A group of Nepalese human rights advocates, living in New York, are taking on the challenge of seeing that their countrymen are educated on their rights.

The announcement of the formation of the Nepal — USA Forum of Youth for Human Rights (N.U.F.) coincides with the visit to Nepal of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, whose mission is to guarantee the basic rights of the people of that nation.

Nepal’s human rights record, particularly in recent years, is poor, with over 13,000 people killed in 11 years of Maoist guerilla insurgency against the former government of Nepal, and an estimated 40,000 Nepalese children displaced over the course of the conflict.

The N.U.F. was formed to bring about real and lasting change and put an end to discrimination, social exclusion and other human rights violations in Nepal. They believe that basic human rights education in necessary to foster an attitude of tolerance and cooperation among the people of Nepal.

Youth for Human Rights International is an international network devoted to educating people about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. John Carmichael, of the Church of Scientology of New York, coordinator of the New York Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, and an advisor to N.U.F. pointed out, “Even though the UN adopted this declaration almost 60 years ago, hardly anyone can tell you what these rights are. People who don’t know their rights and responsibilities will never demand them or uphold them.”

The founding members of N.U.F. were inspired to create this group by last summer’s YHRI summit at the United Nations, where youth delegates from 40 countries met to work out strategies to implement in their countries to raise awareness of human rights. The theme of the conference was this quotation by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard: “Human Rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

Here’s the photo gallery of the new Chuch of Scientology, Berlin.

The German media seems to be having a cow as well.  Oh, well…

The formation of the new coalition was announced at a Human Rights Day commemoration event, hosted at the new Scientology headquarters on Queen Victoria Street in the City of London.

In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration to ensure mankind would never again be subjected to the kind of shocking atrocities spawned by the Second World War.

The formation of the new coalition was announced at a Human Rights Day commemoration event, hosted at the new Scientology headquarters on Queen Victoria Street in the City of London. Coalition president, Heidi Watson — CEO of the Damilola Taylor Trust— said, “Human Rights are the basic rules which humanity should follow as a matter of course – but which we tend to forget. If people of every creed and colour can re-embrace these simple truths we can form a platform to stand on together as a united society, and from there we can propagate peace.”

The event included a showing of 30 Public Service Announcements, each depicting one of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration. These PSAs were created by Youth for Human Rights International with a grant from the International Association of Scientologists, and can be viewed online at http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/watchads/index.html.

Depicting such basic and fundamental rights as, “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person,” “noone shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” and “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,” the PSAs pack the kind of emotional impact that brings human rights to life for people of all ages.

Olalekan Fatodu, coordinator for Young Professional Nigerians in the U.K, commented on the formation of the new coalition, saying, “Like-minded individuals have come together to proffer solutions to human rights on a large scale. It is exhilarating to be part of a coalition that cuts across religions, gender, race and colour barriers.”

Satwant Singh, of the Muslim/Sikh Federation, stated, “Youngsters haven’t been taught human rights in life. It is vital that we educate them so that despite atrocities that have been committed, our future generations understand their rights and we can live in a peaceful, safe world.”

The Human Rights Coordinator of Church of Scientology of London, Mike Ricketts, expressed his support for the new group, saying, “We were honoured to host this event today and to be part of a vitally important new group. Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, said ‘human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.’ The formation of this coalition can brings like-minded groups together to greatly increase the impact of our individual efforts.”

The Coalition plans a major event this summer, to bring together children from around London, from many religious and ethnic backgrounds, to celebrate and promote human rights using the arts.

http://scientologyvm.wordpress.com/2006/12/12/pics-showing-why-help-is-needed-in-philippines/

On this important day for mankind, the Church of Scientology International renews its commitment to strive to make human rights a reality for all, regardless of nationality, social status, race, color or creed.

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today we pay tribute to those who created this historic instrument to ensure that the tragedies and horrors of the Second World War would no longer be tolerated.

The Declaration is designed to foster respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and pays homage to the universality, indivisibility, and interdependence of human rights — rights that stop at no borders and apply to every man, woman and child on earth. The right to life, food, shelter, access to medical care, education, expression, association and freedom of religious belief must be guaranteed.

The Universal Declaration stands for the best in humanity. Men and women everywhere who bring hope and help to their fellows by small acts of kindness or selfless acts of bravery; caring for their families and communities or providing relief in times of disaster or war, and insisting on the rights of those who are oppressed no matter the personal risk — these are the people we honor today.

Human Rights Day is a time for all individuals and organizations to redouble their efforts in the struggle for human rights.

Scientology churches are dedicated to the fight for human rights, and will continue to strive – through activities, programs, events and publications – to accomplish the full implementation of the Universal Declaration.

We will not cease these efforts until human rights are achieved and enjoyed by all.

“Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” — L. Ron Hubbard

Newly ordained Scientology minister Rev. Maria Luisa Pérez performed the naming ceremony of her own granddaughter, at the Church of Scientology of Spain in Madrid.

Being ordained as a Scientology minister signals the completion of extensive training. But it also carries with it recognition by the Church that the ministerial candidate has demonstrated the highest ethical standards and a true commitment to helping others.

As in all Scientology ordinations, Maria pledged to honor the Scientology codes of conduct and set an example to other Scientologists by her ethics, tolerance and care.

Once ordained, a Scientology minister is entrusted to perform the various ceremonies of the Church, including weddings, memorial services, naming ceremonies and Sunday services, which were written by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, or are based on his works.

And the very next day was a particularly special one for the newly ordained Rev. Pérez — because the first service she officiated as a Scientology minister was the naming ceremony of her own granddaughter.

