Humanist Canada and International Solidarity: Building a Shared Future Across Borders

At Humanist Canada, solidarity has never been just a word or a formal resolution—it is a lived, relational practice.

As a national organization representing the non-religious, secular, and humanist community in Canada since 1954, our work has always been rooted in reason, compassion, human dignity, and critical thinking. But in an increasingly interconnected and complex world, our commitment to human rights extends far beyond our national borders.

In our recent submission to the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity, we outlined how Humanist Canada interprets international solidarity, the ways we put these values into practice, and why global cooperation remains essential for a just and humane future.

For Humanist Canada, international solidarity is built on reciprocity, listening, mutual learning, and collective action. It is not simply about offering support from a distance; it is about creating genuine opportunities for communities across borders to learn from one another, defend fundamental human rights, and tackle shared social challenges together.

This philosophy came to life on a global scale when Humanist Canada co-hosted the 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa. Bringing together delegates from 41 countries, the Congress served as an international forum to address critical global issues, including:

• The defense of democratic institutions and human rights.
• The rise of authoritarianism and religious nationalism.
• Combating anti-science misinformation.

Out of these vital conversations came the Ottawa Declaration on Humanism as Resistance, calling on humanists worldwide to build open, outward-facing communities, champion active citizenship, and collaborate across national boundaries. As our Executive Director noted following the event, one of its most enduring takeaways was simply the human connection forged among participants from every corner of the globe.

Humanist Canada’s strength lies in its ability to combine deep local roots with an expanding international outlook.

• National Community & Interfaith Engagement: Across Canada, we connect secular groups, foster public dialogue, and advocate for religious neutrality in public institutions. Through our involvement in interfaith spaces—such as our representation on the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy—we demonstrate that meaningful solidarity respects diverse worldviews while championing equal treatment for all.
• International Professional Networks: Beyond the Congress, our growing work in military humanist chaplaincy has established meaningful relationships with practitioners and organizations across North America and Europe, further strengthened by our participation in the European Humanist Services Network.
• Empowering the Next Generation: True international solidarity requires cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. We are actively expanding opportunities for students and young adults—including initiatives to foster national youth networks—ensuring that younger generations help shape the future of the humanist movement.

Whether through our secular ceremonies, institutional chaplaincies, human rights advocacy, or international gatherings, Humanist Canada remains dedicated to a world where people of all worldviews are treated with equal dignity and respect.

International solidarity reminds us that we do not face global challenges in isolation. By listening across differences, building trust, and acting with shared responsibility, we can continue working toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and rational world.