St. Petersburg, Florida - Jun. 19, 2010 - United for Human Rights (UHR) joined in the celebration of Juneteenth, an annual American holiday recognizing the eradication of slavery, using the opportunity to educate public on the fact that slavery stills exists in the form of human trafficking.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the State of Texas in 1865. “While that is certainly cause for celebration,” said Gracia Bennish, President of UHR, “The truth is that many persons remain enslaved in America today.”

Human trafficking is the third most lucrative illicit activity in the world, under only drug and arms dealing. In the United States, it is estimated some 17,500 to 20,000 victims are trafficked annually. Florida ranks third in the nation in human trafficking, with victims forced to work in prostitution, pornography and used as slave labor.

UHR is dedicated to implementing the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights at local, regional, national and international levels to educate individuals on their human rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN in 1948 to provide a foundation for human rights the world over. It defines 30 rights to which everyone, in any country on Earth, is entitled, including Article #4 – “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”

Juneteenth was commemorated this year in Campbell Park in South St. Petersburg and featured entertainment, African drum making and head wrapping for children, food, and other activities. United for Human Rights had an information table where volunteers provided informational booklets and DVDs.

About United for Human Rights (UHR)

United for Human Rights provides educational materials to raise public awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The uniqueness of UHR’s program lies in its educational materials created in collaboration with the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International. UHR’s materials include audio-video public service announcements and a video entitled “The Story of Human Rights”. The material is used in schools, churches, and various civic groups to educate children and adults so that they understand their human rights, and, armed with that knowledge, work to implement and protect those rights.

As humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard stated, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”

UHR supports the work of all human rights organizations and encourages them to unite toward the implementation of the Universal Declaration. Surveys have found that most people have only a limited understanding of human rights, thus UHR developed its educational programs and materials to combat this lack of understanding. UHR also supports governmental and legislative measures that advance the full implementation of the Declaration.

For more info visit: www.humanrights.com