The Church of Scientology supports the largest non-governmental human rights education programme on the planet, that of Youth for Human Rights International, the secular (non-religious) human rights organisation founded by South African Scientologist Mary Shuttleworth. But why does the Church support this programme? And what does it have to do with me?
With a background of working with children and young people, as an educator and as a parent, Mary Shuttleworth founded Youth for Human Rights International in 2001. Her experience of human rights—or a lack thereof—is nothing short of first hand. Having grown up in South Africa during the time of apartheid, and having travelled extensively throughout regions of the world where young people are denied education and forced to work or fight, Mary has witnessed the embodiment of that perhaps overused phrase, “human rights violation”.
As Scientologists, we hold true the Creed of the Church of Scientology, which begins, “We of the Church believe: That all men of whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights…” It is inherent in our belief that human rights should exist and be upheld by every individual and by the governments they elect. Having long had a dedicated human rights department, the Church of Scientology International began supporting Mary in her endeavours to raise awareness of human rights, which now include several versions of a booklet explaining the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in simple terms, short films depicting each of its 30 Articles, a human rights song and music video, six world tours and five international youth summits.
I personally consider human rights to be a vital subject but find it is often missing in people’s understanding. And while it is all very well to campaign against a specific abuse, the real cause of any violation lies with the understanding of those responsible for upholding said rights. In other words, everyone. Reaching everyone to convey the subject of human rights is a mammoth task, so I know that anything I do to contribute to this is helping toward the overall goal.
It just so happens that my position within the Church includes work on our social programmes, and I have worked directly with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International and on behalf of Youth for Human Rights International myself.
This year marks the sixth Annual Human Rights Summit being organised by Youth for Human Rights International and I’ve travelled here to Geneva, Switzerland to assist in preparing for it. Geneva is a very important host city for the summit, as it is home to the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, and a number of other international organisations concerned with human rights. I’m very excited to be a part of this movement and will write about the whole thing when it’s over…
Until then, why not check out this new film and find out about human rights for yourself?