Youth for Human Rights - Boston

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

2011-12-13T10:19:00.006-05:00

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

2011-06-17T10:43:00.003-05:00

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

2011-01-27T07:57:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-11T08:09:00.007-05:00

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

2010-11-07T07:52:00.001-05:00

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

2010-03-22T17:56:00.000-05:00

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.)

Art Contest - Youth for Human Rights International

2010-03-22T17:54:00.000-05:00

Art Contest - Youth for Human Rights International

Inspiring Youth Action

Art illustration contest for children

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
— Francois Marie Voltaire

What do HUMAN RIGHTS mean to you?

• In support of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education
• Art illustrating a point chosen from the Universal Declaration on Human Rights
• Youth 8 – 18 years old may enter.
• Illustration may be no more than 8” X 11”.
• Entries must be received via mail or e-mail by December 1.
• Successful applicants will be notified by December 10th.

Coordinated by:
Youth for Human Rights International
Patronage: Irving Sarnoff Founder, Friends of the United Nations
"In support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights distribution project."

Seventh Annual Youth For Human Rights World Tour Launched

2010-02-21T08:46:00.002-05:00

Seventh Annual Youth For Human Rights World Tour Launched

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Help Release Laura Ling and Euna Lee

2009-06-10T21:40:00.001-05:00

Help Release Laura Ling and Euna Lee

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"On Tuesday, we heard from T. Kumar about what U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee face in their 12 year sentence in a North Korean labor camp. They got the maximum sentence of 10 years of hard labor for hostile acts and an additional two years for illegal entry, according to analysts. But exactly what hostile acts they committed remains unclear."

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

2009-05-28T18:17:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-12T20:37:00.006-05:00

Pennie s 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.

Three Cups of Tea » Home

2009-02-12T20:27:00.004-05:00

Three Cups of Tea » Home

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Purchases of Three Cups of Tea (and all Amazon purchases) made through this link on Amazon.com will generate up to 7% of proceeds to benefit Central Asia Institute, a non-profit organization. Click Here

Church of Scientology Hosts 60th Anniversary United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2009-01-23T18:45:00.002-05:00

Church of Scientology of Pasadena Hosts 60th Anniversary Celebration

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Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI), Artists for Human Rights and the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology of Pasadena held a human rights event at the Bradley Building last month to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Day of Service: Volunteer on MLK Day

2009-01-18T15:40:00.004-05:00

About USAService.org

News & Press Releases - City of Boston

2009-01-18T15:30:00.002-05:00

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.

Boston Children's Chorus

2009-01-18T15:25:00.002-05:00

Boston Children's Chorus

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The 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert
Monday January 19, 2009

New Human Rights Educational Film Launched at the Concert for Human Rights in Brussels

2008-12-31T13:59:00.000-05:00

New Human Rights Educational Film Launched at the Concert for Human Rights in Brussels

“60 years after, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights cannot be just a luxury neither a mere auspice,” denounce President of LAW Legal Aid Worldwide.

Brussels, Belgium, December 26, 2008 --(PR.com)-- To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a new human rights educational film has been launched during the “Concert for Human Rights” at the Théatre Royal du Parc, featuring “one of today’s best guitarists”, according the critics, Italian Flavio Cucchi, and French mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Jacques. Keynote speaker of the celebration was Ms. Laura Guercio, President of L.A.W. - Legal Aid Worldwide.

The European premiere of the film titled “The story of Human Rights” was warmly welcomed by the audience composed of diplomats, representatives of European Institutions and agencies and concerned organization of civil society, recognizing the need to dramatically improve the human rights standards in all countries of the world.

As noted by Ms. Laura Guercio, “the Universal Declaration is not luxury neither a mere auspice. Sixty years after the declaration, many members of the human family are still far enjoying the own rights and the own necessities of base.”

The denounce of L.A.W.’s President echoed the recent figures released by UN Agency ILO, International Labor Organization, reporting 30 million men, women and children subjugated all over the world, a figure that exceeds the number of slaves deported from Africa between 1450 and 1900. According to ILO there are over 100 million children exploited in every corner of Earth and over 300,000 child-soldier spread in war torn countries around the world. According to analysis of the UN and the International Organization for Migration, slavery is today the third world market after drug and weapon trafficking, with revenue touching 13 billion dollar yearly.

After 60 years, the world is a very long way from achieving the goals laid down in the Universal Declaration. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, has just warned that “tens of millions of people around the world are still unaware that they have rights that they can demand, and that their governments are accountable to them, and to a wide-ranging body of rights-based national and international law.” The film “Story of Human Rights” serves the purpose of filling the gap of awareness of the unalienable basic rights of all men in all countries, in all Continents.

The concert was organized by the Brussels Committee of the 60th Anniversary of the UDHR, a number of organizations from diverse backgrounds but all committed to improve human rights: Global Human Rights Defense, European Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, European Human Rights Office of the Church of Scientology International; L.A.W.- Legal Aid Worldwide; the Protestant Liberal Church of Bruxelles; the Youth for Human Rights International; Institute for Peace and Development and the United International.

For more information:

www.60thanniversary.org
info@60thanniversary.org

NJ Informed Consent Bill Stymied By Senator // Pharmalot

2008-10-15T17:36:00.001-05:00

NJ Informed Consent Bill Stymied By Senator // Pharmalot

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Seal - A Change Is Gonna Come

2008-10-12T18:45:00.001-05:00

Great remake of a Sam Cook song

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

2008-09-21T08:01:00.002-05:00

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

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Human Rights - ECO

2008-09-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

Singer reaches out to Lynn students

2008-09-07T07:12:00.004-05:00

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

2008-08-23T08:21:00.009-05:00

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

2008-07-06T19:29:00.001-05:00

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

2008-05-06T17:23:00.001-05:00

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.

Seed Newsvine

Bloggers Unite

2008-04-22T16:36:00.001-05:00

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

2008-04-18T20:06:00.001-05:00

Scientology Boston

2008-01-30T12:35:00.000-05:00

Click here to view other Public Service Announcements

The Boston Globe - Dangerous Treatment

2007-12-23T16:29:00.001-05:00

The provisional reauthorization was given by the Department of Mental Retardation, which is responsible for overseeing the shock therapy program. The Rotenberg Center is the only school in the nation that depends so heavily on shock treatments for its students, most of whom are autistic, mentally retarded, or have serious emotional problems.
Source: boston.com via Boston

I wish more people would speak out about these abuses and stop these type of "treatments".

