Human Rights Conference in Brescia, Italy, Focuses on Freedom of Religion

Church of Scientology Brescia and representatives from diverse religions and creeds spoke on the importance of the freedom of religion at a human rights conference in honor of Human Rights Day 2013

Religious leaders joined in an ecumenical tribute to human rights December 18 in a conference hosted by the Association for Human Rights and Tolerance. Panelists represented of many of Italy’s religious communities.

This year, Human Rights Day marked the 65th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world’s premier human rights document, which was adopted by the United Nations December 10, 1948.

Among the 30 rights proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is freedom of religion: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Each of the panelists gave their perspective on the importance of human rights. The Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology Brescia presented an overview of the human rights initiative supported by the Church, and the educational materials it makes available to any group or individual wishing to further the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Scientologists on five continents engage in collaborative efforts with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to bring about broad-scale awareness and implementation of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world’s premier human rights document.

The Church of Scientology has published a brochure, Scientology: How We Help—United for Human Rights, Making Human Rights a Global Reality, to meet requests for more information about the human rights education and awareness initiative the Church supports. To learn more, visit www.Scientology.org/humanrights.

Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,” and the Scientology religion is based on the principles of human rights. The Code of a Scientologist calls on all members of the religion to dedicate themselves “to support true humanitarian endeavors in the fields of human rights.”