Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the eastern European country in 2022, crucial infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged and hundreds of thousands of people have been impacted by the ongoing fighting, creating an urgent need for humanitarian aid.
“Children and families already facing extreme daily stress are now forced to endure yet another winter during wartime,” said Munir Mammadzade, The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine.
According to UNICEF, Ukraine’s harsh winter conditions — often plunging to -20°C (-4°F) — together with the widespread destruction of housing, energy, and heating infrastructure, are making the cold season increasingly perilous for children.
The areas most affected by cold during the winter are primarily concentrated in northern and eastern Ukraine.
These include regions along the frontline and the northern border, specifically Chernihivska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, and Sumska.
Almost half of the families in Ukraine rely on centralized water supplied heated by gas or coal, however since 2022, local heating infrastructure has sustained nearly $2.5 billion in damage, reports the children’s relief agency.
To make matters worse, over the past three years, household poverty has risen by 15 per cent, now affecting over a third of Ukraine’s population, with children disproportionately impacted, around 70 per cent living in poverty.
UNICEF said the combination of rising poverty and harsh winter conditions significantly increases risks to children’s health and well-being, with one in five families reporting health problems linked to cold indoor temperatures.
Winter Response: lifesaving support
“We’re working with local partners to provide support to vulnerable families and to minimize the impact of the winter months by keeping essential services running to protect children’s lives,” added Mammadzade.
UNICEF Ukraine’s 2025-26 winter response plan focuses on the “efficacy of cash transfers” to households and schools, as well as the sustainable impact of local heating repairs and upgrades, including three core areas:
Cash for winterization assistance targeting 272,000 people, including around 122,000 children, from vulnerable households in frontline areas and children with specific needs such as child protection concerns.
Cash grants for 600 education facilities, covering some 250,000 students, to support winter-related expenditures.
Equipment and emergency repairs to strengthen district heating systems and ensure sustainable heating for one million people, including 170,000 children.
Challenges ahead
Challenges remain regarding limited funding, inconsistent access to certain regions, widespread infrastructure destruction, and the unpredictability of hostilities.
UNICEF is seeking $65 million to support over one million people, as part of the broader 2025–2026 UN winter response plan, which requires $277.7 million to continue delivering aid to the most vulnerable.
KINGNEWSWIRE / Press Release / Madrid, September 18, 2025 – Today Scientologists celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first legal incorporation of the Church of Scientology in Spain. This milestone commemorates nearly half a century of devotion to spiritual values, cultural enrichment, and humanitarian work, reflecting the Church’s enduring presence and positive impact in Spanish society.
The story of Scientology in Spain stretches back more than seventy years, to a time when its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, first set foot on Spanish soil.
In 1953, Mr Hubbard traveled through Spain, exploring Sitges, the narrow streets of Sevilla, and the rugged beauty of the Canary Islands among others. These early visits were more than a passing journey; they were moments of quiet reflection and exchange, where he shared ideas and began laying the spiritual foundations that would one day flourish into a global movement.
By 1967, Mr Hubbard’s vision had taken on a bold new form, as reminded by Prof. Francisco Díez de Velasco in his glossary of religions, with the creation of the Sea Organization, a religious order dedicated to expanding Scientology’s reach worldwide. From the decks of ships such as the Enchanter and the legendary Apollo, Spain’s harbors became gateways of connection and cooperation.
Las Palmas, Valencia, Cádiz, Ibiza, and Tenerife were not just stops on a map but living stages for cultural exchange. The Sea Organization’s presence was marked by both its spiritual mission and vibrant cultural activities, including the music of the Apollo Stars, a band formed by crew members whose concerts built bridges of goodwill wherever they performed, as reported by European Scientology representative in a scholarly article for specialized book published by Dykinson.
These early years wove together threads of exploration, faith, and community—seeds that would grow into today’s established Church of Scientology in Spain.
From Legal Recognition to National Growth
As Scientology’s presence grew, a pivotal moment came in 1980, when the Church achieved its first formal legal incorporation in Spain, as the Civil Association of Dianetics, the early book that started it all in Scientology. This provided the clarity and structure needed to expand its mission, offering Scientologists a recognized platform to serve both their parishioners and the broader society.
Over the following decades, the movement grew steadily, culminating in September 2004, when thousands gathered in central Madrid for the grand opening of the National Church of Scientology on Calle de Santa Catalina, a circa 5600 square meters, steps away from the Spanish Parliament, in testament to the openness and willingness of the church to do its part for a better society.