Youth for Human Rights #20

2007-12-04T12:11:00.001-05:00

Renegade School Board Member Educates Parents On ADHD Alternatives

2007-11-28T10:02:00.001-05:00

ADHD has never been proven to be a neuro-developmental disease by any

of the currently acceptable scientific standards. There is a lack of

empirical evidence (meaning it cannot be repeated, tested, measured, or

verified) that ADHD is a disease by definition. Therefore, to make such

a claim is fraudulent.

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Drug Free World

2007-11-23T13:25:00.001-05:00

Great videos from the Foundation for a Drug Free World. Check out this educational program.

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Tags: drugs | EDUCATIONAL | Health | Scientology | video

Download Human Rights PSA

2007-11-23T13:10:00.001-05:00

Great educational tools for students. You can download these and pass them along! Better yet, become a member and help make Human Rights a Reality.

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Tags: Culture | Youth for Human Rights

Boston Food Drive

2007-11-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

Find out how you can help. Contact The Greater Boston Food Bank today http://www.gbfb.org

One.Org

2007-11-13T12:50:00.000-05:00

Sign the On the Record petition and ask the presidential candidates to tell us their plans to end extreme poverty and global disease. www.one.org

Artists for Human Rights Southern Africa

2007-11-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

Arts Festival of Southern Africa
Sunday 21 Oct 2007

Click here for more info

The Arts Festival of Southern Africa takes place at the beginning of March each year.
The Festival is there to encourage artists in any and every field of the arts. Artists are an invaluable part of our society. A nation in which its artists are suppressed - and there have been a great number - is a drab and unhappy nation. Fortunately, South African arts and artists are booming. The nation is booming. It's no coincidence that the two are linked!

Based on the now famous Saint Hill® International Arts Festival, our Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength and is the highlight of the year for performers, artists, and audiences alike!

The philosophy behind the festival...

"The rehabilitation of that art-ability of a culture is a tremendously valid undertaking, and will repay a culture a thousand times over for any effort made in that direction. A culture is only as great as its dreams and its dreams are dreamed by artists."

L. Ron Hubbard
(Science of Survival Book 2, Chapter 18)

This statement by world-renowned humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard, is the inspiration and philosophy behind the Arts Festival of Southern Africa, which has as its purposes:

To rehabilitate the art-ability of people;
To create a safe environment for Artists that is without criticism, invalidation or evaluation, and where Artists of all levels feel confident to create their art;
To provide a platform where professional Artists or people who are considered to be experts in their field can deliver workshops to help, assist and train would-be Artists, thereby awakening the art-ability of people;
To impart the technology in the field of Arts as contained in the works of L. Ron Hubbard.
Our concerts are renowned for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Our audiences are there to see you win, not fail!

The arts can be tough, especially when lack of recognition or invalidation of your skills is used to put you down. Our Festival is intent on building up your confidence while having a great time, to the point where previous fears of performing or showing your art, fades away and you will finally know your own worth.

A Brave and Startling Truth

2007-10-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

American poet Maya Angelou wrote this poem in honor of the UN's 50th anniversary.

We, this people on a small and lonely planet

Traveling through causal space.

Past aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns,

To a destination, where all signs tell us,

It is possible and imperative that we discover,

A brave and startling truth.

And when we come to it.

To the day of peacemaking

When we realease our fingers

From fists of hostility

And allow the pure air to cool our palms

When we come to it

When the curtain falls on the minstrel show of hate

And face sooted wth scorn are scrubbed cleand

When battlefields and coliseum

No longer rake our unique and particular sons and daughters

Up with the bruised and bloody grass

To lie in identical plots in foreign lands

when the rapacious storming of churches

The screaming racket in the temples hav ceased

When the pennants are wavin gaily

When the banners of the world tramble

Stoutly in the good, clean breeze

When we come to it.

When we let the rifles fall from our shoulders

And children dress their dolls in flags of truce

When land mines of death have been removed

And the aged my walk into evenings of peace

When religious ritual is not perfoumed

By the incense of burning flesh

And childhood dreams are not kicked awake

By nightmares of abuse

When we come to it.

Then we will confess that not the Pyramids

With their stones set in mysterious perfection

Not the Garden of Babylon

Hanging as eternal beauty

In our collective memory

Not the Grand Canyon

Kindled in delicious color

By western sunsets

Not the Danube flowing in its blue soul into Europe

Not the sacred peak of Mount Fuji

Stretching to the rising sun

Neither Father Amazon nor Mother Mississippi who, without favor,

Nurture all creatures in the depths and on the shores

These are not the only wonders of the world

When we come to it.

We, this people, on this minscule and kithless globe

Who reach daily for the bomb, the blad, the dagger

Yet who petition in the dark for tokens of peace

We, this people on this mote of matter

In whose mouths abide cantankerous words

Which challenge our existance

Yet out of those same mouths

Can come songs of such exquisite sweetness

That the heart falter in its labor

And the body is quieted into awe

We, this people on this small and drifting planet

Whose hands can strike with such abandon

That in a twinkling, lifeis sapped from the living

Yet those same hands can touch with such healing, irresistible tenderness

That the haughty is happy to bow

And the proud back is glad to bend

Out of such chaos, of such contradiction

When we come to it.

We, this people, on this wayward floating body

Created on this earth, of this earth

Have the power to fashion for this earth

A climate where every man and every woman

Can live freely with out sanctimonious piety

And without crippling fear

When we come to it.

We must confess that we are the possible

We are the miraculous, the true wonders of this world

That is when, and only when

We come to it.

Creating Art That Talks

2007-09-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

Click here for more information

Artists for Human Rights International Fine Art Show

2007-09-06T08:42:00.000-05:00

International Deadline: September 15, 2007 - Call for entries for the International Fine Art Exhibition at the James Gray Gallery in Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, CA November 14-25, 2007. Exhibition of artwork reflecting the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Show sponsored by Artists for Human Rights, founded by Actress Anne Archer.

All qualified submissions will be included in the show in a video of human rights art. Art juried to be hung in the show will also be on the AFHR website.

