HVO - onderwijs en opvoeding in humanistisch perspectief || HVO International

"Humanism is ethical"

"It affirms the worth, dignity and autonomy of the individual and the right of every human being to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. Humanists have a duty of care to all humanity including future generations. Humanists believe that morality is an intrinsic part of human nature based on understanding and a concern for others, needing no external sanction."

This is the first of the seven statements on humanism that was adopted by the member organisations of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) in 2002 and set out in the Amsterdam Declaration 2002. HVO, the Dutch centre for humanist ethical and worldview education, is a member of the International Humanist Ethical Union (IHEU) and also of the European Humanist Federation (EHF). Close links are maintained with humanistic organisations in the neighbouring countries of Belgium and Germany.

In the spirit of the Amsterdam Declaration 2002, the HVO trains teachers who can provide humanist ethical and worldview education in primary and advanced education. A humanistic attitude to life is well represented by the aphorisms of our American friends of the Council for Secular Humanism.

Wherever possible, HVO provides support for the content of humanistic education both in the Netherlands and in other countries on request.