Like-minded groups get together to ensure that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is actually made known and used at all levels of society, in the true spirit in which it was created by the United Nations in 1948 following the atrocities of the Second World War
United Nations International Human Rights Day was today marked by the formation of the Coalition for Human Rights and Peace. The purpose of the Coalition is to coordinate and empower the activities of like-minded groups to ensure that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is actually made known and used at all levels of society, in the true spirit in which it was created by the United Nations in 1948 following the atrocities of the Second World War. The Coalition was formed at an event commemorating Human Rights Day, hosted by the Church of Scientology at the Church’s new London HQ on Queen Victoria Street in the City of London.
With continuing conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and – closer to home – threats of terrorist attacks and countless other examples of human rights violations, education on what human rights actually are has never been more needed.
As the new President for the Coalition, Heidi Watson (CEO of the Damilola Taylor Trust – see www.damilolataylortrust.org) 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 could 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 audio visual Public Service Announcements, depicting each of the articles of the Universal Declaration. These were created by Youth for Human Rights International and can be viewed at www.youthforhumanrights.org. The rights depicted include:
# ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’
# ‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person’
# ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of punishment’
# ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.’
These rights affect us all irrespective of our background, status, job or nationality.
Olalekan Fatodu, Co-ordinator for Young Professional Nigerians in the U.K said, “Like–minded individuals have chosen to come together under the umbrella to proffer solutions to issues associated with human rights on a large scale. It is quite exhilarating to be part of a coalition that cuts across religions, gender, race and colour barriers.”
Satwant Singh, of the Muslim / Sikh Federation, said, “Youngsters haven’t been taught human rights in life. It is vital that we educate them from the beginning in schools so that despite the atrocities that have been committed, we know that our future generations understand their rights and we can bring about a healthy community where human rights are respected and we can live in a peaceful, safe world.”
The Church of Scientology’s Human Rights Co-ordinator, Mike Ricketts, said, “We were honoured to host this event today and to be part of the formation of a vitally important new group. Our founder, L Ron Hubbard, inspired Scientologists around the world to champion human rights when he said that ‘human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,’ and the formation of this coalition today can play a major part in bringing this about. Bringing like-minded people and groups together can greatly increase the impact of our individual efforts.”
The Coalition is already planning a major event in the summer of next year, which will bring children from around London, from many religious and ethnic backgrounds, to celebrate and promote human rights using the arts.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Ricketts
Coalition for Human Rights and Peace
mrick3@aol.com
Submitted by:
John Wood
0777 152 0001
john@uptone.co.uk
www.uptone.co.uk
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