Literature makes apparent and memorable that which makes us human in a way no other medium can, declared the award-winning author Philip Pullman as the second day of the World Humanist Congress drew to a close. Addressing delegates in Oxford, the city he immortalised in his profoundly humanist ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy Pullman said that ‘The arts… have a vital part to play in the life of our children… opening new worlds of possibility, delight, understanding…’ In an eloquent and wide-ranging talk on freedom of expression, the theme of the Congress, he hailed bloggers like those in Bangladesh who risk death for being outspoken.
Earlier in the day, delegates had joined speakers including the Nigerian human rights activist Leo Igwe and the scientist and libel reform campaigner Simon Singh to discuss challenges to free speech such as defamation litigation, government censorship and curbs on extreme pornography. Veteran human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was interviewed by Dame Joan Bakewell, whilst a highly topical debate on Islam and freedom of expression featured Maryam Nawazie and Kenan Malik and was chaired by British Humanist Association President Jim al-Khalili. Maajid Nawaz called for a thoughtful, coordinated response to the problems of Islamism, while Alom Shaha called on rationalists to challenge bigotry wherever they find it.
Another highlight was the ‘Against the Odds’ plenary, as three inspiring humanists spoke of confronting terrifying threats from censorious governments and private vigilantism. Agnes Ojera from the Ugandan Humanist Association declared that in Uganda ‘There is freedom of speech, but there is no freedom after speech… If you say you are not religious, you are considered the devil’s advocate.’ However she also said that ‘You have to use your own abilities to change your life. You don’t have to believe in a God to do that.’ Gulalai Ismail, whose developmental work in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Northen Pakistan saw her family targeted by armed Islamic extremists, said that ‘Even today I live in a country where I cannot say what I am thinking because I might be killed… Even dreaming of a life for yourself is a privilege. I have the responsibility to work for others to dream for themselves.’ Finally, the Bangladeshi blogger Asif Mohiuddin, spoke of how he was stabbed in the street after penning a supposedly ‘blasphemous’ entry, how he was beaten for being an apostate, put in jail and tortured by police. Even coming to the Congress he was harassed by police at the airport for his beliefs on religion and LGBT rights. But Asif was defiant: ‘I don’t think hate will change anything.’
The session, which visibly moved delegates, served as a sobering reminder of the challenges that we still face across the world in ensuring everyone’s basic right to free expression. Fittingly, Mohiuddin and Ismail were both honoured with special awards for their commitment to preserving free speech in overwhelmingly hostile environments.
Notes
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