Universal Children’s Day Recognized with Human Rights Video

In honor of Universal Children’s Day on Saturday November 20th, the Founding Church of Scientology and Youth for Human Rights International is releasing a 5-minute music video dealing head-on with gang violence and bullying among youths.

Entitled UNITED, the video portrays children banding together to defeat bullies in school and playground settings and even extending friendship to a gang leader. “It is a very real portrayal of things our youth are faced with today and how to apply Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” said Rev. Susan Taylor, spokesperson for the Church. “That article that tells us that all people are born free and equal and we should act towards others in a spirit of brotherhood.”

The video features cameo appearances from soul legend Isaac Hayes, movie actress Erica Christensen and TV actresses Catherine Bell, Jenna Elfman and Lynsey Bartilson. Filmed this year in 14 countries, the video also features a multi-ethnic cast of more than 150 actors, primarily youths.

Mr. Craig Mokhiber, Deputy Director, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations described the work as “brilliant” and “an important contribution to human rights education”.

In Washington DC, there were 2,599 arrests of juveniles last year. “While crime statistics are improving in the DC area, the number of juveniles getting caught up in the criminal justice system is still too high. This video is aimed at this population in order to promote tolerance and respect for each other”, said Rev. Taylor. “We want to make it available widely and invite everyone to see it.”

For information on showings, contact the Founding Church at http://www.scientology-washingtondc.org/ The video can be viewed at http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/. More information on human rights activities is available at www.scientology.net/humanrights/.

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Contact Information

Susan Taylor

Public Affairs Director

Church of Scientology

Contact via E-mail