Misplaced Pages

Youth for Human Rights International: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 18:05, 30 April 2007 editSmackBot (talk | contribs)3,734,324 editsm Date/fix the maintenance tags or gen fixes← Previous edit Revision as of 17:22, 1 May 2007 edit undoMisou (talk | contribs)1,668 edits Wow, I didn't know that Hubbard from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!Next edit →
Line 264: Line 264:
Controversy over Youth for Human Rights International is twofold. Controversy over Youth for Human Rights International is twofold.


The first stems from the repeated failure on the part of the group to clearly identify its ties to the Church of Scientology. YHRI was founded by, and is largely staffed and financed by, Scientologists, and its message is based to a large extent on L. Ron Hubbard's writings. The first stems from the repeated failure on the part of the group to clearly identify its ties to the Church of Scientology. YHRI was founded by{{fact}, and is largely staffed{fact} and financed by{fact}, Scientologists, and its message is based to a large extent on L. Ron Hubbard's writings.{{fact}}


], the Commissioner for the ], stated that YHRI was a Scientology cover-up tactic, or ], that was meant to attract and recruit the young. <ref name="weltcaberta"> {{cite web | url = http://www.welt.de/print-welt/article707504/Form_des_politischen_Extremismus.html | title = A form of political extremism | | accessdate = 2007-04-17 | author = Thomas Klatt | date = ] | publisher = ]}}</ref> Germany considers Scientology to be a commercial organization and a form of political extremism that poses a threat to its democracy and constitution, themselves the basis of human rights in Germany. <ref> {{ cite web | url = http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/archives/background/scientology.html | title = German Embassy statement on Scientology }} </ref> <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.verfassungsschutz-bw.de/so/so_grunde.htm | title = Baden-Wuerttemberg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Scientology }}</ref> Other European governments have concerns regarding Scientology and human rights. After the 1988 suicide of a Scientologist and the subsequent conviction of several Scientologists for fraud and abuse of trust, France began to monitor Scientology as a sect. <ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/10/02/sect.t.php | title = Scientology Is Fighting For Its Future in France | author = Barry James | publisher = The International Herald Tribune | date = 1996-10-02 | accessdate = 2007-04-28 }}</ref> <ref> {{cite web | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9E00E7DE153DF930A15752C1A960958260 | title = French Scientologist Sentenced After Church Member's Suicide | author = Craig Whitney | date = 1996-11-23 | publisher = ] | accessdate = 2007-04-28}}</ref> ], the Commissioner for the ], stated that YHRI was a Scientology cover-up tactic, or ], that was meant to attract and recruit the young. <ref name="weltcaberta"> {{cite web | url = http://www.welt.de/print-welt/article707504/Form_des_politischen_Extremismus.html | title = A form of political extremism | | accessdate = 2007-04-17 | author = Thomas Klatt | date = ] | publisher = ]}}</ref> Germany considers Scientology to be a commercial organization and a form of political extremism that poses a threat to its democracy and constitution, themselves the basis of human rights in Germany. <ref> {{ cite web | url = http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/archives/background/scientology.html | title = German Embassy statement on Scientology }} </ref> <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.verfassungsschutz-bw.de/so/so_grunde.htm | title = Baden-Wuerttemberg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Scientology }}</ref> Other European governments have concerns regarding Scientology and human rights. After the 1988 suicide of a Scientologist and the subsequent conviction of several Scientologists for fraud and abuse of trust, France began to monitor Scientology as a sect. <ref> {{cite web | url = http://www.iht.com/articles/1996/10/02/sect.t.php | title = Scientology Is Fighting For Its Future in France | author = Barry James | publisher = The International Herald Tribune | date = 1996-10-02 | accessdate = 2007-04-28 }}</ref> <ref> {{cite web | url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9E00E7DE153DF930A15752C1A960958260 | title = French Scientologist Sentenced After Church Member's Suicide | author = Craig Whitney | date = 1996-11-23 | publisher = ] | accessdate = 2007-04-28}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:22, 1 May 2007

Template:ScientologySeries Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California at 1332 L. Ron Hubbard Way, whose stated mission is "To teach youth around the globe about human rights, thus helping them to become valuable advocates for the promotion of tolerance and peace." Specifically, it promotes L. Ron Hubbard's thought and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Leadership

YHRI's president and founder is Mary Shuttleworth (formerly Mary Untiedt), former president of YHRI's parent organization International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance. She also founded the Applied Scholastics schools "Shuttleworth Academy" and "Mary's Schoolhouse". Shuttleworth holds an executive position at TXL Films the company who created the music video UNITED with YHRI. She is a Scientologist.

