International meeting in Washington DC to promote freedom of belief

Humanists International’s Chief Executive Gary McLelland, and Director of Advocacy Elizabeth O’Casey, will participate in a high-level international conference on freedom of religion or belief.

The meeting, in Washington DC, will be attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pomdeo, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, and other high-level politicians and diplomats. Among the attendees will be leaders from several civil society groups, including other humanist organisations, and UN representatives.

Gary McLelland, CEO of Humanists International

Speaking in Washington DC, ahead of the opening of the conference, McLelland said:

“We are delighted to be here in Washington DC for this important international event. It is an opportunity to highlight the critical cases of humanists at risk around the world.

“Working with the US authorities, other governments and civil society organizations, we seek to build a world where we can all be free to achieve our fullest, and where freedom of religion or belief is protected.

“I will especially use the opportunity to highlight the ongoing persecution of my friend and colleague Gulalai Ismail who is being harassed by authorities in Pakistan.”

Humanists International has repeatedly called for charges against human rights defender Gulalai Ismail to be lifted.