KINGNEWSWIRE // Members of the Church of Scientology are actively engaged across Europe in promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), driven by the vision of their Founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Through the non-profit Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) and United for Human Rights, Scientologists dedicate their time and resources to educating schools, communities, and youth events about the 30 rights enshrined in the UDHR. The program, with materials translated into numerous languages, makes these fundamental rights accessible to young people from diverse backgrounds.
This initiative stems from Mr. Hubbard’s belief that human rights education is vital for societal survival. In 1969, he reprinted the UDHR in a Church magazine, emphasizing that governments’ survival hinges on adopting such reforms. For Scientologists, these words remain a guiding principle, viewing rights education as essential for building understanding and dignity for all individuals. Their commitment reflects the Founder’s ideal of transforming rights from a declaration into reality.
Denmark is a notable example of this activism. Since 2006, the religious community and various activists have been organizing projects through Youth for Human Rights Denmark, combining education with cultural expression. Students engage through film screenings, workshops, and the annual Walk for Human Rights on December 10, where hundreds gather in Copenhagen to celebrate and advocate for the UDHR. The program has received recognition from the City of Copenhagen and the national Ministry of Culture, illustrating how Scientologists’ religious inspiration contributes to civic life.
Denmark is just one instance. Across Europe, Scientologists and their churches facilitate Youth for Human Rights programs in various settings. In Brussels, the Church of Scientology for Europe co-hosted the International Youth Summit, gathering young delegates from numerous nations to discuss UDHR awareness strategies. In Geneva, volunteers support the annual UDHR Anniversary celebration at UN premises, amplifying the voices of NGOs that aim to make human rights a reality, often using Youth for Human Rights International materials. Additionally, youth summits at the UN Headquarters in New York provide a global platform for young people advocating for rights. In Madrid and other capitals, Scientologists collaborate with schools, civic leaders, and interfaith groups to commemorate Human Rights Day and UDHR anniversaries. These initiatives form an educational and advocacy network extending from classrooms to the global arena.
What unites these efforts is more than civic engagement. For Scientologists, advocating for human rights is a spiritual expression rooted in their faith. The Creed of the Church of Scientology affirms human rights as central to religious practice. Scientology teaches that life progresses through eight dynamics—extending from the self to broader spheres, ultimately reaching spirituality and the infinite, a common description of the concept of God.
Caring for others and defending their rights is central to the Fourth through Seventh Dynamics, where individuals recognize survival as part of humanity and spiritual awareness. Scientologists believe that strengthening survival across these dynamics by upholding others’ dignity leads to the Eighth Dynamic, associated with the Supreme Being, God or infinity.
Thus, their human rights work is an integral step in a broader spiritual journey.
As Church spokesperson Ivan Arjona stated: “Youth for Human Rights’ mission is to make human rights a fact, not just an idealistic dream. For Scient
Leave a Reply