Tag Archives: United for Human Rights

18th International Human Rights Summit Unites Youth and Human Rights Icons in the Name of Peace

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- As 52 bright young delegates filed into Conference Room 4 at UN Headquarters in New York for the 18th International Human Rights Summit, hundreds attending rose to their feet for a standing ovation. United for Human Rights organizes the annual summit and selected the delegates from among hundreds of applicants based on their stellar record of human rights advocacy.

The youth, representing 35 countries, are living proof of the power of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the hands of passionate young advocates. But the delegates were not there for the praise and admiration, although they deserved it. Rather, they were determined to use this opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills to accomplish their humanitarian goals.

Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, president and founder of Youth for Human Rights International, the youth initiative of United for Human Rights, congratulated the delegates for what they have done and what they will do.

Ambassadors and representatives of the permanent missions to the UN of Australia, the Bahamas, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and the United States welcomed the delegates and congratulated them for their advocacy. The Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations hosted the Summit, which live-streamed on UN Web TV.

United for Human Rights focuses on education as the key to achieving the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Their acclaimed human rights educational materials forward the purpose of those who crafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), whose preamble states:

"...that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction."

The final day of the Summit was a cultural festival and workshop at the Church of Scientology Harlem Community Center. Each youth delegate was presented with a Youth for Human Rights educator's guide, which contains every element for implementing the program. The delegates then set their own goals, worked out programs for the coming year, and took part in a human rights outreach activity on Times Square in New York, where they put what they learned into practice by educating people on their 30 human rights.

United for Human Rights is a nonprofit, international education program sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists. Its aim is to create a sea change by teaching young people everywhere their inalienable rights, thus creating a generation of leaders who will demand full implementation of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United for Human Rights is inspired by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

VIDEO:

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k11wf861th?fbclid=IwY2xjawEjSwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcgj-szRoiAPU-A7hNj52fnOYk15uxTHirKhygvz-qjDqaZldpaee2B0Gw_aem_NEokax4NQ7eSlXbY3YIU4A

As 52 bright young delegates filed into Conference Room 4 at UN Headquarters in New York for the 18th International Human Rights Summit, hundreds attending rose to their feet for a standing ovation. United for Human Rights organizes the annual summit and selected the delegates from among hundreds of applicants based on their stellar record of human rights advocacy.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Youth for Human Rights Petitions the Ontario Legislative Assembly To Require Human Rights Education Throughout the Province

TORONTO, Ontario /ScoopCloud/ -- "Despite Canada's public image as a human rights promoter," Nicole Crellin realized, "there were human rights violations hidden under the social veneer." That's why she took on being the director of United for Human Rights Canada. Crellin, who is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity that premieres on the Scientology Network Wednesday, June 5, says, "As a teacher, I saw that human rights education was the only weapon that one could use to really raise awareness. Only in that way can we have a society where there's peace and tolerance that exists for everyone."

Crellin led a delegation in May to present a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly. The volunteers, members of Youth for Human Rights, the United for Human Rights program for young people, had collected thousands of signatures on a petition calling for mandatory human rights education throughout the province.

The Association for Canadian Studies released a survey in December 2023, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The survey found only 32 percent of respondents ages 18 to 34 agreed with the statement: "Everyone is born with an equal opportunity to succeed in Canada."

According to Human Rights Watch, among the most pressing violations of human rights in Canada are:

* Systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples

* Violence against Indigenous women

* Mistreatment and detention of those seeking refugee protection in Canada

* Failure to exercise meaningful oversight of Canadian extractive companies operating abroad

To this, another online resource serving professions in the human rights sector adds:

* Religious freedom and tolerance, citing the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to review Quebec's controversial Bill 21 that bans civil servants, teachers and police officers in Quebec from wearing religious symbols when providing or receiving government services.

For more than a decade, Crellin has spearheaded the campaign to educate millions across the nation using educational materials produced by United for Human Rights. United for Human Rights is a nonprofit, international education program sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists worldwide. Its aim is to create a sea change by teaching young people everywhere their inalienable rights, thus creating a generation of leaders who will demand full implementation of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United for Human Rights is inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.scientology.tv/series/voices-for-humanity/nicole-crellin.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/voices-for-humanity/clips/nicole-crellin-trailer.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.htm

"Despite Canada's public image as a human rights promoter," Nicole Crellin realized, "there were human rights violations hidden under the social veneer." That's why she took on being the director of United for Human Rights Canada. Crellin, who is featured in an episode of Voices for Humanity that premieres on the Scientology Network Wednesday, June 5, says, "As a teacher, I saw that human rights education was the only weapon that one could use to really raise awareness.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Institute Founder Credits Youth for Human Rights for the Vision That Informs Her Life’s Work

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- From the playgrounds of a ghetto neighborhood in Romania to the halls of the United Nations, Isabelle Vladoiu's journey has been driven by a single compelling force: the pursuit of justice and human dignity. But it was not until she took part a UN Summit organized by United for Human Rights that the underlying theme in her life's work crystallized. This experience ultimately led to her founding the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, a top-rated nonprofit think tank.

