Spiritual commitment to human rights in the face of climate anxiety and disruption
Channel: Jem Bendell
Date: 2021-10-13

In this conversation between the Interim Chair of Amnesty International, Dr Anjhula Singh-Bais and the founder of Deep Adaptation, Professor Jem Bendell, we hear how: 
- a commitment to universal human rights is deeply rooted in many cultures, not only Western, and can arise from spiritual philosophies including Buddhism. 
- that commitment is important to sustain as societies face greater disruption from climate chaos. 
- paying attention to mental wellbeing is important for sustaining ourselves and societies in our support for human rights as climate anxiety grows
- it is important to centre gender issues in our consideration of the contemporary application of human rights. 

Dr Singh-Bais discusses these issues informally in a personal capacity and not on behalf of Amnesty International. Authoritarianism and societal divisions are discussed as contrary to expressions of universal human rights and to be wary of as anxieties grow. 

That is also a topic explored in depth in a new research paper from Professor Bendell. 
Bendell, J. (2021). Psychological insights on discussing societal disruption and collapse.
Ata: Journal of Psychotherapy Aotearoa New Zealand, 25 (1), 45–63. https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2021.05

More information on Dr. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais:
Director, Fourth Dimension Consultancy 
Interim Chair, International Board, Amnesty International 
Board Member, Institute of Semitics at Princeton
American Psychological Association Division 52 (International Psychology) Standing Representative, Divisions for Social Justice
BA Psych (India), MSc Psychoanalysis (UK), PhD International Psych (Distinction) (USA)
Full member: APA, BPS, ICPS, ISTSS,

This is the final #DeepAdaptation Q&A in 2021. See more from the series at:
https://jembendell.com/2021/02/10/discuss-deepadaptation-with-experts-in-2021/