You are invited to attend the second annual conference and AGM of the Free Society Institute, co-hosted by the International Humanist and Ethical Union. This message serves as an announcement and call for papers for the the one day workshop, to be held on September 11th in Cape Town, RSA.

The worldwide problem of belief in witchcraft and the appalling human rights abuses to which it leads received a boost in September at the 12th session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland.

The UN Human Rights Council has published IHEU's written statement on witchcraft in Africa. The statement documents the abuse of children and others through accusations of witchcraft and supposed witch "cures". IHEU calls for improved education and policing to eliminate these twin scourges.

In a joint statement to the United Nations Human Rights Council, IHEU has called on the Council to join the fight against the twin evils of those practising witchcraft and those claiming to find and "cure" witches in Africa.

A rock band in Pretoria, South Africa, is rocking the pious with a concert calling for "freedom from religion" (the National Secular Society reports). The 777 Rock Against Religion show, featuring seven of South Africa's "most outspoken rock and metal" acts is organised by local trio Architecture Of Aggression. It has already angered some Christians who have made their voices heard on the band's website. Brothers Anton and Van Alberts and William Bishop say the concert would be a "a peaceful protest against the injustices caused in the name of religion against people of different faiths or the non-religious. Anton said: "We want to bring to people's attention all the atrocities committed in the name of religion."

The Hon Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10

Dear High Commissioner

On behalf of the 87 member organisations of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, an International NGO in Special Consultative status with the United Nations, I extend our whole hearted support to your untiring efforts in organising the forthcoming World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (South Africa, 31 August - 7 September 2001).

The International Humanist & Ethical Union:

Having regard for the right to life as recognised by article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Considering that the prohibition of the death sentence increasingly comes within the ambit of international human rights standards adopted by governments, the United Nations and within regional intergovernmental organisations,

Reiterating its total opposition to any form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment,

Apartheid in South Africa, which is systematic racism, violates fundamental principles which humanists believe must be basic for all people. Every man and woman the world over has a right to self-determination and equality.

At this time economic sanctions are the best and most effective non-violent means of influencing the government of South Africa to change its attitudes and its policies.

Therefore, the 1986 Humanist World Congress supports those nations which have already decided to impose economic boycotts against South Africa. And, it urges all other nations in the world to take appropriate actions against apartheid and the racist regime in South Africa.

Believing

1. That Apartheid and other forms of discrimination on the grounds of race are against the principles of humanism;
2. That the right to knowledge and to express opinions should not be impaired;
3. That the right of objection to undertaking compulsory military service should be allowed not only on religious grounds but also on the grounds of humanist conscience;
4. That the right to religious liberty should extend the right to humanists and others, and that the right of religious dissent should be fully protected by law;

Noting:

1. The undue influence of the White Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa over the South African government;

That their moral and other values are imposed on South African society, on those who do not hold these values;

That such people include those who are of other Christian denomination and those who have other religious beliefs as well as those who have no religious beliefs;