Born just after the fall of a totalitarian regime in Romania, Vladoiu's life was overshadowed by the enduring fear of government oppression and the stark inequities of post-communist society. "Raised by my grandparents in the tumultuous aftermath of communism, my childhood was steeped in an environment where fear and suppression were the norms," she says. "My parents, like many during the post-communist era, left Romania to seek work abroad and never returned, a common narrative of family fragmentation and economic desperation."

Moving to Bucharest at 19 to study law with nothing but a scholarship and a dream of a better life, Vladoiu found purpose in supporting humanitarian causes. Then five years later, accepted into a master's program in law at the University of Buffalo, New York, she left Romania to forge a new life in America.

"However, it was in June 2016 that my life took a pivotal turn," she says.

Nearing the completion of her master's degree and deep in bar exam preparation, Vladoiu's undying passion for human rights propelled her to seek a broader platform for her advocacy.

"I applied to represent my new home country at one of the highest forums for human rights dialogue-the Youth for Human Rights International Summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York," she says. "Chosen from thousands of hopefuls, I was one of only 70 young people from across the globe granted the honor to participate in this prestigious event. The opportunity was staggering. At the summit, I stood before an assembly of over 400 attendees, including UN officials, Nobel Prize laureates, and global policy-makers, sharing my journey and the human rights causes close to my heart."

That day, as she spoke of justice and human dignity, Vladoiu realized her participation in this summit marked a striking new beginning - a lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy.

She went on to empower local educators and community leaders in Buffalo to integrate human rights education into their curricula and community programs.

Moving to Washington, D.C., she founded the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) in 2019. She uses the educational materials of United for Human Rights, one of the world's most comprehensive human rights education and public information initiatives.

"The stark statistic that 258 million children worldwide were out of school fueled my resolve. USIDHR was my answer to providing those children with their fundamental human right to education," she says.

With USIDHR, Vladoiu's role evolved dramatically from the grassroots activities that marked her years in Buffalo to engaging at the highest levels of global diplomacy.

"This transition was not just a step up," she says, "it was a leap into a realm where my voice and our mission could resonate on a global stage. Presidents of states began inviting me to their countries, recognizing the impact and potential of USIDHR's initiatives to reshape their societies. Governments from around the world started sending delegates to our training programs, eager for them to absorb the comprehensive human rights education we offered so they could return home to implement meaningful reforms."

Youth for Human Rights continues its work to inspire young human rights advocates to create a fair and equitable world. The next annual Youth Summit at the UN takes place July 18-20, 2024.

The Church of Scientology and Scientologists support United for Human Rights and its program for young people Youth for Human Rights. These nonprofits aim to create a sea change by teaching young people everywhere their inalienable rights, thus creating an entire generation of leaders who will demand full implementation of the 30 UDHR articles. United for Human Rights is inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard who believed that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases

https://usidhr.org/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

From the playgrounds of a ghetto neighborhood in Romania to the halls of the United Nations, Isabelle Vladoiu's journey has been driven by a single compelling force: the pursuit of justice and human dignity. But it was not until she took part a UN Summit organized by United for Human Rights that the underlying theme in her life's work crystallized. This experience ultimately led to her founding the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, a top-rated nonprofit think tank.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Casting Off the Caste System and its Stigma: Empowering the Forgotten Indigenous People of India with Human Rights

ODISHA, India /ScoopCloud/ -- In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" - the lowest of India's four castes and members of the country's indigenous tribes who suffer the same indignities - the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." The word means "oppressed," "broken" or "crushed." He chose this term to raise awareness of the rampant violations of the dignity and rights of these people and to create change. United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

Although the caste system was officially banned shortly after India won its independence in 1947, it is still very much a degrading and very painful fact of life for 25 percent of its people.

In Odisha on the southeast coast of India, nearly 23 percent of the state's 46 million residents are members of indigenous tribes, known as the Adivasi, who continue to suffer privation, degradation and exclusion.

