In 1993 the Human Rights Committee, an independent body of 18 experts selected through a UN process, described religion or belief as "theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, as well as the right not to profess any religion or belief."

"Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have a religion or whatever belief of his [her] choice."

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/b1udhr.htm

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/studyguides/religion.html

http://www.refworld.org/docid/453883fb22.html (*edited late - added after posting this topic)
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At least the thinkers of the world acknowledge that perhaps no religion or atheism are legitimate options yet, the world at large still holds atheists in contempt. Is this because we challenge their paradigms and they are intimidated? Is it because we think and rationalize and they BELIEVE? Is it because when they discover we are correct, their entire facade falls away and they are left with mortality?

What do you think?

Do you feel atheism is growing and people are becoming more understanding of what this is, what it means?