WORLD: The Freedom of Thought Report 2025, a Humanist Perspective
HRWF (17.03.2026) – The Freedom of Thought Report 2025 provides a global assessment of the rights and freedoms of non-religious individuals—including atheists, humanists, agnostics, and others who hold non-religious beliefs. Produced annually by Humanists International, the report evaluates every country in the world based on how well they respect freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and freedom of expression, particularly for people who do not identify with religion.
The 2025 edition focuses on the theme of freedom of thought in an era of rising authoritarianism. It argues that governments and political movements increasingly use religion as a political tool to consolidate power, restrict dissent, and justify discrimination against minorities—including the non-religious.
Through legal analysis, case studies, and country evaluations, the report highlights both systemic discrimination and individual persecution faced by non-religious people worldwide.
Key Topics
Rising Authoritarianism and the Political Use of Religion
Legal Discrimination Against the Non-Religious
Blasphemy Laws and Restrictions on Expression
Persecution and Individual Cases
Country Focus: Key Countries Edition
The 2025 report includes detailed analysis of 10 countries where developments related to freedom of thought are particularly significant. These include:
- Bangladesh
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Myanmar
- Sudan
- United States
The Role of Secularism and Human Rights
Importance of Documenting Discrimination
Conclusion
The Freedom of Thought Report 2025 presents a comprehensive overview of the global state of freedom of religion or belief, particularly focusing on non-religious individuals.
Its central message is that freedom of thought is under pressure worldwide due to rising authoritarianism, religious nationalism, and legal systems that privilege dominant religious traditions.
The report demonstrates that discrimination against the non-religious takes many forms—from social stigma and legal inequality to imprisonment and violence. Blasphemy laws and other restrictions on expression remain among the most serious threats, as they criminalize criticism of religion and suppress open debate.
At the same time, the report emphasizes that defending freedom of thought benefits everyone, not only the non-religious. When governments protect the right to question, doubt, or reject religious beliefs, they also safeguard the broader principles of democracy, human rights, and intellectual freedom.
Ultimately, the report calls on governments, civil society, and international institutions to strengthen protections for freedom of thought and belief. Ensuring equal rights for believers and non-believers alike is presented as a fundamental requirement for open and democratic societies.
