The Freedom of Thought Report 2025 analyses how religion is used to exert political control and legitimize the erosion of human rights. While some countries have become more open to non-religious people and are pursuing progressive political approaches, a growing number of governments are resorting to authoritarian practices, particularly at the expense of non-religious people and religious minorities.
This year’s “Key Countries” edition examines the situation in Bangladesh, El Salvador, Georgia, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Myanmar, Sudan and the USA. It analyzes the situation of non-religious people and religious minorities and assesses the state framework for freedom of opinion, religion and belief.
Katrin Raczynski, Spokesperson of the Board of the Humanist Association of Germany – Federal Association, explains: “An open society thrives on free thinking, doubt and criticism. Where states place religious dogma above fundamental and human rights, we must firmly object. Freedom of thought is not a cultural privilege, but a universal human right. If it is restricted, democracy and the rule of law are inevitably put at risk.”
Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International, warns against the strategies of increasingly authoritarian governments: “Even if they present themselves as defenders of religious freedom and ‘traditional values’, in practice they often push for religious privileges by undermining the human rights of minorities and destroying independent democratic institutions.”
In the foreword to the report, humanist and human rights activist Mubarak Bala describes his persecution in Nigeria. He was charged and sentenced to a long prison term for allegedly “blasphemous” social media posts. During his imprisonment, he was forced to engage in religious practices that he did not share. He was only released thanks to an international solidarity campaign.
The USA is also critically examined in the report. Despite strong constitutional guarantees for freedom of religion and freedom of expression, the report notes a clear regression in democratic rights and fundamental freedoms under the current government. Critics of the government are increasingly being defamed and freedom of expression is facing growing political and social attacks.
The Freedom of Thought Report 2025 is available on the Humanists International website.
