The Humanist Union (HU) is an independent civil liberties organisation with its headquarter in Berlin and several subsidiaries all over Germany. Since its establishment in 1961 the HUs initiatives have been focusing on the protection and the implementation of human rights and civil liberties in all spheres of society.

Our main focus regards the respect for human rights. We are committed to the right of free and unconstraint development of personality. We oppose every unjustified limitation of this right induced by the State, the economy and the Church.

A far reaching and sustainable realisation of human rights and freedoms is based on certain terms and conditions, such as democracy, the rule of law and the recognition of societal plurality.

Democratic participation has to be warranted besides parties and elections. The existence of rights on paper is not sufficient. In a plural society the possibility for the freedom of radical expression is a must and has to be given.

Our main focus regards the respect for human rights. We are committed to the right of free and unconstraint development of personality. We oppose every unjustified limitation of this right induced by the State, the economy and the Church.

A far reaching and sustainable realisation of human rights and freedoms is based on certain terms and conditions, such as democracy, the rule of law and the recognition of societal plurality.

Democratic participation has to be warranted besides parties and elections. The existence of rights on paper is not sufficient. In a plural society the possibility for the freedom of radical expression is a must and has to be given.

What are the goals of the Humanist Union? 

Support and protection of the rights of freedom

• Preservation of the rule of law, even in times of crisis
• Criminal Policy, which is not only based on correctional facilities

Control of state action

• Abolishment of the constitutional protection of secret service  operations
• Strengthening data protection
• Humane conditions of detention and social rehabilitation

Facilitation of political participation

• Comprehensive rights for information and the access to records
• More rights for direct democratic participation

Reduction of discrimination

• effective protection against discrimination
• active support for unprivileged groups
• equal access for all people to all public places and goods

Separation of State and Church

• Equality for all religious and ideological groups
• Abolishment of all state induced privileges of the Church, such as religious education as regular school subject, collection of church taxes as well as any other financial support

What does the Humanist Union do?

Forming public opinion

By the means of symposia, discussion meetings and relevant publications we inform about violations of civil liberties and human rights and encourage public discussions, such as in the sphere of the politics of refugees and elderly care.

We are co-publisher of:

• "vorgänge", a journal for politics and critical societal analysis

and

• "Grundrechte-Report" , an annual report on the state of human rights and civil liberties in Germany

Lobbying for civil liberty rights

When issues regarding civil liberty rights are discussed within parliaments and governments we comment with statements and advisory opinion.

Concrete support

Human rights are also ought to be recognised and protected within detention facilities. Therefore we engage in detainees' advisory boards and arrange postal contacts (letters are often the only way for detainees to communicate with the outside world).

Networking

We cooperate with other organisations and societal groups. As our work is multidisciplinary in nature we are capable of cross-linking the work and expertise of specialised groups and initiatives.