Human Dignity

Human dignity is the fundamental principle and basis of all human rights. Next to the prohibition of torture it is often the only fundamental right without any explicit limitation and should therefore be at the core of a fundamental rights catalogue of a modern constitution. Reaffirmed in international treaties and constitutions, it transcends cultural boundaries. The dual nature of human dignity as both a fundamental principle and an individual right is often associated with personal integrity and identity, but also underscores equal rights and guarantees a basic standard of living. Its historical development highlights its importance in the post-World War II context, promoting democracy and combating discrimination. Connected to human dignity is the concept of personal integrity covering such diverse aspects as prison conditions, biomedicine, personal identity, non-discrimination and the minimum subsistence level. Courts have also regularly applied human dignity in cases involving physical and mental integrity, privacy, equality and social rights. The prohibition of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment equally stems from the concept of human dignity. Forced labour and modern trafficking is also covered, with emphasis on protection against exploitation and violation of personal integrity.