Freedom of Thought by Humanists International

Humanise Live
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS

Freedom of Thought from Humanists International is a global news and interview podcast examining the state of freedom of belief, expression, and human rights worldwide. Hosted by Gary McLelland and Leon Langdon, the podcast draws on Humanists International’s flagship Freedom of Thought Report to bring together researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and policy experts to unpack the realities facing humanists, atheists, and non-religious people in different countries and regions. Each episode explores key findings from the report alongside wider developments in international law, politics, and civil society. Through in-depth conversations, case studies, and timely analysis, the show highlights where freedoms are under threat, where progress is being made, and what solidarity and advocacy can achieve. Produced by Humanise Live, Freedom of Thought offers clear, accessible insight into global freedom of thought issues for anyone interested in human rights, secularism, democracy, and evidence-based policy.

Episodes

  1. Inside The 2025 Freedom Of Thought Report: Findings, Blasphemy Laws, And Global Advocacy

    5D AGO

    Inside The 2025 Freedom Of Thought Report: Findings, Blasphemy Laws, And Global Advocacy

    This week's podcast coincides with the publication of the 2025 Freedom of Thought Report, Humanists International’s flagship annual study tracking discrimination and persecution faced by people because of their belief, or lack of belief. We preview key findings from the 2025 edition and discuss wider global trends, including democratic backsliding, religious nationalism, and the instrumentalisation of “religious freedom” to undermine universal human rights. We are also joined by Mubarak Bala, human rights activist and President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, whose imprisonment became a global symbol in the struggle for freedom of thought. In this episode, we cover What the Freedom of Thought Report is, and how it is compiledWhy the report is used in advocacy at the UN and other international institutionsThe 2025 Key Countries spotlight and what it reveals (Bangladesh, El Salvador, Georgia, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Malta, Myanmar, Sudan, and the USA) The rise of authoritarianism and how governments use religion to justify repression Blasphemy laws and how they chill freedom of expression and endanger minoritiesMubarak Bala’s story, advocacy today, and why international solidarity still matters Further reading and references New report by Humanists International examines the link between religion and the rise of authoritarianism around the world https://humanists.international/2026/02/new-report-by-humanists-international-examines-the-link-between-religion-and-the-rise-of-authoritarianism/Freedom of Thought Report 2025:  https://humanists.international/what-we-do/freedom-of-thought-report/Mubarak Bala case page:  https://humanists.international/case-of-concern/mubarak-bala/Humanists at Risk: Mubarak Bala:  https://humanists.international/protect/mubarak-bala/Freedom of Thought Report site (country index and downloads):  https://fot.humanists.international/Follow Humanist International Sign up for our free Newsletter Support Humanists International Follow our Campaigns About - Humanists International Join us at the World Humanists Congress 2026 This podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Start your podcast today, visit: humanise.live 🎶Music: Horizon by Simon Folwar

    45 min
  2. Reclaiming Humanism As A Radical Defence Of Universal Human Rights

    FEB 18

    Reclaiming Humanism As A Radical Defence Of Universal Human Rights

    Sign up for the Humanists International Newsletter Welcome to Freedom of Thought a new podcast series by Humanists International! In this first episode hosts Gary McLellend and Leon Langdon introduce Humanists International, the global representative body at the heart of the humanist movement, how a global humanist network works inside the UN system, and why universal rights need a louder defence right now.  We share the member‑led model, lessons from the IRF Summit, and what really happens inside the UN Human Rights Council. In this first episode we cover: The formation and ethos of Humanists InternationalOur member‑led structure and global reachLived experience informing advocacyReflections on the 2026 IRF SummitFractures in human rights spaces and how to address themWhat happens inside the Human Rights Council Why start this podcast now and what comes nextWhy attend the World Humanist Congress 2026How to shape the conversation, support us and followFollow Humanist International Sign up for our free Newsletter Support Humanists International Follow our Campaigns About - Humanists International Join us at the World Humanists Congress 2026 This podcast is produced by Humanise Live. Start your podcast today, visit: humanise.live 🎶Music: Horizon by Simon Folwar

    20 min
  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Freedom of Thought from Humanists International is a global news and interview podcast examining the state of freedom of belief, expression, and human rights worldwide. Hosted by Gary McLelland and Leon Langdon, the podcast draws on Humanists International’s flagship Freedom of Thought Report to bring together researchers, human rights defenders, activists, and policy experts to unpack the realities facing humanists, atheists, and non-religious people in different countries and regions. Each episode explores key findings from the report alongside wider developments in international law, politics, and civil society. Through in-depth conversations, case studies, and timely analysis, the show highlights where freedoms are under threat, where progress is being made, and what solidarity and advocacy can achieve. Produced by Humanise Live, Freedom of Thought offers clear, accessible insight into global freedom of thought issues for anyone interested in human rights, secularism, democracy, and evidence-based policy.

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