Buddhism and Human Rights: A Broader Perspective Towards Peace
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Abstract
This article explores the conceptual relationship between Buddhist philosophy and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), offering a broader intercultural perspective on peace and justice. While Buddhism and the UDHR emerge from different historical and philosophical contexts, Eastern spiritual traditions and Western legal-political frameworks, respectively, this study argues that the two are not inherently incompatible. Rather than adopting the language of rights in a legalistic sense, Buddhism articulates ethical responsibilities grounded in compassion, interdependence, and the alleviation of suffering. Through a critical comparison, the paper demonstrates that core Buddhist principles such as non-harming (ahiṃsā), compassion (karuṇā), loving-kindness (mettā), and the Middle Way closely align with the moral underpinnings of human rights, even if expressed differently.
The analysis further contends that the idea of human rights as innate and universal, central to the UDHR, can be meaningfully interpreted through Buddhist teachings that affirm the intrinsic dignity and potential for enlightenment in all sentient beings. In this way, Buddhism offers a valuable ethical lens to complement and deepen contemporary human rights discourse. The article calls for a more inclusive understanding of human rights that recognises diverse cultural expressions without diminishing the core principles of dignity, equality, and justice. The paper proposes a more holistic and dialogical approach to peacebuilding by integrating Buddhist ethical thought with global human rights frameworks. It concludes that when Buddhist values and human rights principles are used in tandem, they reinforce each other and provide a powerful foundation for promoting structural and inner peace. This synthesis underscores the importance of engaging multiple worldviews in the ongoing effort to protect human dignity and foster global harmony.
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