In November, the Oslo Coalition of Freedom of Religion or Belief conducted a three-day pilot course titled “Buddhism and Human Rights” at the International Buddhist Studies College of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Thailand. This course offered an introduction to the international human rights framework, with a particular emphasis on the right to freedom of religion or belief.
Throughout the course, participants explored various Buddhist perspectives on governance and social ethics, delving into the intellectual history of Buddhism. The goal was to compare relevant Buddhist texts and academic readings with fundamental human rights principles and mechanisms.
The course brought together 30 students from Myanmar, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Thailand, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.