Campaign Champions “Peace Through Human Rights”

Public appreciation for human rights bodes greater peace, tolerance and happiness in the United Kingdom

Headline after bloody headline this past year has illustrated the formula for social strife in the 21st century. Threats of unexpected violence and terrorism have become a daily fact of life in many countries.

In an attempt to increase national security in the wake of September 11, 2001, nations throughout Europe and around the world have taken measures that, as a consequence, have curtailed personal freedoms, such as indefinite detaining of foreign nationals and broadened surveillance of citizens.

This has fuelled concerns in the international community that such attempts to step up security will only lead to rampant human rights violations and further curtailment of personal freedoms.

A Universal Solution

Recognizing that any nation‘s best guarantee of security and personal freedom for all its citizens lies in the advance of human rights, the Church of Scientology has launched a new public service campaign in Europe. Under the banner of “Peace Through Human Rights,” this campaign seeks to increase awareness of, and support for, human rights.

The Church has been a leading advocate for human rights for decades, but with this new campaign for 2003 it focuses on empowering and advancing the rights of all citizens through broad enlightenment on the core provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Surveys today show that the vast majority of individuals lack an understanding of what human rights are. Yet surveys also show that, no matter what country, people want to better understand those rights and protections.

In order to make these humanitarian basics broadly known and understood at this tense moment in history, the Church‘s “Peace Through Human Rights” education campaign relies heavily upon the dissemination of three small publications which are being distributed in 15 languages.

The “Guidebook to Peace Through Human Rights” for adults contains a brief history of the Declaration, a simple explanation of its articles, the full text of the document itself, as well as simple ways an individual can apply the insights in these articles to improve the concept of human rights around him.

“What Are Human Rights?“, produced by Youth for Human Rights International, educates children on the basic provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the importance of protecting and applying them. It contains a simplified explanation of the Declaration and is fully illustrated.

“Through this booklet, we‘re offering our children a tool with which to create a new world,” says Lisa Stumbke, spokesperson for the new “Peace Through Human Rights” campaign in the U.K. “We must commit ourselves to help them get the job done.”

“How to Resolve Conflicts,” based on humanitarian works and discoveries of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is an immensely valuable tool that enables one to resolve any conflict, be it between neighbours, co-workers or even nations.

Promoting Respect for Others

Over the years, the Church of Scientology has sponsored European-wide marathons, marches, conferences and many other events in support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The new campaign will reach a broader audience, via magazine and newspaper ads, on billboards and posters, all with messages of tolerance, human rights and peace. Included are quotes from Mr. Hubbard, such as: “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream” and “Ideas, and not battles, mark the forward progress of mankind,” and “On the day we can fully trust each other, there will be peace on earth.”

For copies of the booklets “What are Human Rights?” “A Guidebook to Peace Through Human Rights,” or “How to Resolve Conflicts,” contact Freedom, c/o Church of Scientology at Saint Hill, Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4JY. Tel: 01342 318 229