Dignity: A Cornerstone Of Human Rights- A Grassroots Approach – Human Rights

In a world where inequality continues to grow and human dignity
is often overlooked, the importance of fostering a culture that
values and respects each individual cannot be overstated. As we
commemorate Human Rights Month, let us be reminded of our shared
responsibility to create a world where dignity, tolerance, and the
recognition of our interconnectedness serve as the foundation for a
just and equal society.

Dignity is broadly defined as the right for all humans to be
valued, respected and treated ethically. This emerges as an
established cornerstone of democracy, as well as an essential
component of any culture or society premised on human rights. The
question with which we are grappling in a world increasingly
characterised by inequality is: how does dignity become a lived
reality for all?

One answer to this difficult question of levelling the playing
fields by lessening inequality is a grassroots approach whereby
long-term partnerships are forged with local organisations and
individuals in communities. The hope is that a grassroots approach
will contribute to dignity for all in a sustainable manner. The
sharing of resources, as well as the dedication of time, skills and
knowledge is essential to cultivating sustainable networks and
interventions. Embracing a shared vision, co-developed with the
involvement of all stakeholders, is essential in establishing a
nation where dignity is experienced by everyone.

Both private and public entities in all sectors of the economy
and at all levels of society have an important role to play in
advocating for dignity for all as well as ensuring that the tools
needed including financial and intellectual resources are made
available. What is of importance is that all interventions and
initiatives must be ones that are co-created by the community in
question to ensure relevance and effectiveness. No community is the
same, local nuances exist and initiatives have to account for
these. There is no room for a one-size-fits-all approach.

To achieve dignity for all, there needs to be a long-term
commitment and partnership by local, private and public
stakeholders. Entrenching a human rights culture with dignity as a
cornerstone is one that needs constant attention and a dedicated
footprint built on trust. Resources such as time, knowledge, skills
and accessible space for meeting and the sharing of ideas are
essential. Pro bono offices and programmes such as the ENSafrica Pro bono-CSI programmes are tangible
examples that provide a way for all of us to share and play a role
in the struggle for dignity for all.

Human Rights month reminds us that the protection of the dignity
of all is not a given. We have to constantly strive to ensure that
we work towards a culture premised on dignity, tolerance and the
notion of Ubuntu. Let this month continue to ignite the
spark in all of us to plough our time, skills, knowledge and
resources towards creating a world where inequality is stopped and
dignity truly is the lived reality for all.

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