26 May -1 June 2008 

The concept of human rights is not alien to any culture. Human rights, human dignity and fundamental freedoms are applicable to every human being, everywhere. Building a culture of human rights to uphold human dignity is essential at every level of society today. It is in this context that the discussion on the universality of human rights continues to be relevant as it affirms the cardinal principle of right to freedom and equality in dignity and rights.

While several initiatives are taking place in today’s global context for the advancement of human rights which has become an overarching priority to ensure peace and security, it is also important to understand the metamorphosis of the evolution of the concept of human rights, especially its philosophical and religious basis in different cultures and religions. This seminar will seek for an in-depth analysis and insights into the concept of human rights and human dignity in various religious traditions, especially in Christianity. A wide range of comparative analyses will help the participants to compare different approaches in various cultures and socio political contexts and bring them into discussions on today’s global context of human rights situations. The seminar will also try to understand different specific human rights issues such as the right to life, the liberty and security of the person, the right to freedom of belief and religion, the right to protection from being subjected to torture and other cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, etc. These topics will be studied by using case studies from different countries, especially in the context where gross and systemic violations of human rights occur.

The seminar will bring together a group of people who are concerned about the protection and promotion of human rights and human dignity, human rights activists who are engaged in people’s struggles, legal and judicial experts on international human rights laws and protection mechanisms, policy makers, academicians, theologians and scholars from various religious traditions.

Staff: Dr Dagmar Heller and Dr Mathews George