DETAILS

Academy Award Nominated Actress and activist Anne Archer founded Artists for Human Rights in 2006 to inspire artists to make known and forward the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, a document that moved the issues of human rights to the forefront of international importance. One hundred and ninety-one nations on the planet ratified the Declaration, acknowledging that all peoples of the earth have these basic rights. Yet by survey 98% of the population doesn’t know it exists.

As an artist, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference globally, to communicate ideas and raise awareness of important issues such as this Universal Declaration. The state of the world today is evidence that this vital document needs a voice. We as artists are providing that voice.

In just one year, AFHR has become a driving force for Human Rights. In New York City in August 2006 it co-sponsored the Youth for Human Rights Summit at the United Nations, opened the summit with an International Human Rights Art Exhibition in Soho and put on a huge Human Rights Concert in Union Square, hosted by Anne Archer with performances by internationally renowned musicians and a film presenting each of the 30 articles of the Declaration. The NY art show then traveled to Los Angeles in October where again it drew artists, celebrities, and media attention promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The AFHR website has been launched (www.artistsforhumanrights.org) and an on-line gallery is now being created. In December 2007, AFHR will be featured in Italy at the International Florence Biennale.

Youth for Human Rights International

2007-07-26T10:57:00.001-05:00

"The YHRI World Tour moved on from Congo to Nairobi to Kenya. We were met by the YHRI national representative for Uganda, the YHRI rep for East Congo and the Executive Director of the Nairobi Scientology Mission, Esther Macharia.

One of our first visits in Nairobi was with the executives of the African Girl and Boy Scouts, which is the biggest youth movement in Africa, with a total of 38,000 scouts across the African continent.

They declared that the PSAs are exactly what they need and want to incorporate the YHRI activities into their program before the upcoming Jamboree this August!"

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HB 2097 "ENSURING SAFETY .......

2007-06-24T21:14:00.000-05:00

Click image to read

HB 2097
"ENSURING SAFETY AND SECURITY IN BIOMEDICAL LABORATORIES AND FACILITIES"

Find out more at
Human Rights for Massachusetts
HR4MASS
P.O. Box 390218
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-888-3286

Click image to read

London Human Rights Leaders Recognised

2007-06-15T09:44:00.000-05:00

David Chen of BEN TV with his Human Rights Ambassador Award and Mary Shuttleworth
2007-06-15 00:23:51 - Youth for Human Rights International World Tour 2007 Comes to London

An international human rights education and campaigning group this week visited London as part of its 2007 World Tour. The Founder & President of Youth for Human Rights International, Mary Shuttleworth met with human rights leaders and addressed dignitaries and human rights advocates at an event on Wednesday 30th May, hosted by the Church of Scientology London.

At the event were representatives of different organisations interested in forwarding this message to educate people about what their human rights are as by survey around 90% don't actually know.

Speaking at the event was Simon Chorley of Stop the Traffik, 'it is obscene that whereas men used to be the main targets, it is now women and children, with 80% of trafficking victims being female and over half being children-.

Simon enlightened the audience on the hard facts about human trafficking today, now with more people being trafficked than at the time of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Human rights ambassador awards were given to individuals for their achievements in ensuring human rights are known about and actually implemented.

David Chen of BEN TV is a pioneer in the field of human rights in a number of ways from airing human rights public service announcements on his TV program to the grass roots level of bringing communities together. Along any avenue possible David is involved in increasing awareness about human rights and making the world a more peaceful place.

Solicitor Richard Clifford has for several years been representing the Chagossian Islanders, who were evicted from their Indian Ocean islands in the 60s. He has won a series of victories in the courts, all with the aim of enabling the islanders to return to their homeland. Richard entitled a paper he wrote about the ongoing case in 2004, 'Chagos Islands - The Land Where Human Rights Hardly Ever Happen.- In addressing the audience on Wednesday, Richard described how in the 1960's & 70's the peoples of the Chagos Archipelago were illegally evicted by Britain so the main island could be leased to the United States, and their long-running campaign to be allowed to return home - a goal that is now much closer to being realised.

Another award winner was 20-year-old racing driver Niki Lanik. Niki made a flying start to his racing career, winning the 2006 Winter Club Clio Championship. After seeing the importance of educating youth on human rights, he races under the banner of Youth for Human Rights, promoting the human rights message in every race, to 100s of thousands through TV coverage.

As 2007 moves on, all who attended agreed to collaborate and work on making human rights a reality.

The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is very simple - to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace.

When children do not know their rights they are vulnerable. Millions of children have become victims of poverty, HIV/AIDS and human trafficking. In all parts of the inhabited world, children are at risk. Knowledge of their human rights can empower young people to defend themselves and help others.

As humanitarian and founder of the Scientology religion, L Ron Hubbard, once stated, 'Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream-.

Contact: Mark Pinchin
Tel: 0207 2462717
Mob: 07796 498520
Email: mpinchin@scientology.org.uk
Web: www.youthforhumanrights.org

Tribute album offers range of interpretations

2007-06-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

The headline on "Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur," out today, is that dozens of well-known and semi-well-known musicians from across genres have banded together to release a double-disc tribute that raises awareness about the genocide in Sudan. (Proceeds will go to Amnesty International.)

Source: boston.com

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Instant Karma

2007-06-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Kenya — Next Stop in our World Tour

2007-06-11T09:38:00.001-05:00

Click here to visit YHRI blog

Life is good®

2007-05-31T07:41:00.001-05:00

Take Me Out to the Ballpark for Summer Fun
Life is good at Fenway celebrates summer fun and good old-fashioned Americana at the nation's favorite ballpark. A crowd of 20,000 will enjoy a field of dreams day featuring great live music, classic ballpark food, and a colorful mix of good-time activities for all ages, including many never before witnessed at Fenway: the Sox Super Fan competition, batting cage and radar gun throws, watermelon seed spitting, and champion peanut tossing.

Source: lifeisgood.com

I must admit I don't own any of these t-shirts though I did try to get my teenagers to buy them when they were in high school and college. I love the success story of these New Englanders and just want to share it.

"In 1989, Bert and John Jacobs designed their first tee shirt. They knew nothing about the business.
For five years, the brothers hawked tee shirts in the streets of Boston and traveled the East Coast, selling door-to-door in college dormitories." Life is good

They collected some good stories, but were not very prosperous. They lived on peanut butter and jelly, slept in their van, and showered when they could. Chicks were not impressed."

