Making
HUMAN RIGHTS A REALITY

At the new Church of Scientology International’s European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights, the Church conducts extensive human rights activities on a whole spectrum of issues.

Scientologists have, over the past five decades, worked tirelessly to defend and uphold human rights and religious freedoms — not only to preserve their own rights, but to guarantee the rights and freedoms of every citizen. In 1990, to ensure that the increasing integration of Europe was nourished by the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Church of Scientology International realised the need for a human rights office in Brussels, capital of the European Union. The office subsequently obtained the status of a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

From that office, the Church launched an ever-widening campaign to make both governments and the citizenry aware of the basic freedoms that are the inalienable rights of every man, woman and child. Representatives of the office have regularly participated in international human rights conferences and played an important role in coordinating the Church’s actions to promote and protect religious freedom and tolerance. To this end, they have worked in conjunction with other like-minded groups, nongovernmental organisations, governments and intergovernmental bodies. In addition to its strong stand for human rights, the Church has concentrated on forwarding its highly effective and proven social betterment programmes in the areas of drug and criminal rehabilitation, education, and in resurrecting common-sense moral values. These programmes have rapidly gained worldwide acclaim because they provide workable solutions for some of the worst ills troubling modern societies. Mr. Hubbard expressed the philosophic basis for the Church’s social work in these words: “A being is only as valuable as he can serve others.”

The Church of Scientology in Los Angeles, where the mother Church of the Scientology religion, Church of Scientology International, is located.

As of September 17, 2003, the Church dramatically stepped up its commitment to defend human rights in Europe by greatly expanding its resources and efforts, officially opening a new office building at rue de la Loi, 91, in Brussels’ European quarter. It is ideally located and easily accessible for visitors, within walking distance of the European Parliament and the European Commission.

At the new Church of Scientology International’s European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights, the Church conducts extensive human rights activities on a whole spectrum of issues. In addition, and understandably, the continual growth of the Scientology religion has led to more and more questions from the public, officials and the media about its history, tenets, ecclesiastical organisation and worldwide activities. Besides fulfilling our desire to expand our human rights and social betterment programmes, this new building also helps satisfy the people’s thirst for more information about the Church and the Scientology religion.

Located in Florida, the above is just one of the more than 30 buildings that comprise the largest Scientology religious retreat. Additional construction is well underway to provide the needed facilities to minister to a growing number of Scientology parishioners who come from all over the world to take part in services.

To that end, the new headquarters houses the first permanent European exhibition on the Scientology religion and the life of founder L. Ron Hubbard. Not simply a “walk-through,” this exhibit is interactive, with displays illustrating the practice of Scientology, the exceptional results achieved by social betterment organisations that use Mr. Hubbard’s discoveries, and the many acknowledgements received by Scientology organisations around the world. The Church welcomes visitors to the Brussels Office and anticipates that its new building will become a popular conference venue from which to launch effective human rights initiatives.

Besides fulfilling the purpose to expand the human rights and social betterment programmes of the Church, the new Office contains an expansive, informational exhibition that provides answers to questions about the Scientology religion.

The preservation of human rights and the effective resolution of social problems can only be accomplished through cooperative efforts of those who are truly concerned with the plight of those in need. Thus, our new centre was specifically located and designed to facilitate the development and coordination of those initiatives and programmes that will truly benefit human rights and social betterment on a broad scale throughout the continent.

As is common for all churches of Scientology around the world, the European Office for Public Affairs and Human Rights is open to the public. Visitors are always welcome, whether they have an interest in and want to learn more about the Scientology religion and its social programmes, or simply to enjoy a tour of this extraordinary facility. It is our intention that our new Office shall become a resource and focal point for those seeking to help their communities. The facility presents workable answers to the problems facing those active in the fields of religion, human rights and social betterment, and was designed for active use, so it will be a source for continued positive change throughout Europe and the world.