A Spark in Athens: Greeks Unite for Human Rights Awareness
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 19th Dec 2024 — In the heart of the city, beneath the watchful gaze of the Acropolis, a new movement is taking shape. On Sunday, December 15, 2024, 21 determined Greeks came together at Syntagma Square to declare a message loud and clear: Human rights are not just ideals—they are the foundation of a just and free society. Equipped with banners, booklets, and their unwavering voices, these volunteers walked the streets of Athens, calling for a renewed commitment to human rights.
This initiative, organized by the local branch of the International NGO United for Human Rights (UHR) and supported by the International Association of Scientologists (IAS), seeks to ensure that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is not only known but practiced. For many in Greece, a nation steeped in the ideals of democracy and freedom, this march resonated deeply.
Reviving the Greek Spirit of Advocacy
Greece has long been a cradle of human rights, from the ancient principles of democracy to its modern commitment to international conventions. This campaign serves as a reminder of that legacy. By emphasizing education as the key to protecting rights, the volunteers channelled the values that Greeks hold dear: solidarity, dignity, and freedom.
Gathering at Syntagma Square, a place symbolic of people’s voices and struggles, the volunteers marched through the city’s busiest commercial streets. They proclaimed each of the 30 articles of the UDHR, reminding Athenians that the only way to safeguard these rights is to truly understand them. Their message echoed in the streets: “Human rights are for everyone, and it starts with you!”
A Cultural Twist to Advocacy
The event wasn’t just a traditional march—it had a distinctly Greek flair. Volunteers borrowed microphones from two street bands performing to crowds in Monastiraki and Plaka, infusing their message with the vibrancy of local music and culture. Onlookers, many of whom were shopping or enjoying a Sunday stroll, stopped to listen and engage.
In total, 900 informational booklets were distributed to Athenians and tourists alike. Each booklet carried the promise of spreading awareness, one reader at a time. For Greeks, who have historically turned to education and dialogue to address challenges, this effort felt both familiar and inspiring.
While the march brought energy to the streets, the impact extended further through local media. During the event, Athens 9.84, one of the city’s most beloved radio stations, aired a live interview with the group’s spokesperson. Speaking directly to the people of Athens, the spokesperson highlighted the importance of turning human rights from lofty ideals into actionable realities.
The live broadcast connected the event with hundreds of thousands of listeners, sparking conversations in homes, cafes, and workplaces across the city. By reaching such a wide audience, the campaign ensured its message was not confined to Syntagma but resonated throughout Athens.
L. Ron Hubbard on Human Rights
The importance of this campaign is rooted in the guiding principles of the Church of Scientology, which has long championed the cause of human rights education. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, once said, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.” This quote encapsulates the essence of the event in Athens: turning awareness into action and ideals into reality.
The Church of Scientology’s support for campaigns like this reflects its belief that education is the cornerstone of social progress. “By teaching individuals about their rights and the rights of others, the Church aims to empower people to create a society that values freedom and dignity for all” said Ivan Arjona-Pelado, representative of Scientology to the European institutions and the United Nations, “and in every place where we have Scientologists, you will find these activities to educate society”.
This peaceful march is a testament to the resilience and passion of the Greek people. It marks the continuation of a movement aimed at reigniting a national dialogue around human rights. Volunteers from UHR are committed to making these rights more than just words on paper; they aim to weave them into the fabric of Greek society, “the campaign aims to emphasize that every citizen has a role to play if we want real implementation,” said Natalia Fasfali, responsible for the social activities of Scientology in Greece. From students and teachers to parents and community leaders, the message is clear: knowledge is power. By understanding the 30 articles of the UDHR, Greeks can protect not only their own rights but also the rights of their neighbours.
A Movement Rooted in Greek Values
As the birthplace of democracy, Greece has always been a beacon for human rights and social justice. This campaign taps into that legacy, calling on Greeks to lead by example once again. The volunteers’ march through Athens is not just a reminder of the past; it is a reason to do something for the future.
The streets of Athens witnessed more than a march on December 15. They saw the beginning of a movement—a movement that, like the phoenix, rises from the collective spirit of Greeks determined to protect and uphold the ideals that define humanity. Guided by the words of L. Ron Hubbard and the enduring values of their culture, Greeks are poised to lead the way in making human rights not just a hope but a reality.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
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