it on themselves to teach human rights to the next generation as soon as they realized how easy it is to do so.

We learned the most profound lessons from the many wonderful people working hard to improve conditions with incredibly limited resources and under the poorest and most devastating conditions.

Scientology Today: What kind of impact is your campaign having on the world today?

Mary: When we started nine years ago, few people had even heard of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Even high-level officials whom I interviewed did not know what their human rights were.

Today millions of people are learning about human rights through community groups, religious groups, schools and the media. Thousands of groups have incorporated the YHRI materials into their own programs.

We are making “Human Rights” buzz words!

Scientology Today: You are a Scientologist — what does this have to do with why you chose human rights as the project you wanted to create and support?

Mary: What I believe is beautifully expressed in The Creed of the Church of Scientology, which states that “Man is basically good; That he is seeking to survive; That his survival depends upon himself and upon his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”

I have witnessed extreme poverty and I have met children who are raising their brothers and sisters after their parents, families and even societies turned their backs on them. I have seen children dying of preventable diseases.

I have seen the effects of widespread illiteracy in the information age and I have listened to scholars discussing human rights with cold disconnect from the harsh realities faced by so many millions.

So I was inspired by L. Ron Hubbard who wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”Scientology Today: Is there something that stands out about this year’s tour?

Mary: I was so impressed with the grassroots level work of local YHRI teams. Watching them in action in their own communities was amazing. During one of our meetings with top officials I listened to one of the YHRI youth leaders discussing human rights. He talked about the issues and the vital role that informed youth can play to help officials handle their local problems. That country has a majority youth population -more youth than adults. I watched the profound impact he created with his insight into the situations at hand and his clear explanation of solutions that can be brought about by teaching human rights to the youth. I was so incredibly proud!

Scientology Today: Where do you plan to go from here?

Mary: We are planning our sixth annual YHRI International Summit to bring together youth from around the world to discuss human rights issues and the important role of human rights education in raising the quality of life for young and old alike. And we are already planning the YHRI World Tour 2010. The exact route is not yet set but the countries are lining up with outreach and meetings that promise, once again, to expand YHRI exponentially!

Scientology Today: Do you have a message for people reading this interview?

Mary: It’s easy to teach Human Rights. Tell your friends, your family and your neighbors. Inspire them to teach Human Rights. As a non-profit organization we need the help of likeminded people, groups and organizations to help reach people in all corners of the world so that everyone has the opportunity to learn about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and our human rights.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Narconon Celebrates Decades of Drug Rehabilitation Service in Spain and Italy

Narconon Los Molinos has been operating without cease for 30 years, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. One of three Narconon centers in Spain, it was a pioneer in Europe -- the second to open outside the United States after a Swedish rehab opened in 1974. The Narconon network, founded by heroin addict William Benitez in Arizona State Prison in 1966, originated from a first residential center in Los Angeles after Benitez was released and spread in a grassroots movement which now comprises over 150 groups in over 50 countries.

At a warm celebration in late September, Juan Luis Dominguez, National Director of Narconon Spain, welcomed fifty Narconon graduates along with 150 parents to share the wins and successes of living drug-free. "75% of our graduates achieve stable, life-long sobriety," Dominguez said. Among many success stories shared at the event, one parent said, "Thankfully, we found a Narconon center flyer, and we contacted them. What a blessing! Our son found the right direction in a wonderful rehab center with a great staff. He has regained his life and is totally recovered, married today with two children and a good job."

Meanwhile, similar good news was being spread down at Narconon Il Gabbiano's 14th anniversary in Melendugno, near Salento, Italy. The Narconon drug rehabilitation program has been in Italy since 1981. The Gabbiano center has expanded since its founding in 1995 to be able to house 100 students, the largest European Narconon complement at this time.

Mayor Vittorio Poti presided over a crowd of 200, including local authorities and parents and graduates. Drugs, of course, have long been a serious problem in southern Italy, and the Mayor spoke expansively of "the very interesting continuing collaboration between the city of Melendugno and Narconon Il Gabbiano."

Daniela Prattella, director of the Gabbiano drug rehab, said that "Narconon has been united with our surrounding communities against drug and alcohol abuse, now more than ever." In addition to rehabilitation, Italian Narconon centers have been commended for delivering extensive drug education to children and young adults as well as creating public awareness events.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Katrina Retrospective: Scientologists John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley

John Travolta supported the Volunteer Ministers Hurricane Katrina disaster relief. He flew to Baton Rouge with his wife Kelly Preston to bring in much needed food supplies and tetanus vaccines to people in the region.



Kirstie Alley wrote a personal check in a store for five trucks of supplies for the victims and relief workers in New Orleans.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

David Miscavige Dedicated Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Gours

It was only a few years ago that Mr. David Miscavige announced the launch of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Goodwill Tour.

As a Scientologist I am so proud of the work the Volunteer Ministers do, and so happy Mr. Miscavige decided to make this help so broadly available.

I've read about some of the countries where these Goodwill Tours have gone: India--anyone who was mesmerized by last year's Slumdog Millionaire as I was would be proud to be doing something about it. The VMs in India are doing such an important service. So are the VMs in the Philippines, in the Outback, in the Amazon....



