Brunei must abolish death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy – Humanists UK at the UN

Humanists UK at the UN has called for Brunei to abolish the death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy. It has done so at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Humanists UK’s intervention welcomed Ireland’s recommendation that Brunei take this step in order to make sure freedom of religion or belief is upheld. Currently, those found guilty of insulting or defaming the Prophet Muhammad may receive a death sentence. Muslims renouncing Islam may also be convicted of ‘apostasy’, an offence also punishable by death. 

Humanists UK reminded states that this contradicts a UN Human Right Council resolution that urges all states that have not yet abolished the death penalty to ensure it is not imposed for specific forms of conduct, including blasphemy or apostasy.

The intervention was delivered via video by Humanists UK representative Alys Evans, who said:

‘We are aware of the continuing de facto moratorium on the death penalty, but remain deeply concerned that blasphemy and apostasy are capital crimes. While Brunei’s Constitution states that “all… religions may be practised in peace and harmony,” the Government continues to prohibit religious groups perceived as “deviant”, such as the Ahmadiyya Community, the Baha’i Faith and Jehovah’s Witnesses among others. In some cases, non-Muslims feel pressured to convert to Islam, in the workplace or within social groups, and fear social retribution if they do not.

‘We implore the Brunei Darussalam government to repeal the death penalty for blasphemy and apostasy, and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.’