Understanding (in)compatibilities between Religion and Human Rights

Abstract

While most religious doctrines may not use a human rights language, they uphold the notion that humans as individuals hold equal moral worth and have inherent dignity. However, it is noted that despite religious principles that denote respecting human rights, in the practice this does not always happen.  So, while it may be argued that compatibilities exist between Buddhist and Hindu religious perspectives and human rights, I will argue that there is a need for a deeper understanding of such analysis; such analysis will expose the factors that hinder the fulfilment of human rights.

My analysis is based on three assertions: that patriarchy as a deeply entrenched system within most religious doctrines provides a barrier to the fulfillment of human rights. While many religious grassroots movements initiated by women work towards a society of respect, human dignity, equality, and freedom their work is often thwarted due to patriarchal ideologies which oppress women and other groups of people such as non-binary, transgender, etc. The second is that in theory, religious dogma espouses human rights or a similar interpretation, the practice reflects something else: the violation of human rights. In the current global context societies today need to extend the human rights discourse to include other living beings. An anthropocentric worldview that has dominated our thinking and acting is a contributor to the climate crisis today. To address it will require a more biocentric understanding which is consistent with Buddhist thought.

Bringing together engaged Buddhist thought and feminist epistemology I will argue that the compatibility between human rights and religion will only occur after the dismantling of patriarchy; addressing the impunity of those religious leaders/institutions that violate the human rights of some and extending the human rights discourse to include other living beings.