Birendra Oraon is director of United for Human Rights Odisha and its program for young people, Youth for Human Rights. Growing up in Odisha's Koraput Tribal District, Oraon was one of 14 children raised in a straw hut without electricity or water. He is keenly aware of the injustice suffered by his people.

Oraon remembers finding the website of United for Human Rights (UHR). "I was immediately impressed by their commitment to promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and their dedication to creating a world where peace, unity, and solidarity are experienced by all," he says.

He decided to create a UHR chapter, seeing it as "a movement to educate and empower people to understand and exercise their rights."

Some 25 percent of India's 1.44 billion people are disenfranchised members of indigenous tribes and members of the country's lowest caste. After studying the United for Human Rights materials, Oraon realized that raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the key to empowering them and reversing the degradation that began more than 3,000 years ago when the caste system began.

Oraon and his team bring the program to schools and villages, hold human rights awareness marches and petition drives, and inform people who never knew they had rights that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights applies to them just as it does to any other person.

To spread the knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights throughout the country, he created an initiative called "Training the Trainers for Transformation." His goal is to reach every household by training thousands of individuals who will use the United for Human Rights materials to deliver human rights education in schools, communities and businesses. Those they train will also take on training other trainers who will train others, thus creating a chain reaction of human rights education and awareness.

In addition to its educational initiative, UHR Odisha works with community partners to provide education, healthcare, and vocational training to underserved people.

His group has conducted 37 workshops to train community leaders, evangelists, pastors, elected officials and college students as trainers who, in turn, have reached many thousands more.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide these materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders and anyone wishing to educate others on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network. Or watch episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity featuring change-makers of all faiths, cultures, and nations who extend help to their communities through this and other Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/6XXGF_V8_7M?si=1TVqrUEhH4weS416

In the 1880s, to call attention to the plight of the "untouchables" the famous Indian social activist Jyotirao Govindrao Phule coined a term to represent these people: "Dalit." United for Human Rights Odisha has taken on the challenge of restoring fair and equitable treatment to these and all people of India.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

United for Human Rights Brings Its Cutting-Edge Program and Technology to the National School Boards Association Conference 2024

NEW ORLEANS, La. /ScoopCloud/ -- United for Human Rights brought its youth-friendly human rights program to NSBA24 - National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference for 2024 in New Orleans April 6 to 8. The purpose of NSBA is "to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community." So how does human rights education relate to this endeavor?

"Human rights education is essential," says United for Human Rights Coordinator Emma Sims.

A recent article in the Washington Post found nearly 200 incidents of suicides by children bullied at school. "Parents whose bullied children end their lives are seeking to hold schools accountable. More and more are filing suit... 'It's a wake-up call to schools around the country that unless you protect our children, you will be in the same position'" said an attorney representing one of these families.

"There could be no more important issue than to guarantee the safety of our children at school," says Sims. "When youth learn their rights as laid out by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they realize that bullying isn't just a personal problem. It's a violation of their rights. We know of many instances where youth who have completed this curriculum take responsibility for the safety of their classmates. Those who would earlier simply stand by and watch while their classmates are bullied take action personally or alert their teachers or school resource officers to get help with what's going on.

"But educators or administrators are often balked by budget cuts or simply lack the time to design a compelling curriculum that will get through to kids about human rights and their importance."

This was a key reason United for Human Rights organized a booth at NSBA24 - to inform school board members that the United for Human Rights educator package is available to them free of charge. Included in the package:

* An Educator's Guide

* The Story of Human Rights, a powerful film that defines human rights for anyone

* 24 copies of The Story of Human Rights booklet

* Discussion questions

* Assignments that require application of theory

* Glossary of terms, references to print and online resources

"Bullying and discrimination are a brutal fact of life in our schools. When young people are educated on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they realize these antisocial behaviors are not simply something that is an inevitable fact of life. UHR is motivated by the belief that despite myriad human rights abuses in the world today, if youth truly understood the 30 rights enshrined in this United Nations document and insisted on their own rights and the rights of others, we could create a sea change in society in a single generation," says Sims.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists, making it possible to provide materials free of charge to educators, civic and community leaders and anyone wishing to educate youth on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

"The best way to achieve this," says Sims, "is through education."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://humanrights.com

https://youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA

https://www.humanrights.com/course/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

United for Human Rights brought its youth-friendly human rights program to NSBA24 - National School Boards Association (NSBA) Conference for 2024 in New Orleans April 6 to 8. The purpose of NSBA is "to ensure each student everywhere has access to excellent and equitable public education governed by high-performing school board leaders and supported by the community." So how does human rights education relate to this endeavor?

