International Human Rights Day Celebration at the Church ofScientology London Commemorates the 75th Anniversary of theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights

December 10th marked the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, the world’s premier human rights document. In celebration of this
milestone, the London Church of Scientology held a conference and festive
dinner on the theme of ‘Freedom, Equality and Justice for All’. At the heart of the event was the aim to educate and inspire community leaders to join the human rights education movement and help to create a world of tolerance, respect and peace.

Guest speakers included Sanjeev Kumar MBE, General Secretary of Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton, who spoke on the subject of ‘Seva’ (selfless service) and how his gurdwara assisted thousands of vulnerable local residents and key workers during the pandemic. They prepared and served food and conducted a special ‘Cooking on a budget’ training project, which engaged with diverse parts of the community. These projects demonstrated Human Rights Article No. 25 ‘Food and Shelter for All’ in practical action. The final speaker was Ali Javed, a Director of Stop the Trafficking Worldwide, who informed the audience about the global scale of modern trafficking and outlined the training his organisation provides on how to spot the signs of a
person being trafficked. This illuminated Human Right No. 4, ‘No Slavery and Human Right No. 5, ‘No Torture’.

Tracey Coleman, Public Relations Officer at the Church of Scientology briefed on the United for Human Rights resource materials, (sponsored by the Church of Scientology), which were created so that Human Rights education can happen effortlessly in any school, community group or organization. This included an Educator Kit, with lesson plans, posters and Human Rights videos. She encouraged attendees to raise awareness through human rights workshops in their communities. Tracey Coleman said “Teaching young people their rights helps create a new generation of leaders who know and live their rights and respect the rights of others. The first step is education, then we have to really live and apply these rights in our daily lives.”

Sanjeev Kumar, General Secretary General Secretary Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton (Luton Sikh Temple) said, “Faith is an important guide which teaches and inspires us on the path of doing good on a daily basis. Equality, social justice and freedom are often core principles aligning to the principles of Human Rights. We can draw inspiration from our many holy leaders too. Guru Nanak Dev Ji the Founder of the Sikh faith taught that, “Before you are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh of Christian…. be a human being.”

Ali Javed, Director Stop the trafficking said, “Human Rights are the cornerstone in combatting human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Upholding these rights ensures the protection of individuals from exploitation, abuse and forced labour. Human Rights frameworks provide the necessary tools to advocate, protect and empower those affected, serving as a power tool in the fight against these heinous violations against humanity.”

Scientology Churches and their members believe human rights education can create social change. They are inspired by author, humanitarian and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who wrote that, “human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”To learn more about United for Human Rights, visit www.scientology-london.org.uk. The purpose is to create a kinder, more decent society where all may enjoy their human rights. Or visit the London Church of Scientology at 146 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4BY.