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Many of the advances that revolutionized medicine from the end of the 18th century, from vaccination, to the use of anaesthetics in childbirth, to the first test-tube babies, were fiercely opposed by sections of the religious establishment. More recently, biotechnology has become a target. At the UN, a disastrous treaty which would have outlawed all cloning of human embryos, whether therapeutic or reproductive, was only narrowly averted. Issues such as abortion and euthanasia are under vigorous debate in many parts of the world, and emerging technology has in some cases combined with traditional prejudice with disturbing consequences (p. 10). The commercial interests of the big multinationals must also be taken into account in any analysis of the impact of biotechnology.

 

It is in this context that we are delighted to announce the establishment of the IHEU-Appignani Humanist Center for Bioethics at 777 UN Plaza in New York (p. 7). IHEU will develop the center into a resource for Humanist analysis of bioethics issues and for drawing public attention to the Humanist view point(s). This will be one of the most significant directions for IHEU’s growth and increased impact in the modern world.

 

IHEU holds its first African GA in Uganda in May. Africa has immense potential and great need for Humanism (p. 13). Humanist groups have taken root in several African countries, but our success will depend on the ability of international Humanism to formulate answers to Africa’s pressing needs. The large number of registrants to the youth events in Africa is particularly heartening (p. 15). While we focus on building Humanism in Africa, continued vigilance remains necessary in Europe, to prevent religious privilege from marring its new political structures (p. 5).

 

IHEU’s voice in support of human rights and human values is being heard clearly and consistently at international meetings – be it the speech of our distinguished representative at UNESCO (p. 22) or our delegation’s star performance at the Human Rights Commission hearing in Geneva for the second year running (p. 20).

 

In this time of significant achievement and great optimism for IHEU, it is with great sadness that we note the death of Justice Tarkunde, the distinguished Indian Humanist, and tireless campaigner for human rights. The vibrant human rights movement he leaves behind him in India is a testament to his life and work.

 

Babu Gogineni