According to the newsletter Church of Scientology International, YHRI's Executive Director is Tim Bowles, former law partner of Bowles & Moxon, serving as general legal council for the Church of Scientology. Bowles also acts as an advisor to Scientology's Citizens Commission on Human Rights.

Lynsey Bartilson, who appears on the television series "Grounded for Life," is YHRI's most visible spokesperson. She was raised and remains a Scientologist, and her mother Laurie Bartilson was a former law partner at the at Moxon & Bartilson. In her online biography, she states that she worked as creative director and choreographer for the Scientology Celebrity Center’s “Kids on Stage for A Better World.”

Programs

YHRI has teamed with TXL Films (founded by Taron Lexton, son of YHRI founder Mary Shuttleworth ) to create the award-winning music video, "UNITED." In June 2006, they released 30 public service announcements for TV, illustrating each of the 30 rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights., which were created together with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International.

Activities

Youth for Human Rights International is active in several countries and spreads the word about the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and YHRI programs supporting it, for example in the United States, Australia , United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic , Mexico, Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Hungary and Denmark, but also in China, Israel , India, Ghana , Liberia, Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa as well as many other countries around the globe. The organization's work is supported by actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise and cooperates with other human rights organizations such as local chapters of Amnesty International.

Controversy

Controversy over Youth for Human Rights International is twofold.

The first stems from the repeated failure on the part of the group to clearly identify its ties to the Church of Scientology. YHRI was founded by{{fact}, and is largely staffed{fact} and financed by{fact}, Scientologists, and its message is based to a large extent on L. Ron Hubbard's writings.

Ursula Caberta, the Commissioner for the Scientology Workgroup of the Hamburg Interior Authority, stated that YHRI was a Scientology cover-up tactic, or front group, that was meant to attract and recruit the young. Germany considers Scientology to be a commercial organization and a form of political extremism that poses a threat to its democracy and constitution, themselves the basis of human rights in Germany. Other European governments have concerns regarding Scientology and human rights. After the 1988 suicide of a Scientologist and the subsequent conviction of several Scientologists for fraud and abuse of trust, France began to monitor Scientology as a sect.

In an FBI raid in 1977, Scientology was discovered to have founded and employed another front group that advanced the organization's interests under the flag of religious tolerance.

YHRI's failure to disclose its Scientology connection led to trouble with sponsors -- among them the Florida Holocaust Museum -- at a human rights march the group organized in St. Petersburg, Florida in March 2007. In another instance, the group was accused of luring unwitting high-schoolers to a forum run by Scientologists at the New South Wales State Parliament House in Sydney.

In each of the above cases the YHRI organizer responded that, while the Church of Scientology supported their group, it was a YHRI event, not a Church event and the message was human rights, not Scientology.

Nevertheless, on the materials handed out at the event in Australia, L.Ron Hubbard's image and quotes figured more prominently than those of such activists as Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, serving as much as an introduction to Hubbard as they did to thought on human rights. In 2005, administrators at a Los Angeles high school required students have their parents' permission before attending a YHRI event, after discovering the group's ties to Scientology.

The second controversy stems from the problematic nature of Scientology's relationship to human rights in Europe. The Church of Scientology's Human Rights Department is concerned with religious tolerance there, and YHRI is part of its overall campaign. YHRI, known in German as "Jugend fuer Menschenrechte," is active in both Switzerland and Germany, organizing human rights conferences for youth to promote religious tolerance. Referring to the campaign, Antje Blumenthal, a member of the German parliament, expressed concern that the good intentions of the young were being misused.

A French human rights commission submitted to the Assemblee nationale in December 2006 a report including testimony of abuses on Scientology's part that harmed the physical and mental health of children.

Scientology sees the stance of these countries as discrimination, and is presently conducting a campaign through the Church of Scientology International European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights, and with the help of YHRI, in Europe. In Brussels last year, Julie Barreau, a reporter for Le Soir magazine, recorded the speaker of a Scientology meeting as saying: "We must take control of Belgium. Their intentions are the same as the Nazis. We have to educate the forces of the fourth Reich about human rights."

