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It is with great delight and immense satisfaction that I am able finally to report that our friend and colleague Dr Younus Shaikh was released from prison in Pakistan in November 2003 after a retrial acquitted him of all charges of blasphemy (p.5). Following much planning for his safety and rehabilitation, we can now state publicly that he is, at last, among friends. However, the intense campaigning and lobbying led by IHEU that helped achieve this spectacular success will not stop while several hundred other victims of Pakistan’s barbaric blasphemy law continue to rot in prison.

For how long will religion attempt to influence legislation? Perpetually, it seems. In December 2003 IHEU held an international conference in Paris to highlight the dangers of Article 51 in the draft European Constitution (p.7). The Conference attracted attention, and IHEU’s letter to European heads of government is being considered at cabinet level in at least two European countries. Since negotiations for the European Constitution will resume in 9 months time, we have more lobbying to do. IHEU member organizations Libre Pensée of France and the UK’s National Secular Society deserve congratulations for bringing nearly 500 Humanist and human rights activists from 13 countries to the Conference.

If in Europe it is the churches which are aiming to expand their influence, in Canada alarm grows at the apparent success of Islamic groups in obtaining Islamic arbitration courts (p. 21). What makes the Canadian government think that all Canadian Muslims want Sharia courts? Speaking at a UN-related meeting in New York in November, I was delighted to see in the audience the Ambassador of the Organization of Islamic Conference. We discussed freedom of religion and belief, and his views are most decidedly in tune with modern democratic values. A Canadian-born Muslim, he is not keen on Sharia courts!

IHEU’s Women’s Conference was a great success (p. 11). Dedicated Humanist women’s activists from 17 countries, including Iran and Iraq, Nepal and Slovakia, gathered together to discuss issues facing women worldwide. The Conference voted to create a Humanist Women’s Empowerment Network, about which more information will follow.

The good news continues: I am pleased to welcome on board Suresh Lalvani as IHEU’s Director of Operations. Suresh has had a distinguished professional background, and his recruitment is a big step forward for IHEU’s growth and development. Wishing all IHEU’s colleagues and friends a Happy New Year!