Humanists International: Advancing Human Rights and Humanism Worldwide

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 campaign on humanist issues. We lobby for humanist values at international institutions, including the United Nations and we work to build the humanist movement around the world.

Humanists International was founded in Amsterdam in 1952. Originally by five Humanist organizations: the American Ethical Union, American Humanist Association, British Ethical Union (now Humanists UK), Vienna Ethical Society and the Dutch Humanist League.  

Today, Humanists International brings together more than 100 Members and Associates from across the globe. We represent the global humanist movement at the United Nations and other international institutions, working to influence international policy through advocacy, education, and cooperation. We seek to influence international policy through representation and information, to build the humanist network, and let the world know about the worldview of humanism.

Humanists International Grants Program 

Every year, we run a Grants Program that supports a range of projects advancing human rights, secularism, and education worldwide. Here are some key achievements from the Grants Program 2025. 

Advocacy for Alleged Witches works to protect individuals accused of “witchcraft” in Nigeria by providing rapid response interventions, legal support and public advocacy.

• Protected accused individuals from violence and displacement, providing essential legal referrals, emergency relocation assistance and social support.
• Successfully halted planned mob attacks and ‘trials by ordeal’, while simultaneously raising national awareness through extensive media coverage.
• Supported 389 individuals in person and reached 80,876 people online.

Advocacy for Alleged Witches said: “We are grateful for the support of Humanists International, which has enabled Advocacy for Alleged Witches to respond to urgent cases, expand public awareness, and strengthen advocacy efforts. The funding has helped save lives, challenge harmful beliefs, and promote respect for science, human dignity, and the rule of law.”

The Humanist Signal by the Peruvian Association of Atheists was an eight-month digital broadcasting initiative designed to establish a reliable secular platform for discussing humanism, democracy, and human rights within the Peruvian context.

• Weekly online broadcasts reached 10,000 people, strengthening visibility of secular and humanist perspectives.
• Provided a vital counter-narrative and a safe haven for marginalized voices.
• Strengthened the secular movement in Peru and proved the effectiveness of digital humanism in documenting reality and fostering community support.

The Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills project by Freedom Centre Uganda was designed to raise awareness and build capacity among educators in Mbarara City. The initiative targeted 10 teachers and 50 students across five secondary schools, utilizing a series of workshops, the development of educational manuals, and a continuous mentorship program.

• The project successfully reached over 300 individuals in person, resulting in a documented shift from rote memorization to active student engagement.
• Teachers reported a fundamental change in their teaching styles, moving toward group discussions and inquiry-based methods.
• By establishing a sustainable network of teacher ambassadors and a Humanist Leadership Training Toolkit, the project ensured that critical thinking remains a permanent fixture in the participating schools through ongoing debate sessions and peer mentorship.

Books ‘n Wheels was a mobile educational initiative run by Humanist Alliance Philippines International (HAPI), designed to bring humanistic values and critical thinking to children in various communities through a portable reading room.

• Engaged 80 in-person beneficiaries (60 children and 20 parents) and over 400 online participants.
• The project successfully fostered a practical understanding of humanistic principles among young participants, as evidenced by their ability to provide meaningful, real-world examples of kindness and integrity during assessments.
• Beyond teaching individual ethics, the initiative built a sense of community and shared humanity among both children and parents, filling a crucial educational gap in the promotion of tolerance and inclusivity within local neighborhoods.

To learn more about our work or find out how to get involved, visit our website: https://humanists.international.com.

We encourage you to join us at the World Humanist Congress 2026, which will take place this year in Ottawa, Canada, bringing together humanists from around the world for discussion and collaboration.

Humanists International regularly publishes updates on our advocacy work, campaigns and events across social media, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn and TikTok. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with developments across the global humanist community. Visit our website to subscribe.

Visit the Humanists International website to book your ticket today or scan the QR code below.