Dignity’s Will

Dignity is a universal value. It transcends culture and individuality. It is the kernel within us that must be protected if we are to flourish. For this reason, dignity is recognized as the foundation of human rights. It provides the touchstone upon which we may assess the nature and extent of human rights.

The preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) refers to the ‘inherent dignity’ of all persons and, developing this principle, the preambles to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) provide that human rights are derived from human dignity

Dimensions of Dignity