This week marks more than 100 years since the radio was patented on June 2, 1896, an invention that changed the world and the ideas of Human Rights such as Right #19 “Freedom of Expression”. History was made when arctic explorer Robert E. Peary, in 1909, radio-telegraphed, "I found the Pole". Today, history is still being made through radio, as an array of human rights issues such as discrimination, religious beliefs, torture and other controversial subjects are discussed around the world on live radio.

The invention of the radio began with the discovery of "radio waves" - electromagnetic waves that have the capacity to transmit speech, music, and visual pictures invisibly through the air. The Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi is credited with the invention as he sent and received his first radio signal in Italy in 1895.

The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights #19 states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression: this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

“Although it is debatable when the first time a human voice was heard on radio,” explains Youth for Human Rights Florida Spokesperson, Arianna Lorenzini, “it is not debatable that despite more recent inventions of the television, the cell phone and the internet, people still express their opinions on radio today, making it an integral means for individuals to express their inherent rights.”

Youth for Human Rights Florida, a Chapter of Youth for Human Rights International, educates teachers, students and community groups about our 30 human rights with an award-winning educational program. The key component of the program is a youth-oriented video depiction of the 30 rights as identified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “The Story of Human Rights” is a powerful DVD that defines human rights and how they have matured from the past to the present. The program includes the impacting music video “UNITED”, which conveys a resolute message against bullying and promoting a respect for human rights. The Human Rights Department of The Church of Scientology is a proud supporter of Youth for Human Rights International. To see these videos for free, or to receive a free educators guide go to: www.youthforhumanrights.org.