Free Speech – International Issues

Internationally, threats to free speech come from a wide range of sources, from individuals and groups wishing to censure criticism particularly of religion, through to powerful nations seeking to outlaw and criminalise any perceived negative discussion or criticism or portrayal of religion.

The question of defamation of religions is one of major importance – and if pursued without care it may become the most significant threat to freedom of expression to have emerged in modern times.

What’s happening?

We have serious and ongoing concerns about the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). There are regular attempts by a number of Islamic States – members of the HRC – and their allies to restrict human rights, in particular the rights to freedom of expression and speech, and to belief.

In March 2009, a resolution originating from Pakistan that criminalises “defamation of religion” and seeks to further engage the machinery of the UN High Commission on Human Rights in a witch hunt against any criticism of religious ideas and, in particular, Islamic ones, or (in effect) any malpractice associated with any cleric or institution was adopted by the Human Rights Council by 23 votes to 11, with 13 countries abstaining. Its immediate effect will be to reinforce the oppression of moderate voices in Islamic states, lending international sanction to prosecutions for blasphemy and to other abuses of free speech and freedom of religion.

It further seeks to intimidate voices critical of Islamist abuses in democratic states and to encourage policies of appeasement by democratic governments.

This resolution therefore represents a direct challenge to all democratic states. They have for too long allowed short-term diplomacy to override principle and grotesquely have completely failed to prevent the new Human Rights Council immediately falling like its predecessor into the hands of states whose only interest in human rights is their abuse.

The British Humanist Association has urged the Government to use this new resolution to mark a new, vigorous and outspoken stand against this subversion of human rights.

In March 2008, an alliance of Islamic states, supported by China, Russia and Cuba, moved and passed an amendment which in essence sanctions restrictions on free expression in relation to religion – attempting to prohibit criticism of Islam in particular. The freedom to criticise and even insult beliefs is part and parcel of the principle of free speech – a fundamental human right. For the Human Rights Council of the United Nations to now sanction the restriction of free speech in relation to religion proves beyond doubt that, without serious reform, the Council is unable to fulfil its mandate as the international human rights watchdog.

In April 2008, we gave evidence to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Select Committee, urging scrutiny of the Human Rights Council and the UK’s involvement in and with it.

In November 2009, together with a number of human rights and civil society organisations, the BHA signed a Common Statement protesting against attempts at the UN to legislate against defamation of religion.

We work closely with and support the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) in order to keep track of attempts to curtail free speech and to tackle them head-on. You can read more about IHEU's work on these areas at www.iheu.org/campaigns.

What can you do?

Let us know if you hear of actions internationally which threaten free speech and the criticism of beliefs, especially those actions by states or institutions such as the UN.

You can also support the BHA's campaigns by becoming a member. Campaigns also cost money – quite a lot of money – and we need your financial support. Instead, or in addition, you can make a donation to the BHA.