Youth for Human Rights International Promoting Human Rights Education at Panafest 2005

July 28, 2005

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) and the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International are co-sponsoring a Youth for Human Rights Pan-African Youth Summit, and Human Rights Education Conference in Ghana as part of Panafest 2005. Representatives of YHRI groups from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leon, Zambia and Liberia are participating in these events, featuring a music DVD called "UNITED" and the launch of a new human rights education program for youth.

The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) 2005 is a cultural even dedicated to enhancement of the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the development of the African continent.

The nine-day festival which includes the participation of Africans from the Diaspora is promoting the re-emergence of African civilization, the preservation and uniting of the African family, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Ms. Mary Shuttleworth -- Director of Youth for Human Rights, and herself a native of South Africa – is participating in Panafest as part of the second annual Youth for Human Rights World Tour. On her way to Africa she held meetings and conferences in Mexico, Venezuela and the United Kingdom to promote human rights education for youth. Following the YHRI events at PANAFEST she continues on to New Delhi, India.

Ms. Shuttleworth is joined on this world tour by Taron Lexton, a young graduate director from Los Angeles Film School. Lexton filmed and directed the UNITED music DVD, which was featured this summer at the NY Independent Film & Video Festival 2005.