To carry forward this commitment to human rights, the Church and concerned Scientologists have founded a number of non-profit organisations that seek social reform on many fronts.

CCHR is one of these. Its responsibility is clearly defined in the codes and creeds under which Scientologists unite. The Code of a Scientologist, written by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard, urges members “To expose and help abolish any and all physically damaging practises in the field of mental health”, “to help clean up and keep clean the field of mental health” and “to bring about an atmosphere of safety and security in the field of mental health by eradicating its abuses and brutality”.

With more than 130 chapters in 34 countries, CCHR has become a powerful human rights advocacy group. It has spent the last three and a half decades assisting thousands of victims of psychiatric abuse, protecting civil liberties, and aiding those who seek effective and humane medical solutions for mental health-related difficulties.

A 1986 report presented by Erica-Irene A. Daes, Special Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, refers to the reforms accomplished by CCHR in the field of mental health, stating: “CCHR has been responsible for many great reforms. At least thirty bills (now more than 120) throughout the world, which would otherwise have inhibited the rights of patients, or would have given psychiatry the power to commit minority groups and individuals against their will, have been defeated by CCHR actions.”

To that end, CCHR chapters exist in most major cities across Europe, investigating human rights violations, publishing and exhibiting the results of investigations, producing documentaries and organising broad information campaigns, acting as advocates for patients’ rights, coordinating and networking legislative and reform activities—all functions needed to accomplish the goal of cleaning up the field of mental health.