Original Source: humanists.uk
In a powerful statement that resonates with advocates for human rights, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has declared blasphemy laws as incompatible with fundamental freedoms. His report tackles urgent issues such as intolerance and discrimination based on beliefs. Humanists UK, a prominent member of the End Blasphemy Laws campaign, applauds this alignment with their mission to abolish blasphemy laws globally, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Blasphemy laws stand as a barrier against the innate rights afforded to individuals, suffocating freedom of expression and belief. These laws do not defend people’s dignity but instead create conditions where ideas and beliefs are held above constructive critique. They thwart meaningful dialogue by silencing dissenters, including humanists and atheists, who face severe repercussions for merely expressing their truths.
Across the globe, individuals—particularly those who identify as humanists—live in the shadow of these laws, facing dire consequences including imprisonment and even execution for their beliefs. Astonishingly, more than 45% of UN member states maintain such laws, fostering an environment where mob violence and vigilante justice can thrive under the guise of protecting religious sentiments. Humanists UK has persistently urged nations to align their legal frameworks with human rights standards by abolishing blasphemy laws.
The Rabat Plan of Action, promoted by Humanists UK, serves as a strategic guide to combat hatred rooted in religious differences. It firmly advocates for the repeal of blasphemy laws, recognizing their detrimental effects on the freedom of belief and the healthy exchange of ideas. Guterres’s report echoes this stance, asserting that restrictions on expression must solely protect individuals rather than shield outdated doctrines from scrutiny.
Richy Thompson, Humanists UK’s Director of Public Affairs, stresses the importance of the UN Secretary-General’s findings, expressing deep concern over attempts by some member states to misframe blasphemy laws as instruments for reducing hatred. In reality, these laws obstruct open discussions essential for fostering tolerance. Thompson emphasizes their commitment to championing human rights at the UN Human Rights Council, fighting for the repeal of blasphemy laws and the release of those unjustly imprisoned.
The topic of blasphemy laws has long been a point of contention in discussions about human rights. These laws, which exist in various forms across many countries, are often used to punish individuals who critique or reject religious doctrines, thereby undermining freedoms related to expression and belief. The UN Secretary-General’s report, along with advocacy from organizations like Humanists UK, highlights the urgent need for reform to align international legal standards with principles of human dignity and freedom.
The reaffirmation of blasphemy laws as incompatible with human rights signifies a crucial step towards advocating for freedom of expression and belief globally. The arguments put forth by the UN Secretary-General echo the concerns of many human rights advocates, stressing the stifling nature of these laws on healthy discourse. The continued fight by Humanists UK underscores the importance of persistent advocacy for the repeal of such laws and the protection of individuals’ rights.