More than 6,000 attendees—including civic leaders, cultural figures, law enforcement, and members of the public—celebrated the opening of this striking facility, which became a beacon for spiritual life and humanitarian outreach.
At this historic event, Mr David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, addressed the congregation and the gathered crowd:
“Spain, and its people, held a very dear place in the heart of L. Ron Hubbard. If Spain was a land where our Founder lit a torch for freedom, it is also a land where you kept that torch alive. Through the darkest days, overcoming insurmountable obstacles against overwhelming odds, you demonstrated in action the essence of these words of our Founder: ‘The old must give way to the new, falsehood must become exposed by truth, and truth, though fought, always in the end prevails.’”
This message of perseverance and truth continues to resonate as Scientology celebrates its 45-year legacy in Spain.
In 2011, the Church undertook a major renovation of its Madrid headquarters, expanding spaces for education, training, cultural events, and community gatherings. The renewed facility became a dynamic center dedicated to service, cooperation, and shared purpose.
Humanitarian Programs: Deepening Social Contribution
As the Church’s spiritual foundations strengthened, its commitment to social service and humanitarian action grew, as inherent in the Scientology teachings. What began as small, local initiatives evolved into a nationwide network of programs that bring education, relief, and hope to thousands.
Fighting Drug Abuse: Prevention and Rehabilitation
Drug abuse devastates families and communities. Through the Truth About Drugs campaign, Scientology volunteers travel across Spain distributing clear, factual materials about the dangers of drugs. In cities like Valencia, these outreach events have empowered young people and parents to make informed choices and break cycles of addiction before they start.
For those already struggling, the Church and its members support Narconon centers, which provide rehabilitation programs based on the methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard—helping individuals reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society.
Building Careers: Education, Literacy, and Ethical Values
Education is fundamental to progress. Through Applied Scholastics, teachers and parents receive tools to improve literacy and study techniques, helping students overcome barriers to learning.
In addition, El Camino a la Felicidad (The Way to Happiness)—a secular guidebook of 21 common-sense principles for ethical living—is widely distributed in schools, community centers, and correctional facilities, promoting values like honesty, respect, and integrity.
Championing Human Rights
Scientology places a strong emphasis on human rights education. Through Unidos por los Derechos Humanos (United for Human Rights), the Church sponsors workshops and public campaigns teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These efforts foster understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity, reducing discrimination and social conflict.
Helping Hands: Charity and Community Support
Across Spain, Scientology volunteers engage in practical acts of compassion:
Organizing food, clothing, and toy drives for families in need.
Supporting blood donation campaigns for hospitals.
Partnering with organizations like the Red Cross, the Army, and many others, to assist vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
These efforts reflect the Church’s ongoing mission to be a reliable source of help and kindness wherever it is most needed.
Recognition and Collaboration
In recent years, the Church of Scientology and its foundation—the Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad (MEJORA)—have gained notable recognition for defending religious freedom and promoting pluralism.
Each year, the Religious Freedom Awards hosted at the Madrid headquarters bring together prominent jurists, academics, activists, and government officials. Attendees have included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Presidency, Law Enforcement, Embassies, NGOs, and leading universities across Spain.
At the 2024 ceremony, the Deputy Director General of Religious Freedom was among the high-profile participants, underscoring the importance of these events in strengthening Spain’s democratic values of coexistence, tolerance, and human dignity. Furthermore, the Church and its foundation collaborate with state institutions like the Fundación Pluralismo y Convivencia, which promotes religious diversity and interfaith dialogue. These partnerships reinforce Spain’s evolving commitment to a society where freedom of belief is respected and celebrated.
About the Church of Scientology Spain
The Church of Scientology Spain operates from its national headquarters in Madrid and through regional centers and community programs across the country.
Its foundation, MEJORA, holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC and leads projects in human rights, education, ethics, and cultural advancement, engaging with European institutions and global initiatives.
As Scientology celebrates 45 years in Spain, the Church and its foundation reaffirm their dedication to fostering understanding, defending religious freedom, and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. From its early beginnings to its nationwide network of humanitarian programs, it continues to serve as a beacon of hope and cooperation, working toward a future where compassion, education, and respect for diversity are the foundation of a thriving and peaceful society.
Kingnewswire / Press Communication / Madrid, September 18, 2025 – Today, Scientologists celebrate the 45th anniversary of the first legal constitution of the Church of Scientology in Spain. This important step commemorates almost half a century of dedication to spiritual values, cultural enrichment and humanitarian work, reflecting the sustainable presence and positive impact of the Church in Spanish society.
