Youth for Human Rights International
From Anonymoustoronto
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a Scientology front group. The organization promotes Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's writings on human rights and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, by sponsoring essay and art contests and by providing materials for students and teaching guides for schools.
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Connection to Scientology
Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) was founded by Scientologist Mary Shuttleworth:
"...Scientologist and educator Mary Shuttleworth, in coordination with the Church of Scientology International's Human Rights Department, founded Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) in August 2001." - http://www.scientology.org/humanrights/photo/youth-human-rights/index.htm (Retrieved February 19, 2009)
YHRI has not been forthcoming about its ties to Scientology. YHRI may sometimes deny that it belongs to Scientology, but Scientology's website openly features YHRI is part of Scientology's activities; this apparent contradiction is common for Scientology front groups.
By producing Public Service Announcement videos and making presentations in schools, YHRI hopes to associate themselves and Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard with legitimate human rights organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). In this way, they hope to gain credibility for Scientology, despite the many human rights abuses perpetrated by the organization.
The Church of Scientology has a record of human rights abuses against its own members. For example, the Church of Scientology maintains a 'disconnection policy', under which individuals within the Church are forbidden contact with those whom the Church deems to be a threat to its security. This policy is used by the Church of Scientology to separate families, creating a rift between those outside the Church and those trapped within it. Another example is the Church’s Rehabilitation Project Force (RPF) which functions like a system of slave labour camps set up by the Sea Org (Scientology’s elite staff), intended to rehabilitate Sea Org staff members who have not lived up to the Church’s expectations or who have violated certain policies. Many ex-Sea Org members have reported grueling and torturous treatment.
Activites in Toronto
YHRI has recently appeared at:
- Youth Day Toronto 2010 at Yonge-Dundas Square (July 25, 2010) [1], [2], [3]
- The Multicultural Fair at the Splendid Tower (February 27, 2010) [4]
- Annual Youth for Human Rights International Celebration, held at Valley Park Middle School, 130 Overlea Blvd., Toronto (December 4, 2009)[5], [6]
- Human Rights Assembly at St. Matthew Catholic School (February 8, 2008) with Nicole Crellin and Sarah Melody [7]
Activities in Canada
YHRI has also appeared at:
- the Annual Commemoration of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in Kitchener City Hall (Friday March 26, 2010) See 1:40 PM on this schedule
- Expression Against Oppression student event at the University of Waterloo (November 28, 2008) [8]
Known supporters and members (Canada)
Nazanin Afshin-Jam
Iranian-Canadian and former Miss World Canada, this model/musician/human rights activist is not known to be a Scientologist. However, she accepted an award from the Church of Scientology, Youth for Human Rights, and Artists for Human Rights: the "Hero for Human Rights Award" (or "Human Rights Hero Award"). She is currently serving on the board of directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Teresa Cheung
Socialite and actress. Like Nazanin Afshin-Jam, she accepted a "Human Rights Hero Award" in July 2006 from YHRI but for no apparent contribution to the advancement of human rights. She was also made an "international ambassador" for YHRI.
Nicole Crellin
Scientologist, community outreach coordinator for Youth for Human Rights International, and Human Rights Director of the Church of Scientology of Toronto. Email: ncrellin@sympatico.ca
Larry Densmore
Scientologist, joined staff in 1972, auditor.
Tylaine Duggan
Youth events promotor. Her annual "Youth Day" in Toronto has been a platform for Youth for Human Rights International to showcase their speakers, musicians, and booklets. Ms. Duggan was apprised of YHRI's connection to Scientology and their human rights abuses by Anonymous Toronto but she continues to promote YHRI.
Tyler Hynes
Actor, Canadian spokesperson for YHRI.
Amanda Mallet
Model and Youth VP of YHRI.
Sarah Melody
Canadian singer and spokesperson for YHRI.
Maxim Weithers
Vice President for Marketing of Youth for Human Rights Canada
Organizations affiliated with YHRI
- Artists for Human Rights
- Artists for a Better World
- UNITED for Human Rights
- African Leadership Campaign
- Youth for Human Rights International Racing Team, [10]
- HumanRights.com
- International Foundation for Human Rights and Tolerance, Wikipedia article
How you can help
Get the truth about Scientology
To learn more about the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Church of Scientology, visit:
Protest Scientology
Join real human rights organizations
Learn more about human rights
See also
External links
News reports
- Brumby Government bans group linked to Church of Scientology from Victorian schools Herald Sun (November 28, 2009)
- Scientology targets young kids The Daily Telegraph (November 22, 2009)
- School unaware of link to Scientologists, Vancouver Sun (June 11, 2008)
- Unwitting high-schoolers lured to forum run by Scientologists, The Sydney Morning Herald (March 28, 2007) - YHRI tries to recruit students in Australia.
- Scientology website recommended by Education Ministry, The Vancouver Sun (February 3, 2009)
- Ministry won't delist scientology website, The Vancouver Sun (February 4, 2009)
- Ministry publication comes under fire, The Vancouver Sun (February 11, 2009) - about Youth for Human Rights International [11]
- Should Scientology website be used in B.C. public schools?, Macleans (February 11, 2009) - Macleans.ca blog
- I'm sure B.C. kids need Scientology's help, The Province (January 29, 2009)
