Milan Human Rights Event Brings Community Leaders Together Around the Universal Declaration
Milan’s Church of Scientology recently hosted a human-rights event organized by the association Diritti Umani e Tolleranza, bringing together Latin American and African community leaders from northern Italy. Led by association president Fiorella Cerchiara, participants were recognised for completing the “Uniti per i Diritti Umani” (United for Human Rights) educational programme on the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, equipping them to promote dignity, equality and mutual respect within their own communities.
Human Rights Program Expands in Italy
MILAN, ITALY — Recently, the Church of Scientology of Milan hosted a human-rights gathering organized by the association Diritti Umani e Tolleranza (recognized with UN ECOSOC Consultative Status). The event brought together representatives of Latin American and African communities in northern Italy for training, recognition, and dialogue on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Fiorella Cerchiara, the association’s president, welcomed participants and highlighted the need for practical human-rights education in Milan’s diverse communities.
From Study to Action in Milan
Participants, including community leaders, volunteers, and association representatives, were honored for completing the full study of “Uniti per i Diritti Umani”, the Italian version of the United for Human Rights program. The course explains all 30 articles of the UDHR using accessible materials, short films, and practical tools. These resources are suitable for schools, youth groups, and neighborhood initiatives.
Graduates are now ready to bring the program into their own communities, churches, cultural associations, and informal networks. Several attendees shared plans for youth workshops, parent meetings, and joint activities with local institutions.
Milan offers a meaningful setting for this initiative. Official data from the Municipality of Milan show that over 300,000 of the city’s 1.4 million residents are foreign nationals, representing more than 21 percent of the population. Across the Metropolitan City of Milan, about 487,000 foreign residents make up roughly 15 percent of the population. At the national level, Italy hosts nearly 5.4 million foreign residents, close to 9 percent of its population. These communities help balance falling birth rates and an aging population.
Human Rights Challenges in Europe
Across the European Union, discrimination remains a concern. A recent Eurobarometer survey on discrimination found that most respondents against Roma, people of color, and ethnic minorities were widespread. Similarly, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights highlighted racism, harassment, and racial profiling experienced by people of African descent in its report “Being Black in the EU”.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) urges states to address racial profiling and segregation of Roma children in schools. Italy is among the countries encouraged to strengthen these safeguards. The Milan event stressed the importance of equipping local leaders with human-rights tools they can use in their own language and cultural context.
United for Human Rights Program
The “Uniti per i Diritti Umani” materials are part of United for Human Rights, a secular nonprofit program that provides educators and community groups with booklets, videos, and teaching guides on the UDHR in multiple languages. Sponsored by the Church of Scientology, these resources are open to people of all beliefs. Schools, associations, and human-rights organizations use them worldwide.
Milan’s initiative complements European efforts such as the Council of Europe’s Compass manual for human-rights education with young people and other portals that promote human-rights and citizenship learning for teachers and youth.
European Perspective on Human Rights
Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s EU representative, linked the Milan program to broader European concerns:
“Across Europe, migration, integration, and discrimination challenge our commitment to the UDHR. Milan shows a practical response. Community leaders — many migrants themselves — study all 30 articles and return home with tools to teach children, parents, and neighbors. This makes human rights part of daily life.”
He added, “Local work like this complements the efforts of the Council of Europe, EU institutions, and national authorities. Everyone, regardless of origin, should enjoy dignity and equal opportunities.”
Scientology’s Human-Rights Work in Europe
Human-rights education has long been a priority for the Scientology community. Founder L. Ron Hubbard stressed that “human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” In 2003, the Church established its European Public Affairs and Human Rights Office in Brussels. Today, it serves as a hub for cooperation with institutions, NGOs, and faith communities on freedom of belief, anti-discrimination, and human-rights education.
Scientology churches, missions, and groups across Europe support United for Human Rights and its youth branch, Youth for Human Rights International, through conferences, school presentations, and community events, including Human Rights Day on December 10.
Scientology’s Presence Across Europe
Founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has grown to more than 11,000 Scientology churches, missions, related organisations and affiliated groups in over 165 countries.. In Europe, it operates more than 140 centers, including a hub in Brussels that liaises with EU institutions. Recognized as a religion in several countries, Scientology also promotes secular initiatives such as United for Human Rights, Youth for Human Rights International, The Way to Happiness, and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World. These initiatives reflect the Church’s commitment to community improvement, dignity, and human-rights values.
Company Details
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org
Email: Send Email
Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103
City: Brussels
State: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Release Id: 03122538443