See also

References

  1. (n.d.) About YHRI
  2. (n.d.) About Mary Shuttleworth
  3. (n.d.)Mary Shuttleworth
  4. (n.d.) About United
  5. International Youth Delegates Spark Human Rights Initiative at David Starr Jordan High School, Church of Scientology International, Human Rights News, October 7, 2005
  6. Youth For Human Rights International - Ghana Human Rights Tour, Church of Scientology International, Human Rights News Forum, June 3, 2006
  7. (n.d.)About Tim Bowles
  8. [http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/1/prweb336245.htm Pepsi Honors Mother and Son as Everyday Freedom Heroes], Press Release, January 23, 2006
  9. (n.d.) About "United"
  10. (n.d.) Watch Ads
  11. http://www.theta.com/human-rights-education/20070314_hre_1.php
  12. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  13. YHRI News
  14. St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri), September 15, 2006, Title: Hoech sixth-grader attended U.N. human rights meeting, Excerpt: "Although shy by nature, Heather Powers, a sixth-grader at Hoech Middle School in the Ritenour School District, is outspoken when it comes to increasing awareness about human rights. After watching a news show about six months ago on human trafficking of women and children in Russia and Turkey, Heather was enraged and wanted to take action. She became active in Youth for Human Rights and learned about the 30 rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was created under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt and adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Last month, Heather attended the Summit on Making Human Rights a Global Reality at the United Nations in New York. She was the only student from the St. Louis area who was selected to attend the session. Students learned more about human rights violations around the world and then took that information back to their schools to encourage peers to take action. Heather also believes that human rights should be part of her school's curriculum and signed a petition to send to Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt and President George W. Bush. Heather is the daughter of James Powers and Meshell Little. She lives in Overland with her mother and stepfather, Jim Little. Here is what Heather says: The best book I ever read was: "The book of human rights by Eleanor Roosevelt." I'm most proud of: "Me. I didn't think I'd be able to do something that would be the greatest good for the greatest number of people by bringing about awareness on human rights." The greatest challenge that I've overcome in my life was: "Talking in front of people and to people because I've always been shy.""
  15. The Analyst, May 31, 2006, Title: YHRI Holds Aids Awareness in Paynesville, Excerpt: "The Youth for Human Rights International-Liberia Chapter on May 24, 2006 implemented a community outreach program on AIDS in the Paynesville vicinity, a release issued by the group has said. This awareness came in the wake of participation under the One World Youth Project located in the USA. The leadership of this international project called on all participants of this project, including Liberia because of the participation of YHRI-Liberia to create awareness on AIDS to show love and concern for AIDS victims around the world. Because of this global awareness, the National Aids Control Program (NACP) in Liberia assisted in this AIDS awareness by providing condoms, Aids brochures, leaflets, and placards. YHRI-Liberia is also encouraging other youth organization and youth leaders to partake in the fight against this deadly disease AIDS and at the same time, this human rights organization is calling on the government of Liberia, UN agencies, and other international organization help to support AIDS awareness programs, workshops, etc. YHRI-Liberia is also using this publicity to commend the NACP for her immense contribution and AIDS messages spread out in difference part of Liberia. The Country Director, Mr. Thomas Mitchell said his organization is willing to work with NACP and other organization to fight against this deadly virus AIDS. Recipients of condoms, AIDS brochures, leaflets and placards were encourage to received these items and their appreciation on the little education given to them about HIV/AIDS, a release signed by the Program Coordinator, Andrew Kuwon and the Country Director, Thomas P. Mitchell, Jr. said."
  16. MX Melbourne Edition (Australia), September 21, 2006, PEACE TRAIN, (Photo caption), ,Text: Today is International Day of Peace, which is why these angels from Youth for Human Rights descended on Flinders St station today. YHR members are at the station - and Fed Square - all day."
  17. Cornish Guardian, September 1, 2005, Title: Cornwall plays host to human rights festival Excerpt: "North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson launched the weekend-long European arts and human rights youth festival at Camelot Castle, Tintagel at the weekend. The festival brought together 15 different countries and a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds. In the wake of the recent London bombings the participants in the festival put out a strong and unified message that the answer to terrorism and hatred is to increase understanding, compassion and co-operation. In launching the weekend Mr Rogerson said one of the things that really motivated him in politics was civil liberties and human rights and was delighted that North Cornwall had been chosen as the point for the festival. The festival was co-organised by Youth for Human Rights International and the Church of Scientology, and was sponsored by the Association for British Muslims, United