Humanists UK has called upon the Afghanistan Government to ensure the rights of religion and belief minorities are protected by ending the use of the death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy, and by fully ratifying the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.
Speaking at the 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Humanists UK representative Farah Mohammed stated, ‘Afghanistan remains one of the 13 countries where blasphemy or apostasy is punishable by death. Expression of non-religious views is severely persecuted, or rendered almost impossible by severe social stigma, and is highly likely to be met with violence.’
Ms Mohammed told the Council that ‘we do not believe that progress towards establishing freedom of religion or belief can be achieved until constitutional protections are enforced across the whole of Afghanistan and constitutional precedence over Sharia law is fully established.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK press manager Casey-Ann Seaniger at casey@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3078.
Read Humanists UK’s intervention on Afghanistan.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 85,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.