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

United for Human Rights: A Vibrant Addition to the Spirit and Dynamic of SXSW EDU Conference and Festival

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- SXSW EDU is an educator conference in Austin, Texas, "designed for the brightest minds in education to change the future of teaching and learning." United for Human Rights set up a booth at the conference, where human rights was a recurring topic in presentations, conferences and workshops. Educators, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society from across the U.S. around the globe visited the booth to learn about the program, order its materials and educator's guide, and receive help putting the program into use in the classrooms, their communities and countries. The truth is, the importance of raising awareness of human rights cannot be overstated.

We live in an era of human rights violations that rival any earlier time: More people are enslaved today than were sold into bondage over 400 years of the transatlantic slave trade. According to the World Bank, 648 million people live in extreme poverty. Some 78 million children have no access to school and an estimated 2 billion people, a quarter of humanity, are affected by violent conflict or war. How does human rights education fit into this equation? The UHR program is based on the belief that the UN had the answer, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). But the UDHR will only be as effective as it is known, understood and implemented.

Educators who already use the United for Human Rights (URH) curriculum visited the booth to share why they use and appreciate the materials. Not only do the booklets and videos capture student attention, they also make a difference in the way youth treat the subject in their personal lives. Bullying, hate speech, hate crimes, assault, and gun violence are all too common in schools. One educator shared how the students who attend her classes based on the UHR curriculum become outspoken advocates of the rights of others, even pulling out their copy of the What Are Human Rights booklet to show kids how they are violating the rights of others by their actions.

Stellar examples of humanitarians who use this program are featured in episodes of Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network:

* In South Africa, human rights activist Glory Matipile uses the URH program for young people, Youth for Human Rights, to educate youth and help protect them from being lured into jobs that are human trafficking traps.

* Growing up in Nepal, where domestic violence and forced child labor were a normal way of life, Rahul KC discovered Youth for Human Rights when he was 12. He has since educated thousands on human rights, and used these materials to speak truth to power, helping change Nepal's constitution to include protection and promotion of human rights.

* In Costa Rica, Braulio Vargas made it his personal mission to help his country counter poverty and protect youth from trafficking by helping pass a bill that mandates educating every child in the country on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"It is so gratifying to hear about the difference our program is making," says Emma Sims, Human Rights Coordinator at United for Human Rights. "We are committed to getting these materials into the hands of educators and students everywhere."

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights are supported by Scientology Churches and Scientologists. The program was inspired by humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who believed "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

"The best way to achieve this," says Sims, "is through education."

For more information, visit the website of United for Human Rights or watch The Story of Human Rights and Thirty Rights Brought to Life on the Scientology Network.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology-austin.org/how-we-help/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

SXSW EDU is an educator conference in Austin, Texas, "designed for the brightest minds in education to change the future of teaching and learning." United for Human Rights set up a booth at the conference, where human rights was a recurring topic in presentations, conferences and workshops. Educators, entrepreneurs, and members of civil society from across the U.S. around the globe visited the booth to learn about the program.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

United for Human Rights, an Innovative Education Initiative, Was a Perfect Fit at the Innovative School Summit in New York

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, "Each year, millions of K-12 students experience hostile behaviors like bullying, hate speech, hate crimes, or assault." Many attending the Innovative School Summit at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square in New York February 28 to March 1 are keenly aware of the urgent need for effective programs that empower young victims of abuse. United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, approaches this issue with education. The group is dedicated to raising awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And this emphatically includes children's rights.

Innovative School Summit is part of a growing movement to raise the quality of education and its impact on the lives of youth. While many human rights organizations focus on research and advocacy for abuse victims, United for Human Rights and its initiative for younger children, Youth for Human Rights International, complement these efforts by creating effective educational materials and making them broadly available.

United for Human Rights believes that education is the foundation and catalyst for changing the state of human rights in the world. Educators need effective materials and tools they can use to incorporate human rights in their curricula and United for Human Rights fills this need:

* An educator's guide-a complete manual for implementing a human rights curriculum

* Lesson plans for middle, high school and college classes

* Youth for Human Rights manual and lesson plans for teaching human rights to young children

* The text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and a simplified version for children

* A series of youth-friendly public service announcements that bring each of the 30 articles of the UDHR to life

* A brief and engaging documentary on the history of human rights

Educators visiting the United for Human Rights booth were eager to order sets of these materials for use with their classes. One teacher from Canada has used the program for 10 years and shared how effective she finds it. An executive of a nonprofit charter school management organization who is passionate about human rights ordered both the United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights educator kits for teacher training programs. And one educator, whose son is a young activist, told the staff at the booth that the program was perfect for youth like him.

