KINGNEWSWIRE // In its efforts to uphold rights worldwide the Church of Scientology plays a significant role in the fight, against human trafficking by raising awareness through campaigns and educational programs and collaborating internationally. Scientologists are actively involved in preventing exploitation and aiding survivors by advocating for the values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as well as partnering with organizations that address trafficking from its core. The commitment to this cause was showcased during a town hall event at the Church of Scientology in Seattle where both local and global professionals discussed the importance of education and laws in combating human trafficking while supporting those at risk.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Combat Trafficking
The recent community event held by the Church of Scientology in Seattle brought attention to the concerning problem of trafficking with a specific emphasis on child sex trafficking, in Washington state. The gathering coincided with UN International Human Rights Day and centred around the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.” Notable speakers shared insights. Rallied for immediate action to combat this widespread issue.
Butch Yarnell captivated the audience with a speech during his keynote address as the Eastern Washington & Idaho Regional Coordinator, for Shared Hope International. He shed light on the mission of Shared Hope International to combat sex trafficking through prevention efforts and interventions and highlighted the truth of trafficking in Washington. Yarnell stressed the importance of taking steps and garnering legislative support to disrupt trafficking operations and provide aid to those who have survived such ordeals.
In 2024 in Washington state there have been new laws passed with Senate Bill 6006 making a strong impact on empowering survivors by providing civil protection orders and victim compensation without time limits while also getting rid of the statute of limitations for prosecuting sex trafficking cases. The mention of Seattle as a point in a trafficking network that reaches as wide as Honolulu and Canada highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and support, for this issue as noted by Yarnell.
Youth Education as a Preventative Tool
Dave Scattergood from Youth for Human Rights presented materials designed to educate young individuals about their essential human rights inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). These resources consist of brochures, videos and a complimentary online program accessible on the website of this international organization.
Scattergood emphasized the importance of education in stopping exploitation by saying; “It is vital that our youth are educated on their basic human rights to help prevent them becoming victims of human trafficking crimes”.
European Perspectives
On 24 January 2024, EUROSTAT published the 2022 statistics for trafficking in human beings. The newly released data showed that 10,093 victims of trafficking in human beings were registered in the EU in 2022, representing a 41% increase compared to 2021.
Despite the rising number of registered victims, the number of convicted traffickers remains significantly lower. In 2022, there were 2,097 convicted traffickers in the EU, reflecting a 16.7% decrease compared to 2021. This disparity underscores the challenges in effectively prosecuting and convicting individuals involved in human trafficking.
In Europe’s sphere of influence Ivan Arjona, Scientology representative to the European Union and the UN, has spoken numerous times urging authorities and civil society for a unified strategy to tackle human trafficking throughout the continent. Through different conversations and meetings, Arjona has highlighted the importance of international partnerships and extensive educational initiatives. “Human trafficking represents an unforgivable infringement on fundamental human rights. In Europe it is imperative that we enhance collaboration across borders, safeguard victims of trafficking, prosecute offenders and hold perpetrators accountable with the full force of the law” he emphasizes.
Arjona suggests boosting funding for community outreach efforts in areas at risk and advises governments to take a tough stance on those involved in trafficking activities, while calling for empowering civil society organizations to engage youth in educational programs to fight against human trafficking.
A Global Crisis with Local Impact
The International Labor Organization estimates that 27.6 million individuals are trapped in forced labor worldwide, generating $236 billion annually in illegal profits. In Washington state alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 202 cases last year, involving 367 victims. These stark figures highlight the urgency of addressing this crisis on both local and global scales.
Scientology founder L. Ronald Hubbard‘s aims for human rights to become a reality and not just an idealistic dream, has been a driving force for the Church of Scientology’s dedication to promoting education and activism around human rights issues. Every church worldwide plays a role in engaging with the community and providing support for initiatives like United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, establishing chapters wherever possible. The original series Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network documents the remarkable results achieved by the program.
The Seattle forum, like many initiatives by the Church of Scientology worldwide, reinforces the importance of collective action in eradicating human trafficking. From legislative advocacy to education and community engagement, the path forward requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, and civil society. As Ivan Arjona well summarizes, “Only through awareness, action, and accountability can we hope to turn the tide against this modern-day slavery.”