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Freedom of Expression

2007-05-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day Message

2007-05-26T21:17:00.001-05:00

A message for Memorial Day
With Memorial Day upon us, we are a nation at war. If you could give a Memorial Day message, what would it be?

As we observe this solemn day, we must remember all the brave men and women in uniform who gave their lives in the service of our country.

Source: burbankleader.com

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NEWS JUST IN FROM INDONESIA!

2007-05-24T09:50:00.001-05:00

JAKARTA - Indonesia was the overseas starting point for this year’s ongoing Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) World Tour. Continuing the tradition established by YHRI’s World Tours of 2004, 2005 and 2006, President Mary Shuttleworth presented YHRI’s human rights educational programs to youth and adults in Indonesia last week. She will travel to at least 10 countries on this 2007 tour, presenting YHRI’s programs to people of every social rank and situation, from heads of state to parent-teacher groups to children in foster homes and orphanages.

Indonesia has just ratified the two United Nations Covenants on Rights, making them human rights law in that country. As in other countries, interest in human rights there is skyrocketing, and contacts have now been made in New Guinea to get the YHRI materials translated into the local language. A member of the Indonesian Parliament made the point that values are universal, whether they come from one’s ancestors or the United Nations. After being introduced to YHRI’s program, government officials now plan to discuss ways the YHRI program can fit in with existing youth programs.

While in Indonesia, the YHRI team visited Tangarang Boys Prison on the outskirts of Jakarta. They were met there by a large party of officials and dignitaries, including Youth for Human Rights Indonesia Founder Mrs. Cely Hamid Awaludin, wife of the Minister of Law and Human Rights, and Mrs. Mardjaman, wife of the Director General of Corrections. The team who run a “Smarthouse” project for the prison were also present at the event, which was attended by approximately 100 prisoners, warders and dignitaries. The event was a showcase for YHRI and for its educational program. Mary Shuttleworth delivered a lesson on Human Rights, and inmates sang songs and colored in world maps.

The Panti Sosial Anak Hairun Nissa Orphanage was another of YHRI’s stops in Indonesia, where Mary Shuttleworth delivered a talk to 72 children and six staff. The immediate response of children and adults to the basic truths embodied in YHRI’s educational program is universal. The YHRI group also visited the Indo Pos Television Studio to hear a performance by popular singer Iwan Fals, named one of Asia’s contemporary heroes in 2002 by Time Magazine. During his show, Iwan recognized YHRI.

From Indonesia, the YRHI team is continuing on to South Africa, Congo, Kenya and Morocco, then on to Germany, Italy, Spain and England, before winding down in Puerto Rico and arriving back in the United States. They are working with YHRI local group hosts to hold events and activities that involve entire communities.

YHRI has 71 chapters and groups – at last count. YHRI education projects are now found in lands as diverse as Mexico, Taiwan, Serbia, Fiji, Canada, Austria, South Africa and Ghana, and this 2007 World Tour introduces YHRI to an increasing number of strategically important countries.

The purpose of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is simply to teach youth about human rights -- specifically, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights – and inspire them to become life-long advocates for tolerance and peace. When children do not know their rights they are vulnerable. Millions of children have become victims of poverty, HIV/AIDS and human trafficking. In all parts of the inhabited world, children are at risk. Knowledge of their fundamental freedoms can empower youth not only to defend themselves, but also help others and, in so doing, build a better world with human rights.

Watch for more news as it comes in from the 2007 YHRI World Tour. For more information about Youth for Human Rights International, visit www.YouthforHumanRights.org. Volunteer and staff positions are available, and membership donations are tax deductible. Your help is welcome.

Youth for Human Rights International™
1954 Hillhurst Ave. #416, Los Angeles CA 90027, USA
Tel. (323) 663-5799 FAX (323) 663-2013
E-mail: info@YouthForHumanRights.org www.YouthForHumanRights.org

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Tags: Youth for Human Rights International | Press Release

Human rights at home

2007-05-20T15:12:00.001-05:00

MASSACHUSETTS has long recognized the leadership role that states can play in promoting human rights. In the 1990s, Massachusetts was the first state to take the human rights violations in Burma seriously enough to impose financial sanctions. Indeed, it was this state's bold action that prodded the Clinton administration to take steps to isolate the lawless Burmese government.

Source: boston.com

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Religion under attack

2007-05-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

Freedom Magazine Special Edition:
Panorama Exposed DVD Documentary

Source: freedommag.org

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The Came Out of Compassion but Stayed out of Love -- Scientology

2007-05-03T14:59:00.001-05:00

The day after Christmas in 2004, Marc Arrighi, like so many millions who were riveted to the news that day, learned of the tsunami that devastated whole sections of India, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, including a region called Pondicherry in the state of Tamil Nadu in South Eastern India. Marc and his wife Prisca, who are Volunteer Ministers, seeing the urgent need of help, packed up their family and left immediately for this former French colony.

Source: americanchronicle.com

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In Time of Need, Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry Welcomes Neighbors and Community Organizations

2007-04-18T14:53:00.000-05:00

With a new wave of crime in Boston that has created extra police work as well as the presence of the Guardian Angels, the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry is reaching even further into the community to give community organizations and other religions the opportunity to use their workable methods of education and morals.

Per ministry leaders, the most underlying source of crime is illiteracy and their tutoring programs create literate people who can apply what they read. They feel that with illiteracy, options close and crime is more likely to set in. Their moral/non-violence programs are also available to any person’s group wishes to help. To learn how you can have the knowledge to undercut the causes of crime, contact Robert Castagna at (617) 927-CCHR or email rwcastagna@yahoo.com .

Below is more information about the ministry and its programs. The time to act in now.

The Mission: The Boston Scientology Ministry is located at 1783 Washington Street in Lower Roxbury and provides free service to the Boston community that reduces the crime and violence of the area by handling the factors that underlie it. Examples of such programs are the Reading and Study Skills project, The UNITED Youth for Human Rights Program and the non-violence program called The Way to Happiness.

For more information on the Ministry call (617) 927-2247.

For volunteer information regarding the Boston Scientology Ministry: Volunteer Match

Description:
The Boston Scientology Ministry is sponsored by the parishioners of the Church of Scientology of Boston and provides a free community center to the inner city of Boston. The ministry is open to people of all ages and seeks to empower the individual through literacy, morals and other services. The ministry also assists other agencies in setting up literacy and non-violence programs by providing materials and training.