Through study and progress in the Scientology religion one comes to realize that the individual is an immortal, spiritual being whose experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. And the Scientology naming ceremony reflects this understanding, with the minister formally welcoming the child to his or her family and introducing the child to his or her new parents, godparents and the whole congregation.

“Alexandra is my fifth granddaughter,” said Rev. Pérez. “What an honor it was to be able to perform this ceremony.” And her sentiments were shared by the baby’s mother and father, who were moved by Maria Luisa’s advice that they see to Alexandra’s spiritual health and growth as well as her physical needs.

Super Typhoon Durian, now over Vietnam

Scientology Volunteer Ministers are urgently needed to join the relief effort in the Philippines.

Volunteer Ministers from Taiwan, Japan and Australia are traveling to the Philippines to help the people of the region recover from the devastating typhoon that ravaged the area leaving as many as 1,000 presumed dead and 40,000 homeless; and Scientology churches from around the world are assembling teams to join them.

On Thursday the 30th of November, the Philippines was struck by the typhoon. Landslides and floods have caused most of the deaths and destruction resulting in the President of the Philippines declaring a state of national calamity.

The most urgent relief needed at this point is the providing of food and supplies, particularly for those left homeless or in shelters.

The International Volunteer Ministers Coordinator has put out a call for volunteers and donations to help in the disaster relief effort.

The Scientology Mission of Manila is the headquarters for the Volunteer Ministers relief effort. From there volunteers will be dispatched to the disaster areas — 11 provinces in all throughout the area southeast of Manila.

With the need to respond with as many personnel as possible, the Volunteer Ministers Coordinator has specified that anyone who wants to help will be given disaster relief training and is welcome to join the teams.

To learn how you can participate in the Scientology Disaster Relief effort or to donate funds to help with the airfare and support of these volunteers on the ground, contact the Volunteer Ministers Coordinator or your local Scientology church or mission.

Contact information:
vm@volunteerministers.org
800.435.7498(US &Canada)
323-960-1949 (International callers)

Inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in his research into the effects of drugs on the mind and spirit, Scientologists are committed to helping youth make informed decisions about drug-free living.

The Truth about Drugs brochure and 10 new anti-drug booklets cover the most commonly abused drugs, including crystal meth (ICE), marijuana (the most frequently abused drug in Australia after alcohol), ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, LSD, crack, painkillers, Ritalin and even inhalants.

For the past 13 years the Drug Free Ambassadors (DFA) have been working in the community to bring the message of living a drug-free life to young people throughout Australia. Using these new materials, this charity has been organizing lectures to schools and other concerned organizations and community groups. They are also encouraging other groups and individuals to open DFA chapters, reprint the booklets and carry on this important work.

According to spokesman Cyrus Brooks, “Undertaking to handle the drug problem is no light task. It’s a David and Goliath venture, but if entire communities work together to solve the range of problems associated with drugs, significant strides can be made.”

“Governments at State and Federal level want more prevention and education,” Brooks goes on to say, “for example, the National Strategy on Drug Education endorses drug education, and it is built into the Ecstasy and Cocaine Prevention and Treatment Plan from NSW Health. The Drug Free Ambassadors are working straight down this line. Every youth who makes an informed decision that drugs don’t have to be part of his or her life is a step forward for all of us.”

Inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in his research into the effects of drugs on the mind and spirit, Scientologists are committed to helping help youth make informed decisions about drug-free living.

For more information, contact the Ambassadors group at info@drugfreeambassadors.com.au or 02 9692 7308.

Statistics Published last week in one Southern California school district show that:

A large percentage of 11th-graders admit to binge drinking or marijuana use.

Here the Drug-Free Marshals Coordinator of the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles administers the pledge to live a drug-free life.

Over the past year, of 90,000 public school students in one school system, one in five 11th-graders report they had five alcoholic drinks in a couple of hours, while 14 percent said they had smoked marijuana in the last month.

And what is really important about statistics like these is the effects of drug use on the lives and future of each of these young people.

One such story was featured in a drug-education booklet published recently, thanks to a grant from the International Association of Scientologists:

“During the whole time I was on drugs I destroyed everything I had built up and fought for in my life. I cut ties to all my drug-free friends and disconnected from my family, so I hadn’t any friends but my drug mates. Every day revolved around one thing: my plan for getting the money I needed for drugs. I would do everything possible to get my amphetamine—it was the only thing in my life.”

It’s because of what drugs do to the lives of kids that the Church of Scientology International created the Drug-Free Marshals program 13 years ago in the city of Los Angeles, California.

Aimed at reaching children before they experiment with harmful substances, Drug-Free Marshals groups are very easy to set up and anyone is welcome to start a chapter and use it to reach out to the kids in his or her area.

Over the years, this program has been adopted by cities around the world, but LA still boasts one of the most active chapters.

The Drug-Free Marshals work with police in cities around the world to get the word out to kids and get them to commit to living drug-free lives.

In recent weeks, the LA Drug-Free Marshals chapter, sponsored by the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, made a presentation to the Glendale City Council and participated in the 6th Annual South Central Prevention Coalition Day of Awareness Event and the KTLA Kids Day LA. They also worked with police in cities in and around LA, getting the word out to as many kids as possible, and helping them commit to living drug-free lives.

The Drug-Free Marshals was established in Los Angeles 13 years ago and LA still boasts one of the most active chapters.

The Drug-Free Marshals have kids take a pledge to stay drug-free and spread the word to their family and friends.Those taking the pledge get badges making them honorary marshals, like those of the deputy marshals of the Wild West. But these marshals use information, not guns, and theirs is a “license to help.”

For more information on how you can start your own chapter, contact the Foundation for a Drug-Free World 1-888-NO TO DRUGS or e-mail: info@drugfreeworld.org