KINGNEWSWIRE // In its efforts to defend rights around the world, the Church of Scientology plays an important role in the fight against human trafficking by raising awareness through campaigns and educational programs and by collaborating to international scale. Scientologists are actively involved in preventing exploitation and supporting survivors by upholding the values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as well as partnering with organizations that address exploitation. trafficking problem. Commitment to this cause was demonstrated at a town hall event for the Church of Scientology in Seattle where local and international professionals discussed the importance of education and laws to combat human trafficking while supporting people at risk.
A multidimensional approach to combating trafficking
The recent community event hosted by the Church of Scientology in Seattle brought attention to the concerning problem of trafficking, with a particular focus on child sex trafficking, in Washington state. The rally coincided with the United Nations International Human Rights Day and centered on the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.” Renowned speakers shared their ideas. Gathered for immediate action to combat this widespread problem.
Butch Yarnell captivated the audience with a speech during his opening remarks as Eastern Washington and Idaho Regional Coordinator for Shared Hope International. He highlighted Shared Hope International’s mission to combat sex trafficking through prevention efforts and interventions and highlighted the truth about trafficking in Washington. Yarnell stressed the importance of taking action and gaining legislative support to disrupt trafficking operations and provide assistance to those who have survived such ordeals.
In 2024, in Washington State, new laws were passed Senate Bill 6006 to have a strong impact on empowering survivors by providing civil protection orders and victim compensation without time limits while removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex trafficking cases. The mention of Seattle as a point in a trafficking network that extends to Honolulu and Canada highlights the continued need for vigilance and support on this issue, as Yarnell noted.
Youth education as a prevention tool
Dave Scattergood of Youth for Human Rights presented materials designed to educate young people about their essential human rights, inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). These resources consist of brochures, videos and a free online program accessible on the website of this international organization.
Scattergood highlighted the importance of education to end exploitation, saying: “It is essential that our young people are informed of their basic human rights to prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking crimes. humans.”
European outlook
On January 24, 2024, EUROSTAT published the 2022 statistics for human trafficking. Newly released data shows that 10,093 victims of human trafficking were registered in the EU in 2022, representing an increase of 41% compared to 2021.
Despite the growing number of victims recorded, the number of traffickers convicted remains significantly lower. In 2022, there were 2,097 convicted traffickers in the EU, reflecting a decrease of 16.7% compared to 2021. This disparity highlights the challenges of effectively prosecuting and convicting those involved in human trafficking.
In Europe’s Sphere of Influence Ivan Arjona, Scientology Representative to the European Union and the UN, has spoken on several occasions to urge authorities and civil society to adopt a unified strategy to combat human trafficking across the continent. Through different conversations and meetings, Arjona highlighted the importance of international partnerships and broad educational initiatives. “Human trafficking represents an unforgivable attack on fundamental human rights. In Europe, it is imperative to strengthen collaboration across borders, protect victims of trafficking, prosecute offenders and hold perpetrators to account with the full force of the law,” he emphasizes.
Arjona suggests increasing funding for community outreach efforts in at-risk areas and advises governments to take a tough stance on those involved in trafficking activities, while calling for giving to societal organizations civil society ways to involve young people in educational programs to combat human trafficking.
A global crisis with a local impact
The International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are victims of global forced labor, generating $236 billion in illegal profits annually. In Washington state alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 202 cases last year, involving 367 victims. These grim figures underscore the urgency of resolving this crisis on a local and global scale.
Scientology Founder L. Ronald Hubbard’s goals of making human rights a reality and not just an idealistic dream have been a driving force in the Church of Scientology’s commitment to promoting education and activism around human rights issues. Every church around the world plays a role in engaging with the community and supporting initiatives such as United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, establishing chapters wherever appropriate. possible. The original Voices for Humanity series on the Scientology Network documents the remarkable results achieved by the program.
The Seattle forum, like many Church of Scientology initiatives around the world, reinforces the importance of collective action to eradicate human trafficking. From legislative advocacy to education and community engagement, the path forward requires collaboration between governments, NGOs and civil society. As Ivan Arjona sums up well, “It is only through awareness, action and responsibility that we can hope to turn the tide against this modern slavery.”
Originally published in The European Times.
source link eu news