The center is open Monday to Friday from 3:00 to 6:00, and by special appointment. One-on-one tutoring is offered to assist those individuals who are having difficulty with their schooling and a complete phonics program is available to those in need of improved reading skills. Programs are available to the publics that provide parenting and community service skills. Such programs include the "How to Reduce the Violence with Effective Education" program. This program is also available for presentations at other agencies.
http://www.uwmb.org/

History:
Rev. Robert Castagna established The Boston Scientology Ministry in the summer of 2004 to assist the community in reducing crime and violence. The Volunteer Minister program was originally created by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology in mid 1970's. Mr. Hubbard concluded that crime was rising in direct proportion to the decline of religious influence in society and thereby developed the Volunteer Minister movement as a means of providing practical assistance to those in need. The ministry's programs are available to the citizens of Roxbury and the surrounding area free of charge and regardless of race, color or creed.

Crunching the Numbers on Literacy – Scientology Volunteer Ministers in

2007-04-05T13:34:00.001-05:00

According to UNESCO, there are 771 million illiterate adults in the world today, about two-thirds of whom are women. Nearly two-thirds of the world's illiterate adults are found in only 9 countries, and 45% of the world's 771 million illiterate adults live in India and China (34% and 11% respectively).

Source: americanchronicle.com

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Religous Discrimination in Germany?

2007-04-01T11:29:00.001-05:00

In Hamburg, Germany's domestic intelligence agency used undercover agents and intelligence methods such as surveillance and wiretapping phone calls.

Source: abcnews.go.com

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Homeschool family told to give up 5 other kids

2007-02-26T23:06:00.001-05:00

She had fallen behind in math and Latin, and was being tutored at home. When school officials in Germany, where homeschooling has been illegal since Adolph Hitler decided he wanted to control the educating of all children, discovered that fact, she was expelled. School officials then took her to court, obtaining a court order requiring she be committed to a psychiatric ward because of her "school phobia."

Source: worldnetdaily.com

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Tags: PSYCHIATRIC |

Dianetics® Boston: DISCOVER AND INCREASE YOUR MIND'S FULL POTENTIAL

2007-02-25T14:44:00.000-05:00

Dianetics® Boston: DISCOVER AND INCREASE YOUR MIND'S FULL POTENTIAL

Humanitarian Donates 600 Way to Happiness Booklets

2007-02-15T03:03:00.000-05:00

It was a fantastic moment when the Boston Scientology Ministers realized that they had just received this donation to continue their weekly distribution of The Way to Happiness - A Common Sense Guide to A Happier, More Successful Life Booklet. The Volunteer Ministers and local business owners distribute this booklet throughout the neighborhoods of Boston. It is just one of the many public services of the Ministry.

The Ministry is best know for it's free Reading and Study Skills program and the use of the study and educational methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard. However, it offers many other services to the community and welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and beliefs. A student original from Somali just became a Citizen of the United States of America after studying phonics and learning to read the citizenship-exam questions twice weekly. Her tutor attended her swearing in ceremony and proudly watched as her student was sworn in as an American.

If you would like to volunteer at the Ministry, find out more about the programs offered please contact:

Boston Scientology Ministry
1783 Washington Street,
Boston, MA 02118
617) 927-2247

For more information about The Way to Happiness Foundation contact:
Loralee Rechag
e-mail: lrechag@yahoo.com
Boston Representative
The Way to Happiness Foundation

Way to Happiness Contests - Schools receive free, easy-to-follow educational materials and guides for use in exciting nationwide contests

Essay and Poster Competition This highly effective and successful nationwide contest inspires children and teens with positive messages and instills strong moral values.

Set a Good Example Contest In this nationally-recognized contest (commended in the Congressional Record eleven times), students participate by creating projects based on any one, or all of the 21 precepts found in The Way to Happiness booklet.

Free Documentary for Government Officials and Mental Health Attorneys Eposing Psychiatry's Abusive Procedures

2007-01-26T23:51:00.000-05:00

Manipulating Young Minds: Free Documentary for Government Officials and Mental Health Attorneys Eposing Psychiatry's Abusive Procedures

Psychiatry: Manipulating Young Minds: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Protest Fox 25

2007-01-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

Psychiatry: Manipulating Young Minds: Citizens Commission on Human Rights Protest Fox 25

Congress

2007-01-25T01:17:00.000-05:00

Amnesty International News USA

John Wood's Blog: Scientology Opens Prominent New Church in Berlin

2007-01-17T00:15:00.000-05:00

John Wood's Blog: Scientology Opens Prominent New Church in Berlin

Making Human Rights a fact in Massachusetts

2007-01-11T12:20:00.000-05:00

Human Rights for Massachusetts Initiative (HR4MASS) a coalition of groups interested in "MAKING HUMAN RIGHTS A FACT IN MASSACHUSETTS. " We work with the legislature to increase broad awareness and implementation of the whole gamut of human rights (civil, political, economic, cultural, and social), through education and possibly the establishment of an independent Commonwealth Human Rights Commission.” Dr. Laura Roskos, co-founder and acting director of the Massachusetts CEDAW Project and chair of the Advancing Human Rights Committee.

HR4MASS will hold its next coalition meeting on Monday, January 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the offices of Community Change, 14 Beacon Street, Room 605.

Available for community leaders, teachers and like-minded Human Rights groups is a visual presentation of the 30 Declaration of Human Rights. This video made available, along with booklets, by the Youth for Human Rights International, headed by Kelly Riley for New England. For a free video and Universal Declaration of Human Rights booklet contact kelly-riley@usa.net

For further information about
The Human Rights for Massachusetts Initiative
Contact: masscedaw@yahoo.com
Phone: 617-521-2666
Fax: 617-994-4278

The Massachusetts CEDAW Project, Center for Women’s Health & Human Rights
Suffolk University
41 Temple St.
Boston, MA 02114-4280

Local News - Human Rights

2007-01-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

The Church of Scientology of Boston has announced an even greater commitment in 2007 to combating human rights violations and increasing awareness through its education program.

Last June, the Church and Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) released a series of public service announcements to bring to life the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 30 or 60-second video spots. Appealing to young and old, these powerful PSAs have now aired on more than 2,200 TV stations, to 280 million people in 60 countries around the world. They have also been playing in colleges, movie theatres, concerts and cable stations throughout
New England.

