Introduction to Dignity Law

Journal of Disaster Research Vol.17 No.3, 2022

9 Pages Posted: 17 Dec 2024 Last revised: 3 Jan 2025

See all articles by James R. May

James R. May

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law; Widener University Delaware Law School; Haub School of Law at Pace University

Erin Daly

Widener University Delaware Law School

Date Written: April 21, 2022

Abstract

This article introduces the idea of human dignity as a legal concept and demonstrates how that idea can be used to protect people who migrate. Migration involves moving from one place of residence to another, within a country or across an international border, temporarily, or permanently, for myriad reasons. Dignity is an inherent human quality that embodies the equal worth of every person, everywhere. Dignity matters to migrants because it is inherent in the human person and inalienable; it therefore travels with migrants wherever they go, it does not depend on government grace and it cannot be abridged by governmental or private action. Because it reflects equal worth, it demands that migrants are treated by public and private actors as having the same inherent worth and value as every other person, whether they are citizens or not. This means that every person has the same right as any other person to have their dignity respected, in terms of quality of life, access to services, security, and every other way that matters. While dignity rights are reflected in most of the world’s constitutions and are embedded in human rights law at the international, regional, national, and subnational levels, they must be implemented and applied for the benefit of people who migrate within countries and across borders.

Keywords: Migration, Human Dignity, Dignity

Suggested Citation

May, James and Daly, Erin, Introduction to Dignity Law (April 21, 2022). Journal of Disaster Research Vol.17 No.3, 2022, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5031081 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5031081

James May (Contact Author)

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law ( email )

1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
United States

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States

Haub School of Law at Pace University ( email )

78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

Erin Daly

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States
302-477-2143 (Phone)
304-477-2257 (Fax)

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