New report by Humanists International examines the link between religion and the rise of authoritarianism around the world

In a new report, Humanists International explores how governments increasingly use religion to justify repression and undermine human rights.

Today marks the launch of Humanists International’s annual Freedom of Thought Report, which assesses how countries across the globe uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression.

This year’s report explores how religion is used to assert control and legitimize the erosion of human rights. While some countries have become more accepting of the non-religious and have adopted progressive policies, an increasing number of governments are undertaking authoritarian practices at the expense of the non-religious and religious minorities.

Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International

Reflecting on the tactics used by increasingly authoritarian governments, President of Humanists International, Maggie Ardiente says in the report,

“While they may present themselves as defenders of religious freedom and “traditional values,” in practice they often push for religious privilege by eroding the human rights of minority groups and dismantling independent democratic institutions.”

In Georgia, one of the countries highlighted in this year’s report, the governing party portrays itself as a protector of traditions and “family values.” While claiming to protect the Georgian Orthodox church, it has increasingly vilified human rights defenders, independent media organizations, and opposition politicians – labelling them as “blasphemers,” “enemies of the Church,” and “against Christian values.” At the same time, laws have been changed, and introduced, to restrict freedom of expression and criminalize peaceful protest.

Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria

In the foreword to the report, Mubarak Bala, former President of the Nigerian Humanist Association, describes his imprisonment by the Nigerian authorities for expressing his non-religious beliefs in a part of the country dominated by conservative religious ideology and Sharia law,

“In August 2021, the Kano state High Court formally charged me over so-called “blasphemous” social media posts that they claimed had disturbed public order. Just under a year later, I was given a lengthy prison sentence.”

He also shares in the report his experiences and explains how he was eventually freed,

“My family and friends had not given up on me. As I was in prison being forced to undertake religious practices I didn’t believe in, a global campaign was underway to secure my release.”

The United States also features in the Freedom of Thought Report, and historically received a relatively good rating as a consequence of strong constitutional protections in favor of freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. However, under the current administration, the country has experienced an unprecedented backsliding of democratic rights and fundamental freedoms. Those that criticize the government’s policies – and the conservative Christian ideology which underpin them – are frequently labelled as “anti-American.” Those expressing their right to freedom of expression are increasingly targeted and met with legal action or violence.

Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report seeks to bring attention to the discrimination and injustices that the non-religious and religious minorities encounter around the world. Our humanist principles and unwavering belief in dignity and human rights remain as strong as they have ever been.

In response to the silencing of human rights groups around the world by increasingly repressive authorities, Humanists International’s report seeks to counter the rhetoric of the religious right and expose their attacks against the hard-won rights and freedoms of many different groups in our societies.

For more information, please contact Nick Bull, Casework & Campaigns Manager, Humanists International, email: [email protected]

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Notes to editors:

Humanists International is the global representative democratic body of the humanist movement, which unites a diversity of humanist (and other non-religious) organizations and individuals. We want everyone to live a life of dignity in a world where universal human rights are respected and protected, including adherence to political secularism by all states. We work to build, support and represent the global humanist movement by defending human rights, particularly those pertaining to non-religious people, and promoting humanist values world-wide as exemplified in the Amsterdam Declaration (2002).

Humanists International, Inc. is a US not-for-profit 501-c(3) registered in New York (Registered address: 1821 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036). Humanists International is also the trading name of Humanists International 2020, a Scottish (UK) charity no. SC050629. Registered address: 272 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JR, UK.