London Gathering Marks International Day of Peace with Focus on Human Rights
A group of community leaders, humanitarian workers and peace advocates met at the Church of Scientology London for an event marking the UN International Day of Peace.
The meeting focused on the role that eu newsroom education, human rights and practical community involvement can play in building more peaceful societies.
This year's discussion reflected the United Nations emphasis on investing in peace through action by individuals, organisations and communities.
Lorna Marah, a Peace Ambassador and United Nations Women Advocate, told participants that peace requires conscious choices and sustained effort.
Marah stressed that peace is built deliberately through choices, leadership and compassion, describing every person as having a role in designing more peaceful communities.
Eleanor Daibowon Moore, founder of Eleanor’s Children Foundation, spoke about the relationship between peace, responsibility and support for vulnerable communities.
Suraiya Kassamally of Rotary Club London shared information about Rotary Peace Centers, where professionals are trained in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
A significant part of the meeting focused on the connection between peace and human rights.
Tracey Coleman, Community Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology London, said that knowledge of fundamental rights can help address bullying, discrimination and intolerance at community level.
She highlighted the educational work of Youth for Human Rights International, which presents the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in accessible materials for young people and educators.
The Church of Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, supports programmes in human rights education alongside other community and humanitarian activities.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, highlighted the importance of applying respect, dialogue and human rights in schools, neighbourhoods and institutions across Europe.
Read the full report on the London International Day of Peace round table.