The history of Scientology in Spain dates back more than seventy years, at the time when its founder, L. Ron Hubbardset foot for the first time on Spanish soil.
In 1953, Mr. Hubbard traveled through Spain, exploring Sitges in particular, the narrow streets of Seville and the wild beauty of the Canary Islands. These first visits were more than a simple trip; They were moments of reflection and quiet exchange, during which he shared his ideas and began to lay the spiritual bases which one day gave birth to a world movement.
In 1967, Mr. Hubbard’s vision had taken a daring new form, as the Professor Francisco Díez de Velasco recalls in his glossary of religionswith the creation of Sea Organizationa religious order dedicated to the expansion of Scientology worldwide. From ships of ships such as theEnchant and the legendary ApolloSpanish ports have become entry doors for connection and cooperation.
Las Palmas, Valence, Cadiz, Ibiza and Ténérife were not only stages on a map, but living scenes of cultural exchanges. The presence of the SEA Organization was marked both by its spiritual mission and by its dynamic cultural activities, in particular the music of Apollo Starsa group formed by crew members whose concerts made it possible to create bonds of good will wherever they occurred, as reported by the European representative of Scientology in a Scientific article published in a specialized book published by Dykinson.
These first years have forged links between exploration, faith and the community, seeds which were going to give birth to the Church of Scientology as it exists today in Spain.
From legal recognition to national growth
While the presence of Scientology developed, a pivotal moment occurred in 1980when the church obtained its first official legal constitution In Spain, as a civil association of Dianetics, the first book that sparked everything in Scientology. This brought the clarity and the structure necessary for the expansion of its mission, offering Scientologists a platform recognized to serve both their parishioners and society in general.
During the following decades, the movement has developed regularly, to peak in September 2004when thousands of people gathered in central Madrid for theInauguration of the National Church of Scientology On the Calle de Santa Catalina, a building of around 5,600 square meters, a few steps from the Spanish Parliament, testifying to the opening and the will of the church to contribute to a better society.
More than 6,000 participants, including civic leaders, cultural personalities, representatives of the police and public members, celebrated the inauguration of this remarkable building, which has become a lighthouse for spiritual life and humanitarian action.
During this historic event, M. David Miscavigeecclesiastical chief of the religion of Scientology, addressed to the Assembly and the gathered crowd:
“Spain and its people occupied a very expensive place in the heart of L. Ron Hubbard. If Spain is the country where our founder has lit the flame of freedom, it is also the country where you maintained this living flame.
During the darkest days, overcoming insurmountable obstacles against all odds, you have demonstrated by your actions the very essence of our founder’s words:
“The old must give way to the new, the lie must be unmasked by the truth, and the truth, even if it is fought, always ends up prevailing. »»
This message of perseverance and truth continues to resonate while Scientology celebrates its 45 years of existence in Spain.
In 2011the church undertook a major renovation From its headquarters to Madrid, enlarging the spaces intended for education, training, cultural events and community rallies. Renovated facilities have become a dynamic center dedicated to service, cooperation and a common objective.
Humanitarian programs: deepen the social contribution
As the spiritual foundations of the Church reinforced, its commitment to social service and humanitarian action has increased, as recommended by the teachings of Scientology. What started as small local initiatives has turned into a national network of programs that provide education, rescue and hope to thousands of people.
Fight against drug addiction: prevention and rehabilitation
The drug addiction destroys families and communities. As part of the campaign The truth about drugsScientology volunteers travel through Spain to distribute clear and factual documents on the dangers of drugs. In cities like Valence, these awareness -raising events allowed young people and parents to make informed choices and break the cycle of dependence before it begins.
For those who are already in difficulty, the Church and its members support the Narconon centerswhich offer rehabilitation programs based on the methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard, thus helping individuals to resume their life in hand and to reintegrate into society.
Build a career: education, literacy and ethical values
Education is fundamental for progress. Thanks to Applied Scholasticsteachers and parents receive tools to improve literacy and study techniques, thus helping students overcome the obstacles to learning.
Furthermore, El Camino A La Felicidad (The path of happiness), a secular guide containing 21 principles of common sense for an ethical life, is widely distributed in schools, community centers and penal establishments, in order to promote values such as honesty, respect and integrity.
Defend human rights
Scientology attaches great importance tohuman rights education. Through Unidos por los derechos Humanos (United for Human Rights))the church sponsors workshops and public campaigns aimed at teaching Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These efforts promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity, thus reducing discrimination and social conflicts.
