The concept of dignity lies at the core of human rights, recognising the inherent worth and equal value of every individual, of you and me. It is a fundamental principle that safeguards our autonomy, freedom, and protection from degrading and discriminatory treatment. 

However, despite its significance, the human right to dignity often finds itself vulnerable to dismissal, even though its importance should never be underestimated as the first human right, perhaps the right we need the most imperative to protect and uphold.

The seemingly abstract nature of dignity often makes it challenging to define and understand fully. Unlike tangible rights, dignity is intangible, subjective, perhaps emotional and difficult to quantify.

This inherent ambiguity may contribute to its dismissal, and some, may argue that its application varies from person to person or culture to culture. However, overlooking the universal essence of dignity undermines the foundation of human rights and diminishes the equality and respect owed to every wonderful individual.

The right to dignity is particularly susceptible to dismissal due to prejudice, bias, and discrimination.  Marginalised groups, such as racial minorities, refugees, LGBTQIA+, or disabled people, often face dehumanization and exclusion, eroding their sense of dignity.  This effect can only be described as utter hatred. 

Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other grounds reinforces societal inequalities and perpetuates the violation of this essential human right. By dismissing the right to dignity, we perpetuate injustice and deny individuals the recognition and respect they deserve.

While international and national laws explicitly recognise the right to dignity, enforcement can be challenging. Legal systems often fail to effectively address cases of dignity violations, leaving victims without adequate redress or accountability for their suffering. Merely defining a “hate crime” is not enough. 

This lack of robust enforcement mechanisms contributes to the perception that the right to dignity is not of paramount importance, further eroding its significance and making it easier to dismiss.

Utilitarian approaches in diversity, culture and theology arguments, for instance, can often be used to prioritise societal benefit over individual dignity. We find examples of this, ‘moral relativism’ when we hear arguments used to justify cultural practices that infringe upon dignity, suggesting that respect for individual worth is subject to varying cultural norms.  This moral relativism if often directed as cultural awareness or sensitivity, but is still a loss of dignity to the individual. 

We need to remember that any, compromising of, or dismissing the right to dignity for such reasons disregards its universal nature and undermines the fundamental principles of human rights. 

While the human right to dignity is one of the easiest to dismiss, it remains the crucial pillar of human rights and social justice.

We need, on a personal level to embrace dignity for those around us and ourselves. The absent-minded, ignorant or conscious dismissal of this essential right will lead to severe consequences, perpetuating all inequality, discrimination, and dehumanisation.

Upholding and protecting the right to dignity is not only a global moral imperative but also essential for fostering a just and inclusive society that respects the inherent worth of every individual, reducing inequalities.

It is our collective and individual responsibility to  not only recognise and uphold this right, but to celebrate it, ensuring that dignity becomes an unwavering principle guiding our actions, laws, and societal norms.