Preparations are going ahead full steam for the 16th World Humanist Congress which will take place from 5 - 7 July in Paris, and we look forward to welcoming you in some of the most prestigious venues of the French Republic and in the company of distinguished activists, intellectuals and Humanist leaders to discuss issues connected with Separation of Religion and State. You can download a full Congress Brochure from www.iheu.org

The Congress theme Separation of Religion and State is one of the most crucial issues in the organised Humanist movement and a necessary condition for the freedom of conscience of all citizens.

The IHEU Congress will be preceded on 4 July by a World Congress of Freethinkers. The Congress will be followed by IHEU's General Assembly (7 & 8 July), and the International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organisation's 4th World Conference for Humanist youth (Paris, 8-14 July).

As the Capital of the Enlightenment, a city with unique charm and character, Paris will provide a wonderful setting when the Congress participants from all over the world commemorate and celebrate with their French Humanist and Freethinking colleagues the Centenary of the 1905 French Law on Separation of Church and State.

As a unique forum for the exchange of ideas, and for debating important issues, the Congress is aimed at bolstering the fight for Separation of Religion and State being carried on by all of IHEU member organisations and partners throughout the world.

Prestigious Venues

The Congress will be held in the striking building of the Conseil Economique et Social, situated in a residential locality near the famous Bois de Boulogne, and in the prestigious University of Sorbonne located in the lively and charming Quartier Latin. The Congress inauguration itself will take place in UNESCO's headquarters, known for its special and bold architecture, not far from the Eiffel Tower. The concluding Plenary session of the Congress will be held in the magnificent Salle Richelieu of the Sorbonne University.

After a grand opening, the inaugural plenary will be devoted to examining the history of Separation of Religion and State in some key countries: the United States of America, France, Russia, Mexico, India and Nigeria. In the afternoon, different thematic aspects of the same issue will be considered: well known thinker Henri Pena-Ruiz will look at the philosophical aspects, Stéphane Kotovchikine will deal with institutional aspects, while Franà§ois Chaintron will reflect on the question of education. The session will be closed with a speech by the world famous astronomer and Humanist Jean-Claude Pecker.

Ample time has been allocated for discussion and questions - in this session, as in all others at the Congress. Simultaneous interpretation in French and in English has been arranged for all the plenary sessions and for some other meetings, enabling all the participants to be fully involved in the Congress discussions.

Have you wondered what it would be like to have a guided tour of 'rationalist Paris'? After an expert illustrated talk about the city in the evening, take the special brochure prepared and discover the Capital of the Enlightenment by yourself.

Parallel Sessions

On Wednesday 6 July the morning session offers an embarras du choix with three Parallel Sessions to choose from. The first will be an interesting debate held at UNESCO on the theme of Separation of Religion and State in the context of the European Union. 'Is it possible to campaign for Separation of Religion and State within the framework of the European Union?'A representative of the European Humanist Federation and one from the French Free Thinkers will introduce the subject. The second Parallel Session will be a special session devoted to Science held at the University of Sorbonne. Famous scientists like Prof. Ian Plimer from Australia, Jean Bricmont from Belgium and Hélène Langevin-Joliot will be among the galaxy of scientific celebrities participating in a session chaired by the astronomer, former President of the World Astronomical Society and IHEU Ambassador Prof. Jean-Claude Pecker. An important contribution at this session would be on the subject of Science in Islamic countries. The third Parallel Session is devoted to Women's Rights, a subject dear to all Humanists, and a pressing need of the day. This session to be held at UNESCO will be a continuation of the discussions at the successful Women's Conference organised by IHEU in November 2003. After introductory lecturers by invited speakers from different countries, there will be open discussion involving all the participants.

Thematic Workshops

To be held in the afternoon of 6 July, the 8 workshops will give ample opportunity for participants to share their views, challenge the speakers or engage in a dialogue with them. The subjects are as diverse as interesting: How to fight for Separation of Religion and State in countries where it does not exist?; Euthanasia: Overview of recent world developments; Public Education: Secular education or commercial activity?; The Media: how to use them and not be used by them; Culture, Morals, Ethics and Religions: their interconnections and the way ahead; Bioethics; Poverty, sustainable development and population: How to promote Humanism in under developed countries; IHEU's International campaigns in the field of Separation of Religion and State.

Reception at the Hotel de Ville, IHEU Awards and Festivities

In the evening of 6 July the Congress participants will be received at the Hotel de Ville of Paris - where the famed staircase leading to the Salle des Fetes is an attraction. The evening of celebration will continue with a grand banquet at the Boca Chica, a Spanish restaurant not far from the Hotel de Ville. The prestigious International Humanist Award and the Distinguished Service to Humanism awards will be given at this informal and gala dinner. Be prepared for funny speeches and deep thoughts!

Concluding Plenary

On Thursday morning, the concluding plenary session of the Congress will take place at the splendid Amphitheatre Richelieu of Sorbonne university. The morning will be reserved for presentation, discussion and voting on resolutions presented by the workshops or by IHEU member organisations.

IHEU's General Assembly (7 and 8 July)

Open to registered official representatives of IHEU's Member Organisations and invitees, the first session of the General Assembly (Thursday afternoon) will take place at the Sorbonne and the second session (Friday morning) will take place at the Bourse du Travail, a place noted for the struggle for social emancipation.

Hotels

Hotels Ibis and Mercure are close to UNESCO. On 4 July in the afternoon Congress participants can meet with the organisers at Hotel Ibis to collect their Congress Packs, badges and tickets for the various events. Shared accommodation is also possible - details are in the Congress brochure which can be downloaded from www.iheu.org

Registration

Full Registration fees of 250 Euros include attendance at all Congress sessions, lunch and coffee at UNESCO, Paris touristic boat ride on 5 July and gala dinner on 6 July. All registered delegates will also receive free of charge a Brochure on OERationalist Paris, and a booklet in English on the 1905 Law on Separation of Church and State in France. Day Registrations or half day registrations are also possible.

In view of space limitations, Registration is also possible for the Congress alone (without the optional extras of Congress dinner and touristic visits) at Euros 200 per person. Paid-up IHEU supporters pay only Euros 150 per person.