European Humanist Federation
Encyclopedia
The European Humanist Federation-Fédération Humaniste Européenne (EHF-FHE) is an international association
that federates numerous European humanist
associations. It also has individual members. The members of its administrative board are elected for three-year terms by the general assembly of the member organisations. The EHF is closely allied with the International Humanist and Ethical Union
(IHEU).
Based in Brussels
, the EHF:
Voluntary association
A voluntary association or union is a group of individuals who enter into an agreement as volunteers to form a body to accomplish a purpose.Strictly speaking, in many jurisdictions no formalities are necessary to start an association...
that federates numerous European humanist
Humanism
Humanism is an approach in study, philosophy, world view or practice that focuses on human values and concerns. In philosophy and social science, humanism is a perspective which affirms some notion of human nature, and is contrasted with anti-humanism....
associations. It also has individual members. The members of its administrative board are elected for three-year terms by the general assembly of the member organisations. The EHF is closely allied with the International Humanist and Ethical Union
International Humanist and Ethical Union
The International Humanist and Ethical Union is an umbrella organisation embracing humanist, atheist, rationalist, secular, skeptic, freethought and Ethical Culture organisations worldwide. Founded in Amsterdam in 1952, the IHEU is a democratic union of more than 100 member organizations in 40...
(IHEU).
Based in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
, the EHF:
- promotes the principles of humanism and of a secular society, supporting human rights, opposing discrimination against non-believers and fighting for equal treatment.
- works in the European UnionEuropean UnionThe European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
(where it is officially recognised as a partner for dialogue) and cooperates with like-minded Members of the European Parliament. - works with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of EuropeParliamentary Assembly of the Council of EuropeThe Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe , which held its first session in Strasbourg on 10 August 1949, can be considered the oldest international parliamentary assembly with a pluralistic composition of democratically elected members of parliament established on the basis of an...
. - is active in the human rights wing of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeOrganization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeThe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, human rights, freedom of the press and fair elections...
), contributing to its conferences and making the case against religious privilege and in favour of democracy and the rule of law. - gathers and shares information, develops policies, maintains a website (http://www.humanistfederation.eu), publishes booklets and holds meetings and conferences.
- works with its member organisations and helps them with information and assists with their campaigns.
- collaborates with other groups - including religious organisations - with whom it shares goals and interests.