To spread its message further, YHRI representatives embarked on a world tour covering 60,000 miles last July and August. The tour, “30 Days-30 Events-30 Rights,” began and ended in Los Angeles and visited Canada, eight countries in Europe, seven in Asia as well as Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands. Events were held in each country, where YHRI met with government leaders and officials, human rights organizations, educators, media, students, religious groups and youth groups.

“The keynote of our campaign is education,” stated Gerard Renna “A young person who understands his human rights is starting life with the right values. He will treat people with respect, and he will not tolerate violations of these rights. By teaching youth about human rights, we are creating a generation of human rights activists.”

Additionally 2006 saw the launch of the Human Rights Hero Awards in countries all over the world to recognize outstanding achievements in the promotion of human rights. Local winners were also awarded in Boston and a New England delegation attended the New York event last August. The awards culminated in an international ceremony held in the United Nations headquarters in New York last August. Awardees ranged from a former Army colonel from Uganda who is spearheading activities to bring an end to the use of child soldiers, to a 12-year-old student in Israel who has taken it upon himself to educate his entire school using the YHRI educational tools.

The Church’s Human Rights Department and YHRI have continued to tackle one of the worst human rights abuses-human trafficking. Now a $9.5 billion a year criminal enterprise, it is the fastest growing with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims trafficked across international borders, according to a United Nations news statement of November 2005. Several human trafficking conferences were held or participated in last year, and YHRI also produced an informational flyer about human trafficking for children.

“Working hand in hand with other human rights organizations, we plan to increase public awareness of this appalling human rights abuse. We cannot allow slavery in the 21st century,” said Gerard Renna.

By the close of 2006, 80 Youth for Human Rights groups or chapters existed in 36 countries. The New England chapter is directed by Kelly Riley, a professional singer/songwriter who volunteers her time to help get out this important message and get Youth for Human Rights clubs started.

For more information visit Youth for Human Rights International

Youth for Human Rights

2007-01-03T11:59:00.000-05:00


United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights # 1 www.youthforhumanrights.org

Advocates Gather to Make Human Rights a Fact in Massachusetts

2006-12-23T00:24:00.000-05:00

BOSTON – Members of several human rights groups met at St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown Boston Tuesday, December 19th, to strategize how to strengthen support for House Bill 706 (http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/ht00pdf/ht00706.pdf) that calls for statewide hearings into the human rights conditions affecting Massachusetts residents and how to best protect and fulfill the human rights of all who live in the Commonwealth.

The coaliton which has over 50 human rights groups supporting it, was chaired by Laura Roskos, Ph.D. of the Massachusetts CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Project. The purpose of the coalition is to make human rights a reality in Massachusetts using legislation, public hearings, grassroots efforts and any other means necessary to improve the quality of life of people in the state.

During the meeting, Dr. Roskos stressed how the group was part of an international effort that included implementing the principles laid out by the United Nation’s Univerals Declaration of Human Rights which has been ratified by nearly all the world’s nations.

“I am pleased to be able to assist such a positive and influential group of human rights advocates,” said Gerard Renna of the Church of Scientology of Boston. “I feel that we may be of assistance by utilizing a public service announcement campaign that has put each of the United Nation’s accepted human rights into concise video form www.youthforhumanrights.org

Heroes of our Time: Sidewalk Sam

2006-12-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

Heroes of our Time: Sidewalk Sam

nnahenkan: Fighting human rights abuses must begin in the classroom

2006-12-07T14:51:00.000-05:00

nnahenkan: Fighting human rights abuses must begin in the classroom

thizzled: Rope: Poets for Human Rights

2006-12-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

thizzled: Rope: Poets for Human Rights

14 YEAR-OLD VOICES UNITED NATION’S HUMAN RIGHTS DECLARATION AT THE COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE

2006-11-04T22:03:00.000-05:00

You could hear the proverbial pin drop while 14-year old Chris Luis performed a song based upon the United Nation’s Declaration of Human Rights last Tuesday at the unveiling the UN human rights being put to video form in a film-screening at the historic Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline.

“The song was based upon the United Nation’s Human Right article 18 which is Freedom of Thought,” said Luis, a Brockton High School singer and performer. “I believe that my newfound knowledge of these human rights will allow me and other youth to make a more positive difference in the world.”

The event was a film screening, hosted by Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) New England chapter, whose mission is to encourage young people to learn and champion human rights. Youth for Human Rights International was founded by former school principal and educator Mary Shuttleworth and is now sponsored by the Church of Scientology. In attendance were musicians, artists and dignitaries from nations such as Ethiopia and Venezuela.

“Chris’ performance of the song “I have the Right” was spectacular,” said Kelly Riley, local coordinator for YHRI, “as the words surrounding Freedom of Thought were vital considering the persecution of people throughout the world due to their thoughts and beliefs.”

Chris who attends Brockton High School, is a talented young singer and performer. He is currently working, on scholarship, with vocal coach Jennifer Truesdale at Jeannie Deva Voice Studios in Boston. “I never cease to be amazed and awed by this young man,” said Jennifer. “It isn’t just his talent, which is undeniable – it’s his dedication and work ethic that I find most inspiring.” Truesdale, who also represents Chris through her management company, feels strongly that he will have a successful career. Added Jennifer, “I see such confidence in Chris, confidence that I know will take him as far as he wants to go.”

For more information on Youth for Human Rights, please visit www.youthforhumanrights.org. For more information about Chris Luis, please contact Jennifer Truesdale at Jeannie Deva Voice Studios (www.DevaStudiosBoston.com), jennifer@DevaStudiosBoston.com or 617-536-4553.

Truth About Drugs, Boston Style

2006-10-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

New web blog on The Truth About Drugs , Boston Style keeps you updated on activities in and around Boston. Check it out and become involved.

You can also go directly to the international site and down load the materials you can use to help.

Save Darfur

2006-10-04T18:19:00.000-05:00

SaveDarfur.org has a post called "Generate Press Coverage" that's worth checking out...

