Apostates need protecting from coercion, Humanists UK tells UN

Humanists UK has raised concern about coercive control and treatment of apostates at the hands of family members and religious communities, at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Delivered during an interactive dialogue with the UN’s Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, the intervention welcomed the recommendation that States uphold an absolute prohibition on coercion concerning religion or belief. Prohibition is needed to protect the rights to freedom of religion or belief and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment in accordance with international human rights law. Humanists UK reminded states that they have a positive obligation to prevent coercive actions by family and communities and called for appropriate training for all relevant public authorities.

The intervention was delivered via video by Humanists UK’s Faith to Faithless Services Manager, Donna Craine. Responding to the Special Rapporteur’s recommendation, she said:

‘Through Humanists UK’s Faith to Faithless programme, we see what happens to those in need of state protection when they leave a high-control religious group. Often referred to as ‘apostates’, they may be shunned by their family and community, losing their homes, employment, or even custody of their children. This can result in exceptional isolation and vulnerability to abuse. 

‘A 2021 study indicated a widespread culture of abuse hidden within the home, carried out under the guise of protecting or honouring a sense of religious tradition. Perpetrators are almost exclusively close family members, which means that victims are unlikely to report the abuse to the police.’

In her concluding remarks, the Special Rapporteur drew attention to her recommendation that  ‘States should consider the physical and psychological impact of coercion on victims and recognise the severity of the pain inflicted.’