Thanks to the generous support of Scientology Churches and Scientologists and inspired by the words of L. Ron Hubbard that "human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream," United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights make all materials available free of charge to educators. They can be ordered online on the United for Human Rights website.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.humanrights.com/course

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, "Each year, millions of K-12 students experience hostile behaviors like bullying, hate speech, hate crimes, or assault." Many attending the Innovative School Summit at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square in New York February 28 to March 1 are keenly aware of the urgent need for effective programs that empower young victims of abuse. United for Human Rights, an international, not-for-profit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, approaches this issue with education.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Using Human Rights Education to Create a Culture of Peace

SAN ANTONIO, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Born in Iraq in 1974, Haetham Abdul-Razaq was 6 when war broke out between his country and Iran. Any childhood innocence or illusion of safety was shattered when his father disappeared and was presumed dead. Eight years of war, followed by harsh sanctions imposed on Iraq after the first Gulf War increased the hardship suffered by his family and his fellow Iraqis. "One common and fundamental principle is crucial to the well-being and prosperity of people, as well as the protection of their dignity, differences and ability," Abdul-Razaq said in an interview with United for Human Rights. "That principle is believing, embracing and applying human rights to improve the world."

Abdul-Razaq immigrated to America in 2005 and set his sights on what he could do to help create a society based on human rights. He graduated from Texas State University, earned a master's degree in sociology and a Ph.D. in culture, literacy and language from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He serves as a sociology professor and student mentor at San Antonio's Northwest Vista College.

One challenge he faces is that his students take human rights for granted. Some are oblivious to human rights violations. So, he identifies human rights abuses, subtle or significant, to reach them with the importance of protecting their own rights and the rights of others.

He finds the educational materials of United for Human Rights (UHR) help his students draw a personal connection with the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights cease being simply words on a page. They become vivid concepts with tangible impact on the quality of life.

Student comments on his classes illustrate Abdul-Razaq's success. "He is extremely passionate about his job and students and really shifts your perspective on a lot of things," wrote one. "He actually reignited my hunger to learn and expand my mind," wrote another. "Really made you think about life and how you see things - things that I never really thought of," wrote yet another.

Abdul-Razaq is founder of the United for Human Rights San Antonio Chapter and cofounder of the Arab American Community Network, a nonprofit established to "educate, empower, provide access to resources, utilize capacity building, and promote social change among Arab Americans."

United for Human Rights (UHR) is a nonprofit, international education program sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists. Thanks to this support, United for Human Rights educational materials are available free of charge to anyone wishing to use them to educate others on these fundamental rights. UHR was inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard's belief that "Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream."

For more information, watch Voices for Humanity, an original series featuring change-makers of all faiths, cultures, and nations who extend help to their communities through Scientology-sponsored humanitarian programs.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.youthforhumanrights.org

https://www.humanrights.com/course

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

VIDEO:

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/the-story-of-human-rights.html

https://www.scientology.tv/documentaries/30-rights-brought-to-life.html

Born in Iraq in 1974, Haetham Abdul-Razaq was 6 when war broke out between his country and Iran. "One common and fundamental principle is crucial to the well-being and prosperity of people, as well as the protection of their dignity, differences and ability," Abdul-Razaq said in an interview with United for Human Rights.

Related link: https://www.humanrights.com/

Quito Welcomes and Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in the City that Stands at the ‘Center of the World’

QUITO, Ecuador /ScoopCloud/ -- Built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city on the equator - the "center of the world" - named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art, cultural treasures and architectural marvels, Quito is a thriving metropolis of breathtaking beauty and year-round sunshine. And on February 17, the city added another distinction to its profile with the opening of the first Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in Ecuador.

The celebration began with a performance by the Jacchigua Ballet Folklórico Nacional del Ecuador of traditional Ecuadorian dances and a performance of "I Dare to Be Happy" and "Dance My Life" by popular singer-songwriter Fausto Miño.

Mission Director Ms. Cristina Betancourt welcomed distinguished guests and Scientologists who traveled from as far away as Colombia and Costa Rica to join the Quito congregation in the dedication of their new Mission.

