Human Dignity and Human Rights
Introduction
This reflection comes from the Declaration of Human Dignity released by the Dicastery of the Doctrine of Faith, April 2024. All quotes are from that document. It is very timely as we witness so many actions and policies that deny the dignity of any human being.
Declaration of Human Dignity
As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, issued by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948, the Church sees an opportunity to proclaim anew its conviction that all human beings—created by God and redeemed by Christ—must be recognized and treated with respect and love due to their inalienable dignity.
Today, the term “dignity” is mainly used to emphasize the uniqueness of the human person, incomparable to all other entities in the universe. From this perspective, we can understand how the word “dignity” was used in the 1948 United Nations Declaration, which speaks about “the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.” Only this inalienable character of human dignity makes it possible to speak about human rights.
To clarify the concept of dignity even further, it is essential to point out that dignity is not something granted to the person by others based on their gifts or qualities, such that it could be withdrawn. Were it so bestowed, it would be given in a conditional and alienable way, and then the very meaning of dignity (however worthy of great respect) would remain exposed to the risk of being abolished. Instead, dignity is intrinsic to the person: it is not conferred subsequently (a posteriori), it is prior to any recognition, and it cannot be lost. All human beings possess this same intrinsic dignity, regardless of whether or not they can express it in a suitable manner.
Song How can anyone tell you, you are anything less than Beautiful. Shaina Noll
How could anyone ever tell you, you were anything less than beautiful?
How could anyone ever tell you, you were less than whole?
How could anyone fail to notice, that your loving is a miracle?
How deeply you’re connected to my soul.
Reflection
The following intentions are based on the grave violations of Human Dignity
“One of the phenomena that contributes significantly to denying the dignity of so many human beings is extreme poverty, linked as it is to the unequal distribution of wealth.” In support of actions and policies that reduce poverty, we pray:
“War, terrorist attacks, racial or religious persecution, and many other affronts to human dignity […] ‘have become so common as to constitute a real ‘third world war’ fought piecemeal.’” For an end to these acts of violence, we pray:
“Migrants are among the first victims of multiple forms of poverty. Not only is their dignity denied in their home countries, but also their lives are put at risk because they no longer have the means to start a family, to work, or to feed themselves.” For greater justice and compassion toward all migrants, we pray:
Reflection
Song
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