BRUSSELS — 29 January 2026 — Human-rights education efforts supported by the Church of Scientology through United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) continue to frame the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an easy-to-use reference for day-to-day civic life, with a focus on youth, schools and community organisations throughout Europe.
The approach rests on a simple idea: understanding rights helps strengthen respect for them. Adopted on 10 December 1948 by the UN General Assembly, the UDHR defines 30 articles describing core rights and freedoms.
Organisers point to a persistent “knowledge gap”: many people endorse human rights as a principle but do not know the UDHR’s specific articles, including topics such as non-discrimination, due process and freedom of thought.
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. YHRI, established in 2001 by educator Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, focuses on youth education about the UDHR and a culture of tolerance and peace.
Both initiatives emphasise education, aligning training and media resources with each of the UDHR’s 30 articles. With backing from the Church of Scientology, the nonreligious initiatives report their resources being used by educators and civic groups, with delivery shaped by local partnerships.
A consistent feature is a “toolkit” model: adaptable media resources and structured learning tools designed for classrooms, youth groups and community settings. The package includes “The Story of Human Rights” documentary and a series of PSAs aligned to each UDHR right, known as “30 Rights, 30 Ads”. Interactive websites host resources in 17 languages, helping educators adapt delivery to local audiences.
Scientology’s support for the programmes is presented within a broader set of social initiatives emphasising prevention and education. Church materials reference L. Ron Hubbard’s writings and the Code of a Scientologist as underscoring support for humanitarian work, including human-rights education.
Ivan Arjona-Pelado, Scientology’s representative to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United news eu parlament Nations, said:
“Human rights grow stronger when people can recognise them, explain them, and apply them in everyday interactions—particularly in schools and neighbourhoods where diversity is a daily reality. Europe’s democratic culture is strengthened when young people learn the UDHR early and treat respect, equality and non-discrimination as practical responsibilities.”
Looking into 2026, organisers stress practical usability—clear language, short formats and modular content that supports educators and community leaders without specialised legal training. Typical delivery includes educator briefings, youth workshops, community sessions and partnerships with civil-society groups working on 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.