Media coverage of the ongoing genocide in Darfur has been woefully inadequate. The Center for American Progress found that during June 2005, CNN, FOX News, NBC/MSNBC, ABC, and CBS ran 50 times as many stories about Michael Jackson and 12 times as many stories about Tom Cruise as they did about the…

In Support of U.N. Drug Awareness Day, Scientology Churches Call for Unity

2006-10-01T18:35:00.000-05:00

"A drug prevention campaign is a grass-roots movement made up of people-Scientologists and non-Scientologists alike - who are united in the commitment to take action to combat drug abuse through effective education."

read more | digg story

SPOKESMAN FOR THE GLENDALE CHAPTER OF YOUTH FOR HUMAN

2006-10-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

September 24, 2006
War and terrorism may dominate the world headlines, but Glendale, California, has its sights set on peace, and fourteen-year-old Alexis Mathes is right at the center of that movement.

Spokesperson for the Glendale chapter of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) Alexis Mathes has been editing the International YHRI newsletter for the past two years.

Alexis joined thousands of children all over the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace 2006 when she gave the following keynote speech to a group of forty children and teens at the City of Glendale’s historic "Oak of Peace" in Verdugo Adobe Park.

The forty children who attended, ranging in age between 6 and 16, all share the common goal of peace through education of youth on human rights.
Today, we in Glendale are participating in a global event, the International Day of Peace. There are 3,500 similar events happening around the world today in 187 different countries. We all want peace.

In 1981, the United Nations proclaimed the opening day of its regular session as the International Day of Peace and invited all groups and individuals everywhere to observe the Day.

In New York at United Nations Headquarters, the Day is marked with a special ceremony near the Peace Bell. The Bell, which was cast from coins donated by people from some 60 countries, is a gift to the United Nations by the United Nations Association of Japan.

Each year, the United Nations Secretary-General delivers a special message before ringing the bell and calls upon people throughout the world to reflect for a moment on the universal goal of peace.

Later on in the day, during the opening ceremony of the United Nations, at 3:00 p.m. local time, a minute of silence will be held.

This will coincide with our own moment of peace to be held in Glendale at noon.

Youth for Human Rights is an organization that joins with the United Nations in the goal of peace through education of youth on human rights. Knowledge is power and those that do not know their rights, can easily lose them or never achieve them. We want to educate youth everywhere on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Give peace a chance

2006-09-26T01:52:00.000-05:00

High School reporter writes for the Boston Globe about the Boston Mayor's 12th Annual Youth Summit.

read more | digg story

Freedom Award

2006-09-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

One of the world's experts on sexual slavery and human trafficking, who has traveled the world to fight these abuses against millions of women and children, Salvation Army firebrand Lisa Thompson, head of the multi-faith Initiative Against Sexual Trafficking, received the Freedom Magazine Human Rights Leadership Award on Capitol Hill,

read more | digg story

Youth for Human Rights International DVD presented to Prime Minister Blair

2006-09-17T15:56:00.000-05:00

"When I saw the videos, I felt compelled to do something positive to promote human rights and told me wife that I wanted to start a Youth for Human Rights program in Barbados where I reside half of the year,
" said Grant. "Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to be able to personally present these inspiring video to Prime Minister Blair."

read more | digg story

Poverty

2006-09-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Scientology Celebrities Blog: Nazanin Afshin-Jam - Human Rights Hero

2006-09-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

Scientology Celebrities Blog: Nazanin Afshin-Jam - Human Rights Hero

Amnesty International

2006-09-08T11:26:00.000-05:00

TXL Films on Fox 11 News

2006-09-05T22:31:00.000-05:00

Watch it now!

Historic Human Rights Presentation at the United Nations

2006-09-03T20:44:00.000-05:00

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted in 1948 by the United Nations, but was never able to be truthfully pushed forward by that body. Now, it's been brought full circle back to the United Nations by the Church of Scientology - with a massive delegation of human rights activists.

read more | digg story

Youth For Human Rights - Don't Discriminate

2006-08-30T22:47:00.000-05:00


Wonderful PSA from YouthforHumanRights.com

HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION VS. WAR - HEROES & ACTIVISTS MEET AT U.N.

2006-08-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Human rights award-winner Teresa Cheung, Japanese
youth representative Amina Erica Mobley, and awardee Nasanin Afshim-Jam.

MAKING HUMAN RIGHTS A GLOBAL REALITY Premier of 30 Public Service Human Rights Videos Bring Conference Attendees to Their Feet With war and attendant human right violations dominating the daily news, a summit at the United Nations on Friday (August 25) presented human rights education as a practical route to world peace. Celebrities, human rights heroes, and artists participated alongside grassroots reformers from 40 countries around the world.
“Imagine how different this world would appear if member nations had implemented real human rights education from the late 1940s,” said Tim Bowles, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights International, who opened the event in front of 500 attendees in Conference Room One at United Nations headquarters. “We would not care to imagine how our global civilization might appear if we fail now to take effective action on teaching human rights universally to our next generation,” he continued. Youth for Human Rights International teamed up with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International, the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, and Artists for Human Rights in co-organizing the event. Mr. Enzo Di Taranto of the UN welcomed the group on behalf of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, and describing the central role of rights in the mission of the UN. Mr. Hans Janitschek, President of the UN Society of Writers, described the vital role of artists in bringing about reform and in implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Rev. John Carmichael, President of the Church of Scientology of New York, explained why his church put such emphasis on the urging of its founder L. Ron Hubbard, that “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” Youth delegates from around the world shared the dais with experts from the reform groups and the UN, and spoke from the floor in discussions of effective action. But it was the international premiere of 30 one-minute impactful public service announcements about the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that brought the crowd to its feet. Soon the attendees were enthusiastically discussing how to use and promote these learning tools to make human rights a reality. The creative force behind the PSAs, award-winning director and filmmaker, Taron Lexton, spoke about his vision as a 22-year old in creating these human rights messages. Mr. Lexton said, “I know a film maker can change the world. I poured everything I had into these PSAs, because people everywhere have a right to know their human rights.” As proof that individual effort really can change conditions, the crowd saw and heard from five outstanding awardees who received the International Human Rights Hero award, presented at the UN by actress, Anne Archer.

