Reykjavik Declaration on the Family and Human Rights: A Humanist Perspective

Proposed by the General Assemblies of the European Humanist Federation, and Humanists International

As Humanists, we are particularly worried to notice a rising opposition to key fundamental rights, especially in the sphere of family law and family policies, and increasing attempts to impose a reactionary project of society in many countries. Against what we see as a surge of hate, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny, we advocate an inclusive society and call on humanists to resist the hijacking of our fundamental rights.

As Humanists, we want to build an inclusive society where everyone can live in dignity without fear of discrimination on any ground. A society where women fully enjoy their right to autonomy over their bodies; where LGBTI+ people enjoy equal rights and equal treatment, and can express their love with their gender identity openly; and where all families are respected and recognised, in their diverse forms and compositions.

We call on humanist organisations and progressive forces worldwide to reclaim the protection of life and of families by promoting loudly and clearly their vision of society. We also urge them to actively remind their government and regional bodies that:

1. Family is defined by the international community in an inclusive way so as to respect and protect its different forms and compositions.
2. There is a paramount need to protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, which requires access to safe and legal abortion as endorsed recently by the United Nations in a General Comment on the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Suggested academic reference

'Reykjavik Declaration on the Family and Human Rights: A Humanist Perspective', Humanists International, General Assembly, Reykjavik, Iceland, 2019