"When a person is more able, more confident, more in communication with their environment," said Ms. Betancourt, "that person can create a better future and better conditions for the community. This is what every Ecuadorian is striving to accomplish in the quest for the best life possible for themselves, their family and society. Our Mission is here to serve the individual and the entire community, and we are honored to work shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded game changers to uplift every neighborhood."

She then introduced community leaders who partner with the Mission in its goal to uplift neighborhoods throughout Ecuador.

Guest speakers at the celebration were Commanding Inspector of the Metropolitan Police of Quito's Eugenio Espejo District, Inspector Eduardo Ruiz Gavilanes; Pastor Patricio Pena of the Anglican Church; Colonel José Vargas Alzamorra, Director of Education of the National Police of Ecuador; and Dr. Marcelo Montenegro.

Inspector Gavilanes described why he and his officers adopted the booklet The Way to Happiness, the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, to promote a culture of peace in the Metropolitan District of Quito.

"Your humanitarian programs make it possible to live in a better environment where everyone respects one another because they follow the precepts for successful coexistence," he said.

"The Ideal Mission of Quito is a catalyst for change, to bring more order and sanity to today's society," said Pastor Pena. "During the pandemic, my congregation, like that of all other churches, was hit hard by the lockdown. My parishioners were unable to come to the church and participate in the sacraments of their religion in person." He described how the Mission's Scientology Volunteer Ministers took on sanitizing his church making it possible for the congregation to attend church in safety. "I see this Ideal Mission as a promise of empowerment. Every one of us has the potential to be agents of change in people's lives and in their communities. This Ideal Mission is an invitation to all to be architects of a better world, a better society."

Colonel Vargas Aazmorra has worked with fellow National Police officers reaching thousands of people with the Truth About Drugs, the drug education campaign supported by the Church of Scientology. "More than 20,000 students nationwide have benefitted from material that empowers them to learn the truth about drugs," he said. "I would like to take a moment to honor and recognize L. Ron Hubbard, a visionary and Founder of Dianetics and Scientology. His unwavering dedication to the cause has etched an enduring imprint on the life of every individual fortunate enough to experience the transformative impact he has wielded. Thanks to his work, Quito Mission has positively impacted countless lives across this great country."

National Police Director of Education Montenegro described how he learned of United for Human Rights, an educational campaign supported by the Church, and he worked on a plan to strengthen the values of police officers using these materials at hundreds of conferences, each attended by thousands of police officers. These conferences not only strengthened the knowledge of human rights but also its practice as reflected by the actions of the officers in the community, reducing violence and crime by as much as 90 percent.

"I want to salute the valuable staff of this Mission," he said. "Thank you for being true guardians of L. Ron Hubbard's technology. It is you who make it possible for this knowledge to touch the mind and heart of every human being who comes in contact with it. With Scientology and your humanitarian campaigns, all of us have the necessary weapons to meet this great challenge of humanity."

With that, the ribbon came down, and guests entered the new Mission to see its facilities and find out more about Scientology, the Mission and its services.

Visitors are invited to tour the Mission's Public Information Display, featuring multimedia presentations of the basic beliefs and practices of Dianetics and Scientology as well as the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard.

As an Ideal Church of Scientology Mission, Quito is equipped with every facility needed to provide the full array of introductory Scientology services. These include the popular Life Improvement Courses through which anyone may find workable solutions to common challenges of everyday life, such as how to improve a marriage, successfully raise children, increase personal motivation, and set and achieve goals.

The Mission also offers seminars on a wide range of topics, including personal efficiency. The Hubbard Dianetics Seminar is based on Mr. Hubbard's watershed work Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, the bestselling book that reveals the source of one's nightmares, unreasonable fears and irrational behavior - the reactive mind - and how to conquer it.

Additionally, the Mission provides courses covering the full array of L. Ron Hubbard's books and recorded lectures, the Purification Program, developed by Mr. Hubbard to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, and spiritual counseling, known as auditing, to the State of Clear.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

https://www.thewaytohappiness.org

https://www.drugfreeworld.org

https://www.humanrights.com

https://www.scientology.tv

MULTIMEDIA:

https://www.scientology.tv

Built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city on the equator - the "center of the world" - named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art, cultural treasures and architectural marvels, Quito is a thriving metropolis of breathtaking beauty and year-round sunshine. And on February 17, the city added another distinction to its profile with the opening of the first Ideal Church of Scientology Mission in Ecuador.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/