The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), a London based non-governmental organisation facilitated a forum under the theme “Humanism and Human Rights in Liberia”. Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximisation of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility. It advocates the extension of participatory democracy and the expansion of an open society, standing for human rights and social justice. Free of supernaturalism, it recognises human beings to be part of nature and holds that all values - be they religious, ethical, social, or political - have their source in human nature, experience and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny. Humanists promote human rights and basic freedoms codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationalinstruments.

*Alphonso K. Weah is a youth activist with Youth for Community, Academic and Development Services (YOCADS) in Liberia, which is a MO of IHEYO.

The forum on March 26, 2010 at the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Conference Hall brought together civil society organisations including youth and students groups, faith based and human rights organisations, professional and ordinary Liberians to understand the importance of Humanism relative to human rights and how it is applicable to improving human lives. Speaking on the occasion was the National Coordinator, Global Call to Action against Poverty, Mr. Kerian N. Pelenah and IHEU Representative for West Africa, Mr. Leo Igwe. The conference was moderated by Ms. Barbara L. Ketter of YOCADS and Mr. Alphonso K. Weah, EC Member; IHEYO gave the introductory statement of the Conference.

Prior to the conference, serious meetings were held with stakeholders including the College of Science and Humanity and Student Union at the University of Liberia (UL); the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) leadership and Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) held a meeting in Liberia from March 22-26, 2010 where we were able to meet the Assisting Minister for Youth Services. These meetings were intended to inform them about Humanism and its significance to Liberia’s development.

IHEU March 26 2010 Forum

The IHEU forum on March 26, 2010 started at 11:00 am with registration of participants followed by self-introduction of delegates.  Introduction of the conference was done by Alphonso K. Weah, who told participants that the forum was intended to educate Liberians about Humanism and human rights and the possibility of establishing a National Humanist Group in Liberia to protect the people’s human rights irrespective of their religion, sex, tribe, political background, especially as Liberia moves towards recovery from civil war.

For his part, Kerian N. Pelenah,National Coordinator, Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP-Liberia), spoke on the topic: “ International Human Rights Law: Its Significance to the International Humanist and Ethical Union”. In his speech, Mr. Pelenah gave a brief explanation of IHEU. He said that, as he understood it, IHEU is the sole world umbrella organisation that embraces Humanist, atheist, rationalist, secular, free thought and other similar organisations world-wide. Its vision is a Humanist world – a world in which human rights are respected and everyone is able to live a life of dignity. Its mission is to build and represent the global Humanist movement that defends human rights and promotes Humanist values world-wide – values such as the promotion of active non-violence and non-discrimination.

He further said as a global campaigner and activist for non-violence and human rights, he was aware of the nobility of the IHEU’s mission and of the clarity of its vision. But of what use is the IHEU if there are no internationally accepted standards on human rights to guide the implementation and realisation of its goals, mission and vision? This is where International Human Rights Law comes in.                          

Additionally, he told participants of the importance of International Human Rights Law in promoting and protecting human rights at the international, regional and domestic levels. He said that the IHRL recognises that all people have certain fundamental rights that must be protected at all times even in conditions of war, disaster and emergency; especially right to life, right to due process of law, prohibition of torture, slavery and degrading or inhuman treatment or punishment and the right to freedom of religion, thought and conscience.

He also made some reference to other human rights instruments including Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), adopted in 1965 and entered into force 1969; Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), entered into force in 1981; UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), adopted in 1984 and entered into force in   1997; Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted in 1989, entered into force in 1990 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), entered into force in 2008.

He mentioned the challenges facing the IHEU and other human rights institutions such as getting responsible authorities to ensure respect for human rights, and creating effective ways of ensuring that policies and programs meet people’s practical protection needs amidst continuing violations and abuses.

He said in Liberia, for instance, women are raped and maimed indiscriminately; people are killed in cold blood; most children in rural areas lack access to quality education opportunities; mothers die in large numbers giving birth due to the absence of adequate maternal health facilities and services; justice is often denied to the poor; children are trafficked and made modern day slaves; and most youth, particularly in rural communities, are unemployed and have become vulnerable. A good number of these violations and abuses are perpetrated by state authorities including the police, lawmakers, and members of the executive and judiciary branches of government. The prevalence of human rights violation and abuse in Liberia, coupled with the number of perpetrators involved, poses a serious challenge for the IHEU and other human rights groups in the country, he concluded.

Mr. Leo Igwe, International Director, IHEU presented on the topic ‘Humanism for New Liberia’. (The text is published in this issue separately. –Ed.)

Objectives of the Forum

• To meet with Humanist, human rights and student communities in Liberia
• To discuss the challenges facing Humanists and human rights activists
• To explore ways of supporting the work of Humanists and human rights activists in Liberia
• To inform Liberia about IHEU, its mission and activities
• To solicit ideas on how IHEU can support the process of peace, reconstruction and rehabilitation in Liberia

Achievements

• More than 60 persons attended the forum
• More than 20 persons expressed interest in the National Humanist groups in Liberia
• Meetings with College of Science and Humanity and Student Union at the University of Liberia as well as other meetings with stakeholders including Federation of Liberians Youth (FLY)
• Distribution of IHEU materials to participants and stakeholders to read

Recommendations

• More of these programs be organised to educate the larger populace about Humanist activities
• A strong Humanist movement be established and supported
• IHEU and IHEYO to visit Liberia to get an insight into Humanist activities in Liberia

Alphonso K. Weah