Celebrating 77th Anniversary of Human Rights at UN Geneva

“Human Rights and Peace – Better Together” Conference Puts Education and Cooperation at the Heart of Lasting Peace Conference at the Palais des Nations, promoted by Organizzazione per i Diritti Umani e la Tolleranza, explores the inseparable link between human rights and peace.

Geneva Human Rights Conference

GENEVA, Switzerland – The Palais des Nations in Geneva hosted the international conference “Human Rights and Peace – Better Together”. Organized by Organizzazione per i Diritti Umani e la Tolleranza, a UN ECOSOC-accredited NGO since 2017, in partnership with Dr. Mary Shuttleworth of United for Human Rights and Fundacion para la Mejora de la Vida la Cultura y la Socieded, the event gathered experts, academics, institutional representatives, educators, and civil-society organizations. They highlighted the connection between human rights protection and sustainable peace.

The conference emphasized that peace is not just the absence of conflict but includes justice, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Throughout the day, participants explored how integrating human rights into education, policy, and community life prevents violence, strengthens social cohesion, and consolidates trust in democratic institutions.

Addressing Human-Rights Challenges

Discussions began with an overview of ongoing human-rights issues. Speakers highlighted persistent discrimination, social exclusion, and abuses affecting vulnerable communities. The focus included migrants, refugees, minorities, and youth facing barriers to social, cultural, or economic participation.

Participants stressed that these problems must be addressed holistically. Policies should tackle root causes of inequality, ensure equal opportunities, and promote accountable institutions. International frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were cited as practical guides for shaping national and local policies.

Education as Peace Foundation

Fiorella Cerchiara, President of Organizzazione per i Diritti Umani e la Tolleranza, opened the morning session with academic and educational leaders. They emphasized the transformative role of human rights education in building just, resilient societies.

Speakers shared programs from schools, universities, and non-formal learning environments. Curricula, teacher-training initiatives, and youth projects help students understand rights, recognize discrimination, and advocate for others. Education was framed as a central pillar of peace, enabling youth to prevent violence and foster dialogue in daily life.

Freedom of Thought Panel

A dedicated panel, “Thinking Freely”, examined contemporary challenges related to freedom of thought, conscience and belief. It was chaired by Ivan Arjona-Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights. Panellists analysed how social polarization, stereotypes, hate speech and misinformation can undermine fundamental freedoms and erode trust between different communities. Among the speakers of this panel were Prof. Cristiana Cianitto – Research Center on Religious and Belief Minorities in Contemporary Legal Systems, University of Milan, ATLAS Project; Dott. Perparim Uxhi – Fondazione Fscire, ATLAS Project and Dr. Amjad Saleem, Manager for Strategic Engagement on Youth and Peace at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Experts, including Prof. Cristiana Cianitto and Dr. Amjad Saleem, shared insights on legal protections and practical tools to safeguard these freedoms. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions, civil society, and educational actors. Examples of dialogue platforms and mediation initiatives demonstrated how tensions can be reduced and mutual understanding encouraged.

Bridges of Cooperation Panel

The afternoon session focused on translating human-rights principles into tangible outcomes. Panelists highlighted the work of NGOs, community leaders, and cultural mediators in promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Local initiatives—from intercultural dialogue forums to community workshops—showed measurable improvements in peace, solidarity, and inclusion. Cooperation between schools, municipalities, NGOs, and international organizations ensures human rights standards adapt to diverse cultural and social contexts.

European Human-Rights Perspective

Ivan Arjona stressed the shared responsibility of protecting human rights. He noted that educators, civil-society organizations, and public institutions play a crucial role in promoting human dignity, equality, and freedom of conscience across Europe.

These remarks reflected broader European consensus: inclusive policies, active citizenship, and respect for diversity are essential to effective human-rights protection. Participants agreed that education and collaboration create a foundation for a more peaceful future.

Church of Scientology Engagement

The Church of Scientology has long supported human-rights education projects in schools, municipalities, and community organizations. Their efforts include working with diverse faith and belief communities to promote knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These projects emphasize making human rights practical in daily life. The Geneva conference, led by Organizzazione per i Diritti Umani e la Tolleranza, exemplifies collaboration between secular and faith-based stakeholders in advancing awareness, dialogue, and education.

About the Church of Scientology in Europe

The Church of Scientology, founded in the early 1950s by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, is present with over 11000 churches, missions, and groups worldwide, and with a strong presence throughout the European continent counting more than 140 churches and missions in at least 27 European nations, together with tons of communities of Scientologists and social-betterment groups. Across Europe, its members support initiatives in the fields of human rights education, drug prevention, moral education, and volunteer work, often in cooperation with public bodies and civil-society partners.

Recognition of Scientology as a charitable and bona fide religion has grown steadily over recent decades, with churches and missions obtaining various forms of legal recognition and religious or public-benefit status in a number of European states. The Church of Scientology, its missions, groups and members continue to contribute to education, prevention, and community-betterment efforts, working alongside others to uphold fundamental rights, dignity, and the rule of law.

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: 11122538889