Human Rights for Youth: Scientology’s Youth & Community Focus

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BRUSSELS — 29 January 2026 — The Church of Scientology-supported human-rights education programmes through United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International continue to frame the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a practical civic reference for everyday civic life, with a focus on youth, schools and community organisations throughout Europe.

The programmes are built on a clear premise: knowledge of rights supports respect for rights. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948, the UDHR lists 30 articles describing core rights and freedoms.

Those involved note a persistent “knowledge gap”: many people agree with human rights in principle but have limited familiarity with what the UDHR actually says, including topics such as non-discrimination, education and freedom of conscience.

United for Human Rights says it was launched around the 60th anniversary of the UDHR to provide educational tools that broaden awareness and encourage implementation of the Declaration. Youth for Human Rights International, founded in 2001 by educator Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, focuses on teaching young people about the UDHR and encouraging tolerance and peace in everyday settings.

Both initiatives emphasise education, aligning training and media resources with each of the UDHR’s 30 articles. They are established as nonreligious organisations and, with Scientology support, their materials are used by a range of bodies—from schools and civic groups to local partners—depending on context.

A recurring feature is a “toolkit” approach: adaptable media resources and structured learning tools designed for schools and community presentations. The package includes “The Story of Human Rights” documentary and a series of PSAs often described as “30 Rights, 30 Ads”. Materials are hosted online across 17 languages, supporting adaptation to local needs and age groups.

The Church of Scientology links its support for human-rights education to wider prevention- and education-based community initiatives. Official materials also cite L. Ron Hubbard and the Code of a Scientologist in relation to supporting humanitarian endeavours in the field of human rights.

Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology’s representative to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, said:

“Human rights are not strengthened only by legal texts; they are strengthened when people can news european union recognise them, explain them, and apply them in daily interactions—especially in schools and neighbourhoods where diversity is a lived reality. Europe’s democratic culture benefits when young people learn the UDHR’s principles early and see respect, equality and non-discrimination as practical responsibilities.”

For 2026, the focus is on making materials easy to use in real settings—clear language, modular tools and training that supports educators and community discussions without specialist legal expertise. In practice this includes training sessions, youth workshops, community discussions and partnerships with civil-society organisations engaged in inclusion, anti-bullying, equal treatment and intercultural dialogue.

The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. Scientology Europe reports a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany Slovakia and others, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by the national and international provisions of Freedom of Religion or belief.

More details in the full article: Human Rights for Youth: Scientology’s Community Focus.

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