Awardee Joseph Jay Yarsiah, as a teenager was forced out of his native Liberia on three different occasions due to the violent fighting. Despite danger and devastation, he said, “I returned because only through education of the people of Liberia on their human rights, and the rights of others, is there hope for an end to conflict in my country.” He has since founded a Liberian chapter of Youth for Human Rights, and is educating both governments and civilians. From grassroots to high elegance, awardee Teresa Cheung, born in Hong Kong, is a fashion icon, film star, syndicated columnist, and a tireless advocate for the rights of women and children. Awardee Nasanin Afshim-Jam, crowned Miss World Canada in 2003, and was runner-up for Miss World that same year. Putting her singer career on hold several months ago, she took up the case of a young Iranian woman who had been condemned to hanging for killing a man who with two others was trying to rape her and her niece. As a result of Nazanin’s campaign, the woman has been granted a new trial, and observers hope she will receive a just result this time. Luce Berking, a young native Samoan from New Zealand, and Maxim Weithers, from Canada, also received Human Rights Hero Awards. The summit was preceded by a human rights art exhibit the evening before, at the prestigious Westwood Gallery. In the evening following the summit, a concert entitled, “Artists Taking a Stand for Human Rights,” entertained 2,000 in Union Square Park.

one more voice: Youth for Human Rights Rally

2006-08-23T11:10:00.000-05:00

one more voice: Youth for Human Rights Rally

Notes from the Ranch: Youth For Human Rights

2006-08-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

Notes from the Ranch: Youth For Human Rights

Church of Scientology Boston

2006-08-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

Visit the website of the Boston Church of Scientology

Boston City Hall Plaza

2006-07-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

Youth take a stand against hand gun violence. Visit City Hall Plaza, Boston MA

Youth For Human Rights - Freedom of Expression

2006-07-25T16:39:00.000-05:00


Wonderful PSA from YouthforHumanRights.com Human Right #19 from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Artist for Human Rights

2006-07-23T16:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to My World: Human Rights PSAs

2006-07-22T22:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to My World: Human Rights PSAs

2006-07-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

Human Rights

Boston Scientology Ministry

2006-07-11T16:50:00.000-05:00

The Scientology Ministry is located at 1783 Washington Street in Boston and provides free service to the community that reduces the crime and violence of the area by handling the factors that underlie it. Examples of such programs are the Reading and Study Skills project, The UNITED Youth for Human Rights Program and the non-violence program called The Way to Happiness. For more information on the Ministry call (617) 927-2247.

Human Rights Concert on Copley Square Plaza, Boston MA

2006-07-10T14:43:00.000-05:00

Performers from all of New England came together
in support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Featuring performances by: JADA, John Cate, Kelly Riley, Ksenia Mack, Careirano Drum/Dance Troop,
Jennifer Truesdale, Sam Hooper and 7th Child

JADA, a dynamic foursome of young ladies who blend a variety of influences to craft a "funky mix of pop and rhythm and blues." were on hand to get the crowd started.

Visit JADA's WEBSITE

Scientology: Scientology & the Mid East Way to Happiness Campaign

2006-07-09T11:35:00.000-05:00

Watch this show to find out what Scientology is really about.

The What is Scientology TV Show is a 30-minute talk show featuring Scientologists who are actively utilizing the various life-saving technologies of Scientology in their communities.

These technologies were developed by author and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard, who is the author of the all-time best selling self-help book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, and who is also the Founder of the Scientology religion.

On this episode of What is Scientology?, Host Ed Clark interviews Scientology peace activists Dalia Mobley, Jewish Representative, and Mazen Abu Hijleh, Arab Representative. They discuss an amazing project they are running in the Mid East utilizing a remarkably simple little booklet called the Way to Happiness, the world's most widely read book on happiness and commonsense values, written by L. Ron Hubbard.

17 Million Kids on Psychiatric Drugs - "There's Something You Need to Know"

2006-07-09T11:02:00.000-05:00

There are over 17 Million Children currently on one or more powerful psychiatric drugs. What's wrong with this picture? And what can we do about it?

This public service announcement was produced by The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), which was co-founded in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Dr. Thomas Szasz, Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

CCHR was formed to investigate and expose psychiatric violations of human rights. Today, it has more than 135 chapters in 34 countries.

Freedom News

2006-07-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

Freedom News

Boston's Youth For Human Rights Director, Kelly Riley Discusses How Artists Can Help Stop the Rising Youth Crime

2006-07-06T16:34:00.000-05:00

Washington, D.C.-- Kelly Riley, Boston's Director for Youth For Human Rights (YHRI) traveled to DC to attend the 2006 Human Rights Hero Awards in Washington, DC and to discuss solutions to rising youth crime rate in Boston. The Hero Awards recognizes individuals accomplishing outstanding work in the field of Human Rights.
Among those in attendance: Human Rights supporters and Academy Award nominated actress, Anne Archer; Golden Globe winning actress Jenna Elfman; Congressman Brad Sherman (27th District, CA); Mary Shuttleworth, International Director, YHRI and Leisa Goodman, International Director, Department of Human Rights, Church of Scientology, International.

The Hero awards were sponsored by Youth for Human Rights International, a group founded by educator and school principal Mary Shuttleworth in August 2001 as a project of the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, with the expressed goal to implement L. Ron Hubbard’s statement, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

In addition to her work as the YHRI Director, Ms. Riley is an award-winning singer/songwriter and committed to inspiring youth to get more involved in their communities through the Arts and the Human Rights Campaign. She recently organized and presented an extremely successful Human Rights concert in Boston’s Copley Square, featuring some of Boston’s most celebrated bands and singer/songwriters. In light of this, Ms. Riley had a lengthy conversation with Anne Archer regarding joining forces with Archer’s organization, Artists for Human Rights. Their first endeavor together will be a Human Rights Concert in NYC’s Bryant Park on August 23-25, 2006. Artists for Human Rights will co-produce a three-day celebration of human rights at the United Nations in New York City. The festivities will kick off on Thursday, August 24th with an art exhibit featuring works from artists around the world who, due to human rights oppression and censorship, have not had a forum or stage to present their art. In addition to the conference and meetings at the U.N., the celebration will culminate with a free, live, open-air concert in New York's famed Bryant Park on Saturday August 26th featuring a number of world-class performers.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” Riley states. “This is a right that is very near and dear to the Artist’s heart and one that we want to cultivate and support in our communities.”

Riley encourages teachers, youth group leaders, parents and other teen empowerment groups to become involved in this important movement by contacting: www.youthforhumanrights.org or www.artistsforhumanrights.org

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, Ed.D.: CCHR

2006-07-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

DR. DAN L. EDMUNDS, Ed.D.: CCHR

Authentic Art DC

2006-07-04T18:25:00.000-05:00

Authentic Art DC