Sikhs, and the World Assembly of Muslim Youth. The weekend included a variety of workshops covering such subjects as promoting human rights through the arts and building co-operation for the future. "We have often seen 'human wrongs' making the headlines when it is too late. We need to make youths become aware and empowered by human rights from an early age. This festival should be an annual global event around the world as it helps youths to learn about human rights issues of their peers from all over the world," said Mejindarpal Kaur, United Sikhs director, who led an eight- member Sikh delegation comprising artists and human rights advocates. One youngster from London spoke on human right abuses in India whilst a 12-year-old from Derby spoke on human rights suffered by street children in Africa. The festival was hosted at Camelot Castle at Tintagel thanks to John and Irwin Mappin and artist Ted Stourton. "The London bombings have made this conference on human rights more urgent than ever. The youth of today can be taught peace, tolerance and understanding of their fellow man, or they can be led to hate. Acquiring an appreciation of the basic human rights for all people of all races and cultures is a road that will lead to international peace, if we persist," said Mary Shuttleworth, director of Youth for Human Rights International. Countries represented at the conference included Austria, Congo, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Romania. The delegates were selected on the basis of artwork that they had submitted and/or their work in the field of human rights."
  18. Western Morning News (Plymouth), August 25, 2005, Title: European human rights conference comes to Cornwall, Excerpt: "Young people from across Europe campaigning for human rights will meet in Cornwall this weekend, to discuss the impact of the London bombings and how terror can be fought through art. Youth for Human Rights International will be holding its Arts Festival and European Conference at Tintagel Castle from Saturday. Alongside UK representatives, there will be delegates from counties including France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Sweden and Switzerland, chosen to attend because of their strong human rights work or human rights-based arts. "The London bombings have made such a European conference on human rights more urgently needed, to highlight the necessity of teaching about the human rights we are all born with, and how to ensure that all people's rights are protected", said Mary Shuttleworth, director of Youth for Human Rights International.", also announced in M2 Presswire, August 26, 2005, Title: CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY: Youth of different religions and countries stand united; In response to London terror attacks - Youth of different religions and countries stand united; International festival takes place in Cornwall
  19. New Vision, June 14, 2006, Title: Mande Wins Rights Award, Excerpt: Lt. Col. Samson Mande has won the European Human Rights Heroes Award of 2006, for his contribution to the human rights fight in Uganda. The event was organised by the European Foundation For Human Rights and Tolerance, Youth for Human Rights International and supported by Help International foundation of Bulgaria, United Irks International and Church of Scientology International. The function took place last week in Brussels and was officially opened by Hon. Maria Badia, the chairperson of the European Parliamentary committee of Culture and MP of the European parliament from Spain. A statement from the organisers said the function was intended to present awards to people who had shown commitment and contributed a lot towards the cause of human rights. The event also served the purpose of collecting signatures for a petition to introduce human rights education in school curricula in Europe. Mande received the award with four others; Dr. Concha Pinos, a film director and organiser of film festivals from Spain and Dr. Maria Karg, who received the award on behalf of the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery. Two youths, Angelo Krueburger, 17, from Austria and Don Shauliz from Spain, were also recognised. Mande said, "It is because of the lack of culture of tolerance, respect for human life and human rights that Uganda has remained a conflict stricken country since independence."
  20. New Vision, June 14, 2006, Title: Mande Wins Rights Award, Excerpt: Lt. Col. Samson Mande has won the European Human Rights Heroes Award of 2006, for his contribution to the human rights fight in Uganda., Excerpt: The event was organised by the European Foundation For Human Rights and Tolerance, Youth for Human Rights International and supported by Help International foundation of Bulgaria, United Irks International and Church of Scientology International. The function took place last week in Brussels and was officially opened by Hon. Maria Badia, the chairperson of the European Parliamentary committee of Culture and MP of the European parliament from Spain. A statement from the organisers said the function was intended to present awards to people who had shown commitment and contributed a lot towards the cause of human rights. The event also served the purpose of collecting signatures for a petition to introduce human rights education in school curricula in Europe. Mande received the award with four others; Dr. Concha Pinos, a film director and organiser of film festivals from Spain and Dr. Maria Karg, who received the award on behalf of the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery. Two youths, Angelo Krueburger, 17, from Austria and Don Shauliz from Spain, were also recognised. Mande said, "It is because of the lack of culture of tolerance, respect for human life and human rights that Uganda has remained a conflict stricken country since independence."
