Humanists International submission cited by United Nations Secretary-General
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Original Link: https://humanists.international/2024/11/humanists-international-submission-cited-by-united-nations-secretary-general/
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Organization: Humanists International
Organization Description: Humanists International is the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement. Inspired by humanist values, we are optimistic for a world where everyone can have a dignified and fulfilling life. We build, support and represent the global humanist movement and work to champion human rights and secularism. We support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has cited a submission made by Humanists International in his report on countering intolerance, underscoring that “blasphemy” laws are incompatible with international law
The Secretary-General’s report on “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons, based on religion or belief” was delivered as part of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Report discussed this issue from numerous angles, but crucially, one of the Secretary-General’s nine concluding observations included the important affirmation that “blasphemy” laws are incompatible with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Another conclusion of the Report highlighted the role of the “Faith for Rights” framework, at which Humanists International is a regular participant.
The submission made by Humanists International was one of two submissions by the organization to the UN on the issue of “blasphemy” and the right to freedom of religion or belief in May of this year. The other submission was to the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. The Secretary-General cited Humanists International’s focus on the use of the six-part Rabat threshold when considering the potential criminalization of certain actions. The Secretary-General’s report also focused on Humanists International’s recommendations for alternatives to criminalization, such as positive counterspeech, education initiatives, and addressing the root causes of hatred.
The report was requested by Resolution 28/214, which was adopted without a vote on 22 December 2023. The Resolution affirmed many of the human rights principles regarding the combating of intolerance based on religion or belief. The Resolution was brought by Egypt, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. A similar resolution, known as the 16/18 Resolution, has been brought to the table at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, in parallel with the European Union’s annual Resolution on the right to freedom of religion or belief.
Every year, the UN Secretary-General produces several reports, as requested by specific resolutions of the UN, which outline the state of current human rights issues, trending topics within rights issues, and recommendations for how to combat the prevailing challenges.
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