UPHOLDING HUMAN DIGNITY: THE ETHICAL OBLIGATION OF PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

The burden of upholding and protecting human rights has often been delineated to human rights agencies and police officers. However, to what extent should this roles be exclusively left for human rights agencies and police officers if the ones mandated with such responsibilities are at the forefront of breaking them? The recent demonstrations in the state of Kenya have unveiled various disturbing images of police officers committing untold injustice to defenseless protestors who are not only fighting for their rights but for the rights of the police officers as well especially when the picketing and protests bear fruits in generating an accountable government that steers positive growth and development.

The Essence of Human Dignity and Human Rights

Human dignity is an intrinsic value that belongs to every individual regardless of race, nationality, gender, or social status. It is the foundation upon which human rights are built. Human rights are universal principles that guarantee individuals' freedom and ensure they are treated with respect and fairness. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, enshrines these principles, asserting that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

"all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."

The Role of Government and Law Enforcement Agencies

Traditionally, the government and law enforcement agencies have been enshrined with the duty of protecting and safeguarding human dignity through ensuring equity for all, justice, legal protection, and basic safeguarding of every individual's dignity. Law enforcement agencies, as extensions of government authority, play a crucial role in maintaining public order and safety. Nevertheless, when individuals who are tasked to uphold these rights break them, the responsibility of protection cannot solely rest on their shoulders.

Shared Ethical Responsibility

Every individual has the ethical responsibility of upholding human dignity. It is profoundly disturbing to witness instances where those entrusted with maintaining law and order fail to protect this fundamental principle. When a defenseless protester is subjected to brutality and humiliation, it raises serious questions about the moral integrity of the institutions meant to safeguard citizens' rights.

The sight of a young man, pinned down and mistreated by those in authority, should compel us to reflect on our collective responsibilities. How can we, as a society, allow such injustices to occur? It is not only the duty of law enforcement to uphold human dignity but also the responsibility of every bystander to intervene and uphold these values. Silence and inaction in the face of such atrocities condone and perpetuate the violation of basic human rights.

In workplaces, recreational areas, and even within our homes, we must remain vigilant against any form of indignity inflicted upon others. The press, in its role as a watchdog, bears a crucial responsibility to expose and condemn such abuses, ensuring accountability and justice, however, even while on duty it is imperative to be a brother and sister keeper against actions that infringe on their dignity.

"Everyone has an ethical responsibility to protect human dignity wherever they are, be it in their workplaces, recreational areas, or their homes."

Protecting human dignity is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative that transcends boundaries. It requires courage, empathy, and a firm commitment to stand up against any act that diminishes the inherent worth of another human being.

Conclusion

The burden of upholding human rights and human dignity should not just be relegated to police officers who are often at the forefront of desecrating it and human rights agencies who are not omnipresent. It is a collective ethical obligation that every individual must embrace. By standing against injustices and advocating for the fair and respectful treatment of all, we contribute to a society that truly upholds the intrinsic value of human dignity for everyone.

Do you agree that the ethical responsibility of upholding human dignity is everyone's responsibility and not for selected few agencies?