Nigerian human rights activist to mark 25th anniversary of UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders

2 mn read Nigerian activist Mariam Aliyu answered the UN’s call during her university years when she saw a little girl she could not ignore. “She was 12 years old, and I noticed she was limping,” she recalled. Using her medical skills, and days of earning the girl’s trust, she figured out that she had been sexually assaulted. So began a journey of advocating for girls and women.

Exploring the Foundations of Morality: Secular vs. Religious Perspectives

3 mn read Exploring the Foundations of Morality: Secular vs. Religious Perspectives Morality, the compass of human behavior, guides us through the intricate maze of right and wrong. It shapes our decisions, influences our relationships, and underpins the values that define our society. Two primary perspectives have emerged in our quest to understand and practice morality: secular morality […]

Exploring the Ethics of Proselytism: Balancing Faith and Respect

3 mn read Balancing Faith and Respect Proselytism, the act of attempting to convert others to one’s beliefs, can be a deeply divisive and controversial practice. It is a fundamental aspect of many religious and ideological movements, but its ethical implications have long been a subject of debate. This article aims to explore the ethics of proselytism, examining […]

Countries Leading the Way in Recognizing Humanist and Secular Values: Protecting Rights and Freedoms

3 mn read In a world where diverse beliefs and philosophies coexist, the recognition of humanist and secular values has gained importance as a means to safeguard individual rights and freedoms. This article explores countries that have made significant progress in embracing humanist and secular ideals while actively protecting the rights and freedoms of their citizens. By prioritizing […]

The Complex Relationship between the Church and African States: Balancing Political Power, Human Rights, and Secularism

4 mn read The relationship between the church and African states has a long and complex history that dates back to the colonial era. During this time, European powers used Christianity as a tool of colonization, with missionaries playing a key role in spreading Christianity and Western values throughout Africa. The church was often complicit in the oppression and exploitation of Africans by colonial powers, with many missionaries promoting the idea of European superiority over Africans.

The Influence of White Evangelicals on Homophobia in Africa

2 mn read There have been reports of some American evangelical organizations and individuals working in Africa to spread their anti-LGBTQ and moral agenda. Some of these groups have been accused of funding and supporting campaigns that promote discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and advocating for laws that criminalize homosexuality. These efforts have often been criticized by human rights […]

Make no mistake, the war in Ukraine is a holy war waged by a Christo-fascist government

2 mn read On Oct. 12, 2022, a video began circulating on Twitter showing a Russian military officer giving a pep talk to his subordinates on the eve of deployment to Ukraine. His language and rhetoric were, let’s just say, a little peculiar. “I promise we will win this holy war,” he tells them. “Who is fighting against […]

American secularism has been backsliding for decades, but a recent pattern of events are particularly alarming

2 mn read America prides itself as the shining beacon of democracy, and its president is regarded as the leader of the free world. However, the land of the free has been looking decidedly less free as of late.  Worrisome laws A growing number of U.S. states are passing laws restricting the rights of women and LGBTQ people. […]

Pakistan’s constitution makes one thing clear: Minorities don’t belong

5 mn read Pakistan, ostensibly, is a democracy that protects the rights of all citizens. While the country is 96 percent Muslim, large populations of minority religions are also present. Hindus and Christians are present. The Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, is also a major heritage site in the country, leading to […]

Pakistan does try to protect minority rights, but attempts always seem to get thwarted by the religious establishment

3 mn read Hindu sisters Reena and Raveena likely never intended to be at the center of a national debate. But in March of 2019, events around their marriages and conversion to Islam sparked an uproar that only proved their country, Pakistan’s, inability or unwillingness to protect religious minorities. Their marriages raised troubling questions. Were they forced into […]