Human Rights Youth Summit Set to Begin October 1st

September 12, 2005

The Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International and Youth for Human Rights International are holding the 2nd Annual Youth for Human Rights International Youth Summit, from October 1st to October 3rd 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

"Last year's summit at the United Nations was tremendously successful" said Mary Shuttleworth, Founder & President of Youth for Human Rights International, an organization with the purpose to educate youth in human rights so they become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace.

"We brought together young human rights advocates from 22 different countries around the world and gave them the opportunity to express their concerns and network with other young people who are as impassioned as they are to bringing about real human rights for all people."

To make sure delegates are empowered with greater ability to carry out their human rights campaigns, this year they will be getting hands-on experience of a kind that Los Angeles is famous for. On the first day, they will participate in a public relations workshop. Next is a filmmaking workshop on October 2nd at the LA Film School, followed by a human rights film festival which will include films created by the delegates themselves.

On October 3rd they will participate in a youth summit and a special celebration honoring Mahatma Gandhi and other great humanitarians of the 20th century.

"Last year on December 10th, Human Rights Day, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said 'Human rights education is much more than a lesson in schools or a theme for a day; it is a process to equip people with the tools they need to live lives of security and dignity.' It is in just this frame of reference that we have organized our summit this year," said Liesa Goodman, Human Rights Director of the Church of Scientology International. "It is our intention that the delegates return home with the skills and inspiration they need to bring about real social change in their areas."