Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Feng Yu
Atheism

These are the best and worst countries in the world to be an atheist

The International Humanist and Ethical Union launched its annual Freedom of Thought report this morning.

BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS and Taiwan are the best countries in the world to be an atheist, according to a new report.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) launched its seventh annual Freedom of Thought Report this morning.

For the first time, it contains a full ranking of every country in the world, according to its level of discrimination against atheists, humanists and the non-religious. 

Belgium, the Netherlands and Taiwan came in joint first place as the best countries in the world to be an atheist. 

Nauru, France, Japan and Sao Tomé and Príncipe came in joint fourth place. 

Meanwhile, Ireland fell into the rankings in 115th place. 

2 IHEU IHEU

“In Ireland the non-religious are now the second largest group in society after Roman Catholics, but still face religious discrimination,” Jane Donnelly, human rights officer of Atheist Ireland said, commenting within the report.

“The Irish Constitution begins with ‘In the name of the Most Holy Trinity’ and Catholic social policy is reflected in many of our laws,” she said. 

“In recent years, 10 different UN and Council of Europe reports have told Ireland that it is infringing on the human rights of atheists, agnostics and minority faith members. 

It is time for Ireland to realise that it must comply with its human rights obligations and ensure that all citizens have equal rights regardless of their religious or philosophical convictions. 

Looking at other end of the ranking, Saudi Arabia came in last place, being ranked the worst country in the world to be an atheist. 

Iran, Afghanistan, the Maldives and Pakistan also followed at the bottom. 

1 IHEU IHEU

In the report, Saudi Arabia comes into criticism for a 2014 law defining the “promotion of atheist thought in any form” as terrorism, and for the prosecution of liberal activists and campaigners.

The report notes that the appearance of Malaysia and the Maldives in the bottom 10 rankings might surprise some. 

However, it notes that both countries have seen “incidents of anti-atheist rhetoric” in the past few years. 

Commenting on the report, president of the IHEU Andrew Copson said: “This is a world’s first. For the first time, our report will show, with authority and accuracy, the discrimination faced by people around the world because of their non-religious beliefs. 

This report paints a dark picture, with significant discrimination faced by our non-religious friends and colleagues around the world.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
76
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel