Church of Scientology of Moscow Wins Landmark Decision In European Court of Human Rights—Confirmation of Scientology's Religious Bona Fides by the Highest Court in Europe

April 5: In a unanimous landmark decision today, the European Court of Human Rights (First Section) found in favor of the Scientology religion, upholding the religious freedom of Scientologists throughout the forty-six nations that comprise the Council of Europe, in a precedent-setting ruling that will help guarantee these rights for people of all faiths.

The court overturned the Moscow City government's refusal to register the Church of Scientology of Moscow as a religious organization.

Standord Professors Terry L. Karl and James M. Patell Recognized for Exemplary Work in Volunteerism and Human Rights

April 3: Standford University has announced this year’s Miriam Aaron Roland Volunteer Service Prize recipients, to professors Terry L. Karl and James M. Patell.

The Roland Prize, established in 2004, honors Stanford faculty who in integrating academic scholarship with significant volunteer service to society, and recognizes faculty doing exemplary work at the community level, in nonprofits and NGOs, government service or philanthropy.

Youth for Human Rights: Forging a Bridge of Understanding and Tolerance

March 26: Despite all our resources in the 21st Century, as you read these words, some 20 armed conflicts are being waged on Earth.

According to U.S. government estimates, between 600,000 and 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders each year, with millions more forced, duped, or coerced into slavery within their own borders.

Nobel Lauriate Wangari Muta Maathai Awarded Jawaharlal Nehru award for International Understanding

March 22: Wangari Muta Maathai, the Nobel Peace Laureate of 2004, is this year’s recipient of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, an award instituted in 1965 by the Republic of India to acknowledge outstanding contribution to international understanding, goodwill and friendship.

In presenting the award, the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, described Professor Maathai as, ”an outstanding leader of Kenya, a symbol of empowered women of the world and a great environmentalist.”

Human Rights Conference Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Spain

March 15: The Scientology Creed begins with the statement, "We of the Church believe that all men or whatever race, color or creed were created with equal rights." And it was in that spirit that the Church of Scientology of Spain hosted a human rights forum at its Madrid headquarters last month — to accomplish these ideals by providing some of most prominent figures in the field the opportunity to share their ideas and coordinate their activities.

Human Rights Message Reaches 130,000 Viewers

March 14: When you order a Big Mac in Kiev in the Ukraine now, it not only comes with a coke and fries but a human rights message as well, as the Youth for Human Rights International public service announcements (PSAs) are airing every day in every McDonald's in that city.

Those buying books at the UN in New York and those arriving at the Johannesburg Airport in South Africa are likewise gaining understanding of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the PSAs are displayed on TV screens in these locations as well.

Youth for Human Rights Ads a Hit with Teachers at the Social Science Congress in Holland

February 28: Enthusiasm on the subject of human rights was the keynote last week when a team of dedicated young people attended the yearly social science congress in Eindhoven, Holland to promote human rights education to the teachers of their country.

The Netherlands chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, Jongeren voor Mensenrechten Nederland, is determined to raise awareness and activate the youth of their country to guarantee all the rights outlined in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Freedom of Expression Featured in MLK Human Rights Hero Award

February 1: Is artistic expression a human right?

According to Michelle Seward, US President of the International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, it absolutely is. So much so, that the recipient of the first annual Los Angeles Country Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Hero Award was Glenna Boltuch Avila, fine artist and Director of the CalArts Community Arts Partnership Program (CAP) for her work to enable inner city youth to exercise their right to artistic expression through art education.

Sydney Youth Decide to Make Human Rights a Fact

January 25: Sydney - Calling on Australia to play a more active role in establishing human rights at home and around the world, the Sydney Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International held a youth summit where local students gained a greater understanding of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and their responsibilities as citizens to ensure it is honoured.

Held at the New South Wales Parliament, the event was attended by 170 student, teachers, officials and community leaders, filling the hall to capacity.

Youth for Human Rights - Spreading the Message of Tolerance and Goodwill

January 24: You are never too young to learn your rights and responsibilities. That is a basic concept behind the Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) educational campaign.

With the help of the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International YHRI has created a series of informational materials to reach children and teens and educate them on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.