Humanism is a way of thinking and living that aims to bring out the best in people, so that all people may have the best in life. Humanists reject all supernatural and authoritarian beliefs and believe that we must take responsibility for our own lives and for the community and world in which we live. The humanist life-stance emphasises rational and scientific inquiry, individual freedom and responsibility, and the need for tolerance and cooperation.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union is the international organisation for humanism. IHEU campaigns on humanist issues, develops practical humanist initiatives, represents humanist concerns at international bodies, and supports humanist organisations and individuals throughout the world.
IHEU ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
... championing the rights and beliefs of humanists
IHEU campaigns for societies to be more open, more secular and more ethical. It presents the case for under-standing the world without reference to a god and it defends the rights of people who do not accept religious and authoritarian beliefs.
... supporting humanist groups and projects
IHEU provides advice and assistance to support established humanist groups and to help set up new ones. It raises funds for projects by humanist groups in the developing world. As well as giving immediate aid to people in need, humanist development programmes focus on education and helping people to help themselves. Humanist initiatives tackle many issues - such as family planning, AIDS education, and womens? rights - which other organisations often avoid because of religious sensitivities.
... giving a moral lead
IHEU works to provide a positive moral influence on society and to promote ethical, human-based viewpoints on controversial moral issues. In particular, it tackles issues where religion has obstructed the right to self-determination, such as sexual relationships, voluntary euthanasia and reproductive rights. IHEU organises moral education initiatives, and produces leaflets, reports and books to stimulate debate and to inform policy-makers.
... developing an international community
IHEU produces International Humanist News, a quarterly magazine with news and special features on humanist developments. Regular congresses enable humanists from around the world to meet and exchange ideas. Conferences and dialogues are also held on specialised themes. And through its ?Partnership? programme, IHEU encourages communication, support and exchange visits between humanists in different countries.
... representing humanism to the world
IHEU has consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, UNICEF, the Council of Europe, and the European Union and Parliament, where it represents the views and concerns of the millions of members of humanist organisations and the hundreds of millions more people who accept humanist principles in their life. And by representing humanism to the world?s media, IHEU ensures that an ever-greater number of people learn of the humanist alternative.
Compiled by Matt Cherry.
First published by the International Humanist & Ethical Union. June
1995.
