Freedom of Thought is hosted by the Chief Executive of Humanists International, Gary McLelland, and Senior Advocacy Officer, Leon Langdon. Drawing on Humanists International’s flagship Freedom of Thought Report, the podcast brings together researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and policy experts to unpack the realities facing humanists, atheists, and non-religious people across the world.
Gary McLelland, Chief Executive Officer of Humanists International, commented:
“I think it’s an exciting new opportunity for us to communicate the incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to represent, support and defends humanists around the world at international institutions, like the United Nations.”
Each episode explores key findings from the report alongside wider developments in international law, politics, and civil society. Through in-depth conversations and case studies, the show highlights where freedoms are under threat, where progress is being made, and what solidarity and advocacy can achieve.
In the first episode, available now, Gary and Leon introduce Humanists International as the global representative body at the heart of the humanist community and discuss how the international humanist network engages within the UN system.
Topics covered include:
The second episode will be available from Wednesday 25 February, coinciding with the launch of the Freedom of Thought Report 2025. Gary and Leon speak with Mubarak Bala, former President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, who spent nearly four and a half years in prison for so-called “blasphemous” posts on Facebook.
Freedom of Thought is produced by Humanise Live and offers clear, accessible insight into global freedom of thought issues for anyone interested in human rights, secularism, democracy, and evidence-based policy.
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