Damien Keown argues that an appeal to the compassion of ruthless tyrants will often not work. But that should not stop it being persistently tried, in a Gandhian-like way.

The Mahaayaana sees the compassionate Buddha-nature as in all. The Theravaada sees the brightly-shining mind, with its seed of lovingkindness (A.I.10) as in all. Whatever we can do to awaken this in others should be done. Of course, this may sometimes involve determined opposition to a state's policy: out of compassion both for the idiots operating it, and those they are oppressing.

Now //here// is perhaps a distinctive Buddhist twist to human rights talk: in opposing government's abuse of human rights, this should be done from compassion for both the abused and the abuser. A much better motive than rightious indignation/anger!

Peter Harvey