  21. Czech News Agency CTK, December 9, 2006, SCHEDULE OF CTK GENERAL NEWS IN ENGLISH, DECEMBER 10, Excerpt: "13:00 - 20:00 Civic association Youth for Human Rights organises campaign promoting human rights with focus on children and youth, Place: Multikino Village Cinemas, Prague 9 - Cerny Most, Source: organising association deputy head Zuzana Leov , tel.: 603 841 804, e-mail: lidskaprava@centrum.cz"
  22. ^ Thomas Klatt (2007-01-09). "A form of political extremism". Die Welt. Retrieved 2007-04-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  23. South China Morning Post, August 31, 2006, Title: Crusading for human rights, Excerpt: "Before Teresa Cheung Siu-wai can realise her goal of becoming a a Hollywood movie star, she has another mission in Los Angeles. Believe it or not, the socialite-turned-actress has been promoting human rights on her website - telling us all to eradicate poverty and hunger. This is perhaps why the Los Angeles-based group Youth for Human Rights International gave her a human-rights and youth-hero award. She was even listed as an "Asian celebrity" on its website. "When I was young, I asked my dad what human rights are," she told Oriental Daily. "I realised that choosing to live in Toronto is also considered a human right. After I got this award, I would go to all the primary and secondary schools around the world to promote human rights." Cheung, who has signed on a new manager, revealed that she has landed some TV and movie roles, adding: "My real life is a better watch than a movie." How's her career faring? Cheung's official website says she played a female lead in an American Film Institute cinematography graduate's thesis and had a very small role in a film called Oranges by Joseph Merhi. It also says that singing is one of her skills."
  24. The Jerusalem Post, June 23, 2006, Friday, Title: Haifa boy receives European Human Rights Award. Scientology-linked group rewards Scientologist's project, Excerpt: "A 12-year-old Haifa boy who initiated a series of projects promoting individual human rights in his school was rewarded with the European Human Rights Hero Award earlier this month in a special ceremony in Brussels. Having worked under the auspices of the Israel branch of the Center of Scientology in partnership with the Youth for Human Rights organization Don Shaul told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday how he organized a wide variety of activities at the Ehud School in Haifa including a screening of the human rights-focused film United starring celebrities such as Isaac Hayes Erika Christensen and Jenna Elfman and the distribution of pamphlets highlighting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "It is important to raise awareness of these issues because there is a lot of violence in society and we have to stop it explained Shaul in a voice that sounded far wiser than his 12 years. It feels good to know that what we did was recognized and I believe that I have seen a change in my immediate environment from the work we did." "Representatives from the Education Ministry saw what we did too and now we have their support and that of the mayor of Haifa to continue raising awareness of human rights among youth continued Shaul. Our movement has succeeded in making a difference he added and I hope this model will be followed in other areas around Israel too."
  25. The Jerusalem Post, December 8, 2006, Title: The search for truth, Excerpt: "...Vilhelmsen says Scientology teaches people to see for themselves. Both of them emphasize how Scientology can "improve society." They mention the church's struggle against psychiatrists drug abusers and the organization's latest campaign to raise awareness of human rights. Vilhelmsen proudly shows me a DVD laced with trendy music and 30 artfully produced video clips to highlight the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights created by yet another branch of Scientology called Youth for Human Rights International. The organization and its activities are growing here. Vilhelmsen estimates that there are more than 200 people currently studying the various facets of Scientology here and "a couple of thousand who use Scientology in daily life from reading books." She says there are roughly 100 others similar to herself who work for the organization. ..."
  26. Hindustan Times, March 8, 2006, Title: Human rights is everyone's business, Excerpt: "Young people and members of various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jews are standing up for human rights at an event in Zurich, Switzerland. Organised by the Association of Youth For Human Rights, Swiss representatives, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and scientologists met this week to discuss the issue of human rights and how youth could contribute to its sanctity. "Only those who know their rights. can protect themselves," said Olivia Elmiger, the association's president in Switzerland. In brief statements reacived by ANI thorugh a e-mail, speakers for the Muslims, the Jews, the Sikhs and scientologists supported the importance of human rights and their implementation in the society. Young persons of the Hindu community performed a dance and Working Groups were formed to discuss how everyone could become more involved on behalf of human rights in his or her area. The meeting culminated in a meal in which all took part. It was agreed to continue with such events also in the future. Published by HT Media Ltd. with permission from Asian News International."
