Through the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), humanists have a place at the table in international affairs. We speak from a specifically humanist perspective, representing our members and supporters at international bodies like the United Nations in Geneva and New York, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, the Council of Europe, and other bodies. This means we are able to influence international law under the human rights framework, and this is a core area of our policy work.
We also work on areas that are global or international in scope, for example on issues that effect many countries, or in forums that are international in focus. For example we produce an annual report on discrimination against atheists and the non-religious known as the Freedom of Thought Report. We run campaigns on topics connected to our policy agenda.
IHEU supports our Member Organizations and works to foster the growth and development of the Humanist network around the world. Through our Growth and Development programme we are working to encourage the growth of new humanist organizations and we provide resources and direct support to up-and-coming humanist and secular groups. Each year we meet alongside a Member Organization for our global General Assembly, and every third year the IHEU World Humanist Congress is hosted by one or more of our Member Organizations in a given country.
