Defending humanists at risk
Can you imagine being killed by your government for giving up a faith – or for speaking ‘disrespectfully’ about a religion? Or being murdered by your fellow citizens, simply for saying you are a ‘humanist’?
Thanks to blasphemy and apostasy laws, that’s the threat many around the world are faced with. With our international networks and partners, we’re working to try to protect non-religious people the world over.
A threat to life and freedom of expression
In 12 countries around the world blasphemy or apostasy is a crime punishable by death. What’s more, apostasy and blasphemy laws are used to oppress and persecute people. They’re a huge threat to freedom of expression.
40% of UN member states have blasphemy laws. In 12 countries it is punishable by death.
Since we co-founded the international End Blasphemy Laws campaign in 2015, it has helped repeal blasphemy laws in…
- Norway
- Iceland
- Republic of Ireland
- Malta
- France
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Greece
- Scotland
We are fighting for freedoms around the world
We work through the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the UK Parliament, and internationally through the United Nations Human Rights Council. We’re also active members of Humanists International. With the help of these partners we:
- Speak to MPs and peers about the shocking violence against non-religious people and call upon the UK Government to protect individuals and communities at risk
- Contribute to Humanists International’s important worldwide research into non-religious persecution. Read the annual Freedom of Thought Report or the Humanists at Risk: Action Report 2020.
- Work to repeal the blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland, to set a better example internationally
- Support the End Blasphemy Laws campaign – most recently, Spain has committed to repeal its law
We are the only national humanist organisation that is accredited to speak at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Since 2012 we have spoken out in support of humanists at risk – as well as against religious and racial discrimination, for the rights of women and children, and against LGBT persecution.