A helpful hand: charity and community support
Throughout Spain, Scientology volunteers engage in concrete compassion actions:
Organization of food, clothing and toys for families in need.
Support for blood donation campaigns for hospitals.
Partnership with organizations such as Red crossthe army and many others, to help vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly.
These efforts reflect the permanent mission of the Church, which consists in being a reliable source of help and benevolence where this is most necessary.
Recognition and collaboration
In recent years, the Church of Scientology and its foundation, the Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, the cultura y la sociedad (mejora)have acquired notable recognition for their defense of the religious freedom and their promotion of pluralism.
Each year, Religious Freedom Awards Organized at the Madrid headquarters bring together eminent lawyers, academics, activists and government officials. Among the participants were representatives of Ministry of Justiceof Ministry of Presidencypolice, embassies, NGOs and the main Spanish universities.
During the 2024 ceremony, the Deputy Director General of Religious Freedom was among high -level participants, stressing the importance of these events to strengthen Spanish democratic values of coexistence, tolerance and human dignity. In addition, the church and its foundation collaborate with public institutions such as the Fundación pluralismo y guestwhich promotes religious diversity and interconfessional dialogue. These partnerships strengthen the growing commitment of Spain in favor of a society where freedom of belief is respected and celebrated.
About the Church of Scientology of Spain
The Church of Scientology of Spain operates from its national headquarters in Madrid and through regional centers and community programs across the country.
Its foundation, Mejorabenefits from a special advisory status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council And leads projects in the fields of human rights, education, ethics and cultural progress, in collaboration with European institutions and global initiatives.
While Scientology celebrates its 45th anniversary in Spain, the Church and its foundation reaffirm their commitment to promote understanding, to defend religious freedom and to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. From its beginnings to its national network of humanitarian programs, it continues to be a lighthouse of hope and cooperation, working for a future where compassion, education and respect for diversity are the foundations of a prosperous and peaceful society.
“The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” insisted Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Danny Meron, dismissed the Commission’s “cherry-picked” findings outright, maintaining that the 70-plus page report “promotes a narrative serving Hamas and its supporters in attempting to delegitimize and demonize the state of Israel. The report falsely accuses Israel of genocidal intent, an allegation it cannot substantiate.”
At a press conference in Geneva, the Commission of Inquiry’s members Ms. Pillay and Chris Sidoti – who are not UN staff but instead appointed by the Human Rights Council’s 47 Member States – explained that their investigations into the war in Gaza beginning with Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023 had led to the conclusion that Israeli authorities and security forces “committed four of the five genocidal acts defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”.
These acts are:
Ms. Pillay maintained that responsibility for the atrocity crimes “lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons”, amid “explicit statements” denigrating Palestinians by Israeli civilian and military authorities.
The Commission also analysed conduct of Israeli authorities and the Israeli security forces in Gaza, “including imposing starvation and inhumane conditions of life for Palestinians in Gaza…genocidal intent was the only reasonable inference that could be concluded from the nature of their operations”, the panel said.
The Commission’s assertion follows its review of Israeli military operations in Gaza, “including killing and seriously harming unprecedented numbers of Palestinians” and the imposition of a “total siege, including blocking humanitarian aid leading to starvation”, it said.
According to the UN aid coordination wing, OCHA, nearly one million people remain in Gaza City, famine has been confirmed there, and residents face daily bombardment and “compromised access to means of survival after the Israeli military placed the entire city under a displacement order”.
For its latest report, the panel also examined what it called the “systematic destruction” of healthcare and education in Gaza and “systematic” acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians.
Justice call
In addition, the Commission of Inquiry reviewed the alleged “direct targeting” of children and Israel’s “disregarding [of] the orders of the International Court of Justice, which issued an order in March 2024 that Israel should take ‘all necessary and effective measures to ensure…the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians throughout Gaza’”.
“The international community cannot stay silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” said Ms. Pillay.
“When clear signs and evidence of genocide emerge, the absence of action to stop it amounts to complicity,” she added.
“All States are under a legal obligation to use all means that are reasonably available to them to stop the genocide in Gaza.”
Qatari dimension
In a related development on Tuesday, the Human Rights Council shuffled its schedule to make way for an urgent debate on last week’s Israeli strike on Hamas’s political leadership in Qatar.
The strike targeted a neighbourhood of the Qatari capital, Doha, reportedly killing six people including five members of Hamas and prompting widespread condemnation including from the Security Council and Secretary-General.
And at a Security Council meeting called in response to the strike, the UN’s political affairs chief told ambassadors the attack in violation of Qatar’s sovereignty was a serious threat to regional peace and security. It also undermined international mediation efforts to end the war in Gaza and return the hostages, said Rosemary DiCarlo.