  27. Public Agenda, May 29, 2006, Title: Human Rights Education Ventures to Be Established in Schools, Excerpt: "Youth for Human Rights International executive director and American lawyer Timothy Bowles returns to Accra May 28 - June 2, 2006 to discuss the prompt formation of human rights education ventures with the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Ministry of Education, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and other government officials and local NGOs. Mr. Samuel Jacobs Abbey, director of International Centre for Conflict & Human Rights Analysis (ICCHRA) and Mr. Dzek Atsu Gbemou, head of YHRI-Ghana, are hosting the visit. Mr. Jacobs Abbey, Mr. Atsu and Mr. Bowles also plan a series of human rights lectures and interactive sessions with local schools, including the Labone and Odogono secondary school and the Comos Complex of Schools. The first barrier to achieving human rights is ignorance of them, says Mr. Bowles. With the help of YHRI's instructional materials, we have the clear opportunity to resolve this poverty of knowledge and, with it, to plant the seeds of inter-cultural tolerance and justice upon which peace and prosperity depend. I welcome YHRI-Ghana's and ICCHRA's invitation to explore YHRI's assistance on human rights education on as wide a scale as possible in Ghana. YHRI's purpose is to teach youth around the globe about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, thus helping them to become valuable advocates for the promotion of tolerance and peace, Mr. Atsu says. Mr. Bowles adds: With the regular assistance of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International, we have been achieving this aim primarily through a series of regional and international youth conferences on human rights, including at last July's Panafest celebrations in Cape Coast at the invitation of King Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II. Now with some 21 local chapters worldwide, including the Accra, Ghana chapter headed by Mr. Atsu, we see real hope. As American writer and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard has observed: "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealist dream." Says Mr. Jacobs Abbey: "This will be the third round of visits to Ghana by Mr. Bowles and his YHRI colleagues in as many years. We welcome chance to provide Ghanaian leadership and its youth alike an introduction into the YHRI remarkable, highly workable program." Mr. Bowles has worked as a lawyer for nearly 30 years to establish human rights in the United States and internationally. He took on the executive director post for YHRI in 2005, to help the organization's local chapters and their private and governmental allies to build viable human rights education delivery programs worldwide."
  28. Accra Mail (Ghana) - AAGM, November 6, 2006 Monday, Title: INCULCATE HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION INTO SCHOOL CURRICULUM, Excerpt: "An international human rights expert, Mr Timothy Bowles, on Friday called on the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to incorporate human rights education into the curriculum of basic schools. "Ghana should lead the crusade for championing the tents of United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights through human rights education from an early age," Mr Bowles said at a day's capacity training programme for human rights activities in Accra. The workshop was organized by Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) in collaboration with Amnesty International - Ghana and International Centre for Conflict and Human Rights Analysis (ICCHRA) based in Ghana. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enacted in 1948 recognizes that we are all born free and equal and there should be no discrimination. ..." (also published in Africa News, same date)
  29. The Analyst, June 7, 2006, Title: Youth Activist Suggests Edu Rights Ventures, Excerpt: "Youth for Human Rights International executive director and American lawyer Timothy Bowles is in Monrovia this week to discuss the prompt formation of human rights education ventures with the National Human Rights Center of Liberia, the Justice Ministry and other government officials and local NGOs. Mr. Thomas Mitchell, Chairman of YHRI-Liberia, and his associate Mr. Joseph Yarsiah are hosting the visit. Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Yarsiah and Mr. Bowles also plan a series of human rights lectures and interactive sessions with local schools, including the R.C. Lawson Institute and the Carver Mission Academy. "Of Liberia's estimated 3,000,000 population, some 1.2 million are under the age of 15," Mr. Mitchell observes. "Liberia's literacy rate is 57.5% by a 2003 estimate, including 73.3% of males and 41.6% of females. A population unaware of its rights and unable to understand them is a population exposed to exploitation and injustice. "The first barrier to achieving human rights is ignorance of them," says Mr. Bowles. AWith the help of YHRI's instructional materials, we have the clear opportunity to resolve this poverty of knowledge and, with it, to plant the seeds of inter-cultural tolerance and justice upon which peace and prosperity depend. I welcome YHRI-Liberia's invitation to explore YHRI's assistance on human rights education on as wide a scale as possible in Liberia. "YHRI's purpose is to teach youth around the globe about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, thus helping them to become valuable advocates for the promotion of tolerance and peace," Mr. Mitchell says. Mr. Bowles adds: AWith the regular assistance