UK can do more to protect global freedom of thought and belief, says Humanists UK

Humanists UK has welcomed a Private Members’ Bill that would make the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief a permanent position. 

The position – whose role is to promote global freedom of religion or belief, including the freedom to leave a religion, criticise religions, and express non-religious views – is currently a temporary role, appointed at the pleasure of the Prime Minister. It has no underpinning in statute.

The Private Members’ Bill, proposed by the current special envoy Fiona Bruce MP, would guarantee long-term government support in protecting freedom of thought, conscience, and belief across the world. 

Protecting freedom of thought

Humanists UK has always championed the human right to freedom of religion or belief.

Freedom of religion or belief, sometimes shortened to ‘FoRB’, is the term in human rights and legal parlance for the right that protects religious and non-religious people alike. It guarantees every person’s freedom to shape, develop, and freely express their own ultimate moral and existential views and convictions, whether they be religious or secular in nature. The only justified limitation on this right is when it is necessary to prevent harm or interference with the rights of others. 

The UK has responsibilities and legal commitments to defend and uphold these freedoms, as exemplified in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and treaties like the European Convention on Human Rights.

Non-religious people at risk of harm

In the discussion in the House of Commons, Catherine West MP recognised Humanists UK’s work on FoRB on behalf of non-religious people, saying:

‘the humanist society… does excellent work at an educational level to encourage the recognition of people who have no faith.’

Persecution against the non-religious is widespread across the world. Over 70% of people worldwide live in countries that ‘severely discriminate’ against the non-religious.

The international NGO Humanists International also works year-round with its member organisations to support humanists in desperate situations around the world and challenge laws which undermine their safety.

In its 12th annual survey of freedom of belief in law and policy around the world, Humanists International last month identified 11 countries where the state actively harasses and incites violence against non-religious people, 15 where it is illegal to be non-religious, 23 where non-religious people are banned from public office, and 87 where non-religious speech is punishable under blasphemy laws.

One of the most egregious examples of this discrimination is the imprisonment of Mubarak Bala, the President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, who has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for posting ‘blasphemous content’ on Facebook.

Humanists UK Director of Policy and Public Affairs Kathy Riddick said:

‘Freedom of religion or belief is an essential human right and one that we as humanists are passionate about promoting both at home and abroad. Making the special envoy role a permanent one is a key step towards developing the UK’s role as a global champion for FoRB, including for humanists.

‘The recent imprisonment of our Nigerian colleague Mubarak Bala serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to express their sincerely held views in societies that do not uphold these basic freedoms.’