Braulio Vargas exposes a hidden side of Costa Rica with an eye-opening account of the problems plaguing many of its citizens—from human trafficking to homelessness. His work is raising awareness of human rights and creating change across the nation.

“Costa Rica inspired the peace agreements that ended the Cold War in Central America, bringing stability to our region,” says Braulio Vargas, Executive Director of Youth for Human Rights Costa Rica, in an episode of the original series Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network. It is a beautiful country—a veritable paradise. But 22 percent of the population lives in poverty.  And human trafficking victims as young as 5 are sold into slavery in the sex trade. “This is the real Costa Rica,” says Vargas, “but there’s hope. Human Rights is the answer. And my goal is to bring tolerance and peace through education.”

 

Vargas put himself through school to become a lawyer so he could help restore rights to those for whom they had been denied. But progress was slow. And when he learned of Youth for Human Rights International, he realized this program contained the necessary component for raising the quality of life across his nation. Youth for Human Rights International educates people on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And uninformed people who don’t know their rights are easily abused. 

Youth for Human Rights International materials help people of all ages understand the 30 rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Creating a world where human rights are known and protected starts with effective educational programs that reach across all cultural and geographic boundaries. 

Beginning his work with Youth for Human Rights in 2014, Vargas embarked on a campaign to educate the entire nation on human rights—from farmhands to kids, whether attending school or living on the streets. His drive to infuse human rights into Costa Rican culture scored when the national soccer federation joined his team, promoting human rights on a massive scale. 

Vargas’ work has resulted in an important milestone. With the help of Youth for Human Rights International and the support of the Church of Scientology Mission of Costa Rica, in August 2021, the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica passed into law a bill mandating human rights education in schools throughout the country. 

Inspired by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s words that “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,” the Church of Scientology and Scientologists support Youth for Human Rights and make its educational materials available free of charge. For more information, watch a documentary on the history and activities of Youth for Human Rights International on Voices for Humanity on the Scientology Network.