of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International, we have been achieving this aim primarily through a series of regional and international youth conferences on human rights, including at last July's Panafest celebrations in Cape Coast, Ghana at the invitation of King Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II. "Now with some 21 local chapters worldwide, including the Liberian chapter headed by Mr. Mitchell, we see real hope. As American writer and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard has observed: "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealist dream." Mr. Mitchell credits YHRI's human rights educational materials B including the award-winning music video UNITED and its accompanying instructional manuals B as instrumental in YHRI-Liberia's growing reach and effectiveness. Says Mr. Mitchell: "This will be the third round of visits to West Africa by Mr. Bowles and his YHRI colleagues in as many years. Now with Mr. Bowles's first journey to Liberia, we welcome chance to provide government and NGO leadership and Liberian youth alike an introduction into YHRI's remarkable, highly workable program." Mr. Bowles has worked as a lawyer for nearly 30 years to establish human rights in the United States and internationally. He took on the executive director post for YHRI in 2005, to help the organization's local chapters and their private and governmental allies to build viable human rights education delivery programs worldwide."
  30. Africa News, December 7, 2005, Title: Liberia; Take a Fresh Look At Liberia, Says Journalist, Activist Excerpt: "A Swedish-based Liberian journalist and human rights activist is appealing to the international human rights organizations to take a fresh look at the situation in Liberia now that the country is ushering in a new government. Simon Reeves called on these organizations to support the Youths for Human Rights International (YHRI) Liberia and others who are in the vanguard in the struggle for human rights in a country torn apart by more than a decade of bloody civil war. He said YHRI Liberia will be knocking "your doors for possible partnership and cooperation. We are unique in the struggle for human rights in the country because we emphasized the teaching of human rights to the youths. We believe that if the youths of Liberia are taught their rights situations like those which brought about the devastating civil war; will be avoided in the future," he said. The journalist has been appointed as YHRI Liberia international representative by its Liberian chapter. In a letter dated November 27, the country director of YHRI Liberia Thomas P. Mitchell informed the journalist that he was named to the post because of his "passion in promoting human rights in Liberia."
  31. The Monitor, February 27, 2007, Title: Youth Want Govt to Abolish School Fees, Excerpt: "The Youth want the government to provide free education in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Meeting under the umbrella of the Youth for Human Rights International-Uganda Chapter, they said school fees hindered their economic and social development. The chapter publicist, Mr Geoffrey Matovu, said education was a right every youth should enjoy because it was the driving force to their future and the country at large. "Education is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. So school fees have become a wall separating the youth from basic knowledge to development," Mr Matovu said. Education was also important in achieving the Millennium Development Goals agenda. "We should work towards abolishing school fees, most especially in secondary and tertiary schools at least up to the bachelors' degree," Mr Matovu said. "It will be a step ahead in equipping the youth to encounter challenges in future." Mr Matovu said in many countries that had developed economically and socially, people acquired education for free. "The government can reap so much in educating its people. If a person is given free education, you do not to spend money educating him or her to have a number of children he can manage," he said. "A lot of money spent on treating preventable diseases can also be averted if people are educated." The youth also called on the government to push for laws to protect women against violence. Meanwhile, the NGO announced it would launch a Stop Violence against Women and Children campaign."
  32. Africa News, March 21, 2007, Title: Human Rights Group Organises Peace Rally, Excerpt: "Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) would stage a peaceful rally in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and other part of the country before the April general elections, the president of the group has said. Angelo Kreuzberger said this yesterday in Abuja when he led some members of the organisation to the headquarters of the Media Trust Limited, Utako, Abuja on a courtesy visit. The rally which would be done by the organisation in collaboration with the Nigerian Police "is to educate Nigerians on their rights and how to protect it", Kreuzberger said. "The rally is to tell the public about their rights to democracy and how to ensure credible and peaceful elections," he added. Speaking on the independent of the group from any political affiliations, the president said: "We are an education group with education programme and we are very careful with the kind of group we deal with." The country director of YHRI, Okoruwa Osagie, who was among the visiting team, said the rally is to exposed Nigerians to what constitutes their rights and how to protect it. He said: "Time has come when the youths in Nigeria need to be empowered and told how to defend their rights. We are going to work with the Legal Aid Council for the purpose of addressing cases of Human Rights violation and abuses in the country. The first public outing of the group was held at the Millennium Park, Abuja in 2005 where the 30 articles of the United Nations declarations of the human rights was read out to them."
