Few people know that untouchability existed in Spain and in France just a few hundred years ago. Today, despite her tainted past of colonialism, and the shameful responsibility for starting two world wars, Europe can boast of one of the most peaceful and egalitarian societies in the world. Untouchability has been so thoroughly eradicated there that few in Europe even know that it ever existed on the continent. There is no reason the same level of cultural development cannot be achieved elsewhere in the world where this terrible practice persists – in the Indian sub-continent, in Japan and in Nigeria. But before these societies can cherish the values of equality and establish true democracies, they need to first undergo the same kind of historical transformation that the Enlightenment made possible in Europe. Humanism, Human values and the flourishing of the scientific temper can help in the process of modernisation. It will be for the organized humanist movement to help make this happen, and IHEU has created the means to support international humanist activism.

While being a haven of liberties, Europe is in danger of losing her hard- earned freedoms because of a confused approach to multiculturalism. Radical Islam has posed a genuine challenge to Europe, and unfortunately freedom of expression has been its first victim. The cancer has already spread to the UN. Europe and her politicians have to wake up and urgently defend Europe's great achievements.

In Nigeria and in Uganda, Humanists are working hard to keep alive the human centered point of view. As International Humanism reaches out to francophone countries in Africa, new groups are being formed and new initiatives are being launched, like in Cameroon. We must do all we can to support these groups, for the lamp they have lit is what will illuminate the path of progress for Africa.

Humanists reject God and organized religion, but they defend the freedom of religion or belief. This does not mean that Humanists can tolerate the egregious violation of the rights of women and minorities in the name of freedom of religion. Neither religion nor Humanism is exempt from the obligation to respect Human Rights. Indeed, it is this obligation which makes Humanists defend Human Rights at the UN or take up the cause of Dalits in India or of freethinkers in Islamic countries who are in a dire situation. The threat to Humanism comes from many quarters – not just religion and we have therefore to expand the areas where we will fight for human freedoms.

Unfortunately we are left with a heavy heart in the festive season. The departure of Saraswati Gora and Vern Bullough as well as the tragic train accident that led to Marius dees de Sterio’s death leave us all in IHEU with a deep sense of personal loss.

Babu Gogineni