^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Nashville: Visit of Scientology leader David Miscavige

Having traveled 20,000 miles since the opening of the Fort Harrison in mid March, Scientology leader David Miscavige once again officiated the ribbon cutting of yet another new Church, this one in Nashville, Tennessee-Music City, USA.

The opening of the new Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre Nashville, just one mile from "Music Row," drew Scientologists from across the region. Also on hand were scores of local dignitaries, residents and Hollywood celebrities. Among those who addressed the gathering were Grammy-winning composer and musician Mark Isham and actresses Anne Archer and Jenna Elfman.

Then again, speaking to the broader significance of a Church of Scientology in the heart of Music City, Mr. Miscavige dedicated the new Church:

"The new Ideal Org and Celebrity Centre signals great things for tomorrow. And when you couple that with our ability to recover to individuals their inherent creativity, our ability to reawaken dreams and restore the power to achieve those dreams, yes, we can now make good on what L. Ron Hubbard tells us regarding the artist as creating the beauty and glory on which cultures depend.

"And that's both what this new Church represents and why we have come to Nashville. For while Nashville is known as the heart and soul of American music, let her now fulfill her destiny and write a song that will uplift every man."

With that, the ribbon was cut and the new Church in Music City, USA, opened to all to begin writing that new song.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Human Rights campaign sponsored by the Church of Scientology

Human Rights

The Church’s human rights initiative is aimed at bringing about global awareness through 30 PSAs, one for each article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the film The Story of Human Rights.

Central to Scientology beliefs is a conviction that all humankind is entitled to inalienable rights. So it is that for more than 50 years Scientologists have championed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today, the Church of Scientology sponsors the largest non-governmental information campaign to make the Universal Declaration of Human Rights known the world over.

The Church’s human rights initiative sponsors groups and activities and provides its materials to individuals, groups and government agencies in 82 nations. This includes:

• What are Human Rights? booklets educate youth and adults on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in terms anyone can understand.
• A study guide, activities manual and educator’s classroom kit give teachers, human rights groups and governments effective tools to educate youth and adults on their human rights.
• An accompanying documentary video, The Story of Human Rights complements the PSAs, booklets and educator materials as a further tool to bring about a universal awareness and respect for human rights.

Overview of results:

• Since 2006, more than 1.6 billion people have viewed the Human Rights PSAs on 3,553 stations in 16 languages across 73 nations.
• The Human Rights World Tour has traveled 174,000 miles throughout 45 nations, reaching over 11 million people.
• Over 1.5 million human rights publications containing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been distributed to human rights groups, educators and individuals.
• Over 500,000 people have visited the United for Human Rights (www.humanrights.com) and Youth for Human Rights (www.youthforhumanrights.org) Internet sites in the last three years.
• More than 380,000 human rights information mailings have been sent to human rights groups and government agencies.
• More than 200,000 people have signed the Human Rights Petition urging governments to adopt reforms in human rights and to give the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the force of law.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}

Scientology Volunteer Ministers Document Slum Conditions

Scientology Volunteer Ministers, Nick and Erin, traveled to Kolkata, India in an effort to make a difference.

Every year, 26 million children reach school age in India. With this, the problem of education in a severely overcrowded school system becomes even more unmanageable. Despite increased school enrollment, some estimate that as many as 50% of India’s children do not attend school. That’s more than 150 million kids.

Time to bring out the Volunteer Ministers! As Church of Scientology leader, David Miscavige, described the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program: “The final word, as regards our front-line work bringing our help wherever and whenever needed is our corps of Scientology Volunteer Ministers — on call, 24 hours a day in scores of nations.”

“Slumdog Millionaire opened our eyes to the horrible conditions in India. We decided to go there and volunteer in the slums and we funded it ourselves,” said Erin.

“We thought if we could bring help there to some of the children who had no formal education and no real hope in life, at least that would be doing something about it,” said Nick.

While in India, Nick and Erin documented their work in the slums to communicate an accurate view of living conditions in India. “We wanted to let people back home know what it’s REALLY like living here, and through raising awareness get more help to the people here, especially the children,” reflected Nick.

These two young Scientology Volunteer Ministers helped teach English and mathematics to the slum children. They used study technology developed by L. Ron Hubbard to helping the kids improve their learning.

“Mr. Hubbard discovered that the first barrier to study is not having the real thing there that you are studying about. The real things or the object that you study are called mass,” said Erin “So, for example, we made sure the kids had things they could actually count with, 5 little wooden blocks lets say that represented the number 5, so they didn’t have to do it all in their heads. They liked that!”

“Conditions here are the worst of the worst,” they wrote to their friends. “It’s been just a continual amazement to both of us that there have been such magical moments, and bright smiling faces in amongst everything else. With all that’s going on in the world it can be very easy to get wrapped up in one’s own problems,” they continued. “The truth is that there are so many people in need of help and with far worse conditions than most can possible imagine. We decided to turn our efforts toward others for a few months and make a difference.”

For more information on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program visit their web site at www.volunteerministers.org or the Scientology Video Channel.

^{"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Scientology Religion.}