In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and following the repeated violation of the airspace of our Member States by Russian drones, ZAPAD-2025 does not demonstrate a commitment to de-escalation and peace. The participation of other countries, especially from Belarus, in this context raises serious security concerns. The EU calls for full compliance with international agreements and remains vigilant regarding potential security threats.
A new United Nations health agency report also shows that in Europe in 2023, six in 10 doctors trained outside the region, while the number is even higher for nurses.
In light of these results – and the fact that many Western and northern countries become “strongly dependent” of these foreign workers – the WHO calls for a fairer and more sustainable migration of health workers.
Who is Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat said that each migrant doctor or nurse leaves “pressure on national families and health systems they have left behind.”
By 2030, Europe should have a deficit of nearly a million health workers, the United Nations agency said.
He noted that Romania has succeeded in reducing the number of doctors leaving the country in recent years, from 1,500 to 461, mainly by offering better conditions of remuneration, training and labor.
“Index index” shows the top of Switzerland, because China does the top 10
Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the Republic of Korea and Singapore are the most innovative countries in the world.
It is according to the United Nations agency the world intellectual property organization, Wipoof which Global innovation index 2025 shows that the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark are also in the Top 10-with China for the first time.
In other results, WIPO said that the growth in innovation investments slows down, “darken” future forecasts on intellectual property trends.
Middle income climbers
About 80 indicators are used for the United Nations report, ranging from research to research and development, in venture capital agreements, high-tech exports and intellectual property deposits.
The latest WIPO report shows that intermediate income savings led by China, India (38th) and Türkiye (43rd) – have continued to climb the scale of innovation by transforming ideas into reality.
Over the past five years, however, it was Saudi Arabia (46th), Qatar (48th), Brazil (52nd), Maurice (53rd), Bahrain (62nd) and Jordan (65th), who have made the fastest progress.
The report finds that Nigeria has not protected women and girls
Nigeria failed To make it enough to prevent targeted attacks against schools, not having criminalized abduction and marital rape – and on the protection of schoolgirls against kidnapping and stigma, according to a new report Of a key body of independent UN experts who monitor discrimination against women.
Repeated failure “is equivalent to systematic and serious violations”, women and girls’ rights, said the President of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw), Nahla Haidar on Wednesday.
The report was published Wednesday after a mission in the country in December 2023, where the members of the committee met with officials of various departments and agencies, armed forces and police representatives – and victims of kidnapping.
Chibok kidnapping
The mission initially received information on the mass removal Out of 276 girls at the Chibok school by Boko Haram in 2014. Eighty-two escaped, 103 were released in exchange for prisoners, while at least 91 are still in captivity, their fate is unknown.
The CEDAW delegation was the first United Nations organization to have visited the school since the kidnapping, according to school staff.
“The abduction of Chibok’s girls was not an isolated tragedy, but part of a mass kidnapping series targeting schools and communities,” said Haidar.
She added that “at least 1,400 students have been kidnapped from schools since the kidnapping of Chibok”.
The solar screen restored to the essential WHO on essential drugs praised as a life buoy for people with albinism
United Nations independent experts welcomed The Decision of the World Health Organization (WHO) to restore a sunscreen to its lists of models of essential drugs – those who meet the priority health needs of the populations.
They described this decision as “an important development in the long struggle to attract attention and find practical, effective and lasting remedies for unnecessary deaths caused by skin cancer in people with albinism”.
Skin cancer is the main cause of death for people with albinism worldwide – a preventable tragedy, experts have stressed, linked to poor conscience, limited access to sunscreen and slow institutional and government responses.
Rescue
They pointed out that WHO’s decision could “transform the daily life of people with albinism, including life expectancy”, but warned that its impact will depend on the political will of governments and the commitment to integrate sunscreen into national health systems and supply chains.
“Supply and access to sunscreen for people with albinism is not a cosmetic exercise. It is a fundamental human right, ”said experts.
The WHO’s decision also complies with the international obligations of states to prevent foreseeable human rights damage resulting from climate change and to protect the most affected by disproportion.
Amid reports of intensifying bombardment in Gaza City overnight, the Middle East crisis took centre stage at the UN on Tuesday, starting at the global body’s Geneva headquarters, where Israel rejected allegations of genocide by an international panel of independent human rights investigators. The development came ahead of an urgent debate at the Human Rights Council prompted by Israeli strikes on Hamas political leadership last week in Doha. UN News app users can follow live here.
