Did You Know D.C. Area Groups Came Together at the Lincoln Memorial for the International Day of Peace?

Washington, D.C. – September 16, 2025 – Youth for Human Rights DC celebrated the International Day of Peace with a powerful series of events that began at one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks—the Lincoln Memorial.

Participants gathered for a peace walk, where volunteers signed a petition and engaged members of the public. Two passersby were so inspired by the initiative that they joined the group on the spot, donning Youth for Human Rights T-shirts before setting off. The walkers proceeded from the Lincoln Memorial to the World War II Memorial, carrying the message of peace and human rights along the National Mall. Organizations joining Youth for Human Rights DC were Four Directions, Military Children’s Six Foundation, Miss Africa USA, U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights and La Voz de Abril.

After the walk, all attendees were invited to the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. for an International Day of Peace Open House. Throughout the day, the Church’s Human Rights displays and award-winning public service announcements were open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore human rights education in action.

The formal program began with Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, delivering a welcoming address. She then introduced Chas Smith, External Affairs Director of the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C., who served as Master of Ceremonies. Smith shared the background of the International Day of Peace and highlighted this year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” He also provided an overview of the United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights campaigns.

In its longstanding tradition of championing the cause of freedom for all, the Church of Scientology and its members seek remedies through sponsorship of one of the world’s broadest human rights education and public information initiatives, United for Human Rights, and its program for young people, Youth for Human Rights.

The aims of these nonprofit, nonreligious organizations are twofold: Teach young people their inalienable rights, thus significantly increasing awareness in a single generation; and petition governments to implement and enforce the provisions of the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world’s preeminent human rights document, and mandate human rights education in schools.

United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights support myriad activities and provide educational resources in 17 languages that advance this initiative at all levels of society. These programs are widely embraced and used by schools and churches, civic and community groups, human rights organizations, police forces, armed forces, and governmental organizations worldwide.

Azhar Haq, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights DC, followed with statistics on human rights violations in the DMV area to underscore the urgent need for education and outreach. He then introduced the new President of Youth for Human Rights, Porscha Taylor, the former Miss Africa USA and now Honorary Queen Ambassador of Miss Africa USA. Taylor shared her enthusiasm for expanding these programs, emphasizing that “every person should know their human rights—young or old—and that this knowledge will create the peaceful world we all want.”

Attendees were also invited to share their own human rights experiences. Amanda Finch, author of The United States Constitution, Universal Declaration of Human Rights & The 50 States Part I and a member of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), spoke about her work connecting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the U.S. and state constitutions. She explained that many rights are already enshrined in existing laws and simply need to be upheld.

Haq closed his segment to issue a challenge: to see how much progress could be achieved in advancing human rights across the DMV area between now and Human Rights Day in December.

Finally, Chas Smith concluded the program with a call to action: “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” Attendees were invited to tour the Public Information Center to learn more about who the Church of Scientology is and what is it that the Church of Scientology does.

This event marked a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Peace—one that inspired participants and newcomers alike to take action in their own communities.

More information on Youth for Human Rights can be found at youthforhumanrights.org

More information on the Founding Church of Scientology can be found at scientology-washingtondc.org

More information on the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office can be found at www.scientology-washingtondc.org/about-us/national-affairs-office-dc.html

Contact:

External Affairs Director

Email: externalaffairsdc@scientology.net