  33. BuaNews, February 7, 2007, Title: Youth Group Urges South Africans to Celebrate Human Rights Month, Excerpt: "The Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) today urged South Africans to make March a human rights month. The organization provides human rights education to youths around the world. Its latest campaign is 30 days, 30 events and 30 Human Rights. YHRI has called for schools, youth groups and other related organizations to participate in its activities. The YHRI's activities will be hosted by South Africa's major cities of Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Spokesperson for the YHRI Ms Shaleen Wohrnitz said YHRI was eager to assist anyone who wants to help raise awareness of human rights for their organization and have developed various educational tools. Some of the educational tools used are booklets such as What are Human Rights?" and DVDs which have the entire Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the form of short film clips. The intention of the campaign is to get people especially the youth actively involved in human rights awareness activities. Ms Wohrnitz said YHRI has developed pledges, certificates, human rights lesson plans and guidelines that would be essential to make human rights campaign known in community, schools and in homes. "This was encouraged by the fact that in most countries, less than 2% of the nation's populations were not aware of their rights hence there is an urgency and drive to make human rights known," said Ms Wohrnitz. YHRI is supported by Amnesty International, the SA Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights office of the Church of Scientology and the Africa Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance. "We want to make campaign known in all communities in South Africa so they can request materials when organizing their events," said Wohrnitz. Schools, groups, companies and organizations wanting to participate in the activities and events of Human Rights Month should do so this month (February) so booklets and DVDs could be sent out in time."
  34. SUNDAY HERALD SUN, January 1, 2006, Title: Tom and Katie's gift of rights, Excerpt: ";LAST year during the festive season, Tom Cruise sent selected people in the media a framed, 15-point "code of honour" along with a personally signed note saying a donation had been made on their behalf to the International Association of Scientologists. It earned him some humbug from a few of the recipients, who were furious that their names and addresses now were, supposedly, on a Church of Scientology database somewhere. Cruise, one of the world's most high-profile and wealthy members of the controversial church, obviously was not discouraged. This year, those same media people received an elaborate grey and silver package tied with a red ribbon. Inside was another note signed by Cruise - and this time also by his pregnant girlfriend Katie Holmes - saying a donation had been made on their behalf to an organisation called Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI)."
  35. YHRI Collaborateurs]
  36. "German Embassy statement on Scientology".
  37. "Baden-Wuerttemberg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Scientology".
  38. Barry James (1996-10-02). "Scientology Is Fighting For Its Future in France". The International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  39. Craig Whitney (1996-11-23). "French Scientologist Sentenced After Church Member's Suicide". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-04-28.
  40. Kent, Stephen A. (1988). "When Scholars Know Sin: Alternative Religions and Their Academic Supporters". Skeptic. 6 (3): 36–44. Retrieved 2006-06-06. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  41. Meg Laughlin (2007-04-07). "Tie to rights march wasn't revealed". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2007-04-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  42. Patty, Anna (2007-03-27). "Unwitting high-schoolers lured to forum run by Scientologists". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2007-03-28. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. "Scientology group sponsors school event". UPI Newstrack. 2005-10-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. CoS Human Rights web site: Actions for Human Rights in Washington, D.C. http://www.scientology.org/humanrights/photo/washington-dc/index.htm
  45. Stamm, Hugo. "Scientologists tempt the young". Tages Anzeiger.
  46. Ibid.
  47. Fenech, Georges (2006). "Investigative commission on the influence of sects and the consequences of their practices on the mental and physical health of children" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-04-16. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  48. Curtis Krueger (1991-11-10). "SCIENTOLOGY'S CHILDREN". The St. Petersburg (Florida) Times.
  49. CoS HR Dept: Documenting and Exposing Government Discrimination http://www.scientology.org/humanrights/photo/government-discrimination/index.htm
  50. Church of Scientology International European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights, News http://www.scientology-europe.org/
  51. Barreau, Julie (2006-05-17). "Scientology takes aim at Brussels". Le Soir Magazine. Retrieved 2007-04-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links

Template:Scientologyfooter

Category: