Humanists are often at the forefront of many progressive battles, such as: secularism, democracy, women’s rights, LGBTI+ rights, freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, anti-racism and critical thinking. But sharing values like these can have serious consequences in many countries.
Your donation could provide a lifeline to someone with nowhere else to turn.
Every month, on average, we receive more than 20 requests for help from individuals across the globe who are at direct threat for voicing their humanist beliefs – and the number of requests is increasing all the time. Many of the requests for help come from Pakistan, Egypt and Iran, followed by many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
“My curious mind has led me to exploring questions about science and Humanist philosophy. Becoming an atheist as a result of my curiosity, and on some occasions, openly discussing scientific issues and evolution even with my closest friends has put me in trouble. In Afghanistan nothing ends without a reference to God. That reference to god always stopped me from further exploring things openly with people. So I had to explore and talk to like-minded people on social media and Facebook, with, of course, a pseudonym, and openly challenge them and openly ask questions to satisfy my curiosity. The problems I will be facing if my atheistic views become apparent will be too grave, not only from authorities but also from my work colleagues and even my family. When my colleagues go to the mosque to pray I have to go with them, to avoid suspicion or I may be brutally murdered“— a testimonial from the Freedom of Thought report
Thanks to our members and supporters, Humanists International is the only NGO that employs a dedicated Humanists at Risk caseworker. However it simply would not be possible to continue to provide this service without the ongoing support of the global humanist community.
Your donation could help to:
Pay for relocation costs: in most cases humanists at risk need money and trusted contacts to relocate to a safer place, either internally in their own country or abroad.- Cover living costs: often humanists at risk need financial support to survive while in hiding i.e. money to buy food, clothes, and to rent a temporary shelter where to hide.
- Hire legal assistance: in other more urgent cases humanists at risk need money to hire a lawyer ready to support them with legal advice in court or while in prison.
- Raise their cases in international fora: we need resources to attend meetings of the United Nations, the African Commission, the Council of Europe and other human rights bodies, and to put international pressure on governments who are persecuting humanists at risk in their own countries.
- Advocate on their behalf “behind the scenes”: non-public advocacy is an essential part of our work, particularly in the context of humanists at risk, where it is important to act with discretion and tact in order to preserve their safety.
