The 11th edition of the Freedom of Thought Report examines the link between state secularism and discrimination against non-religious people. Discrimination against humanists and non-religious people is most widespread in countries with less state secularism, where non-religious people are sometimes subjected to the most severe human rights violations.
“In many countries, humanists and non-religious people are persecuted for their beliefs,” explains Christiane Herrmann, board member of the HVD Bundesverband. “We must continue to work vigorously and with full force for the lives and well-being of these people. We must always raise our voices against discrimination and human rights violations.”
According to the Freedom of Thought Report, only four percent of the world’s population live in societies that are truly secular, in which there is a clear separation between religious and political authorities and which do not discriminate against any religion or ideological community. The report also documents a worldwide decline in the principle of secularism – which in turn is accompanied by a decline in the protection of human rights: 70 percent of the world’s population live in countries where the expression of humanist values is severely suppressed and where the full realization of freedom of religion or belief is impossible. Religious nationalism and conservative values are often deeply rooted in society. As a consequence, people who stray from the official faith usually face severe penalties.
The 11th Freedom of Thought Report can be downloaded here as a PDF or can be found on the website of Humanists International.
