HUMAN beings set themselves apart from other species as they possess a sense of dignity which makes them exceptional creatures and their uniqueness in this world is hidden in the pearl of their dignity. Humans do whatever it takes to protect their dignity when it’s in jeopardy. Imagine if every person in France was granted equal rights and dignity by their ruler. The French Revolution may not have occurred at all. Human rights violations sparked the French Revolution, prompting a violent fight to secure the dignity of people. Throughout history, it has been shown time and again that the preservation of human dignity is crucial for survival, even more so than food and water. Mohammad Bouazizi, a Tunisian street vendor, had his merchandise confiscated by the police on December 17, 2010. According to reports, he was also physically assaulted.
The man, offended by the disrespectful behaviour, sought justice and complained to the governor’s office. Nobody bothered to listen to the poor man, disregarding his words. The man doused himself in gasoline and set himself on fire in a moment of despair. Numerous dictatorial regimes in the Arab world fell unexpectedly, catching everyone off guard. People in the Arab world felt their dignity was compromised by rulers, leading to extreme measures being taken to secure it through a revolution. When governments fail to safeguard human dignity, they fall into a deep abyss of chaos and devastation.
The key to winning people’s hearts is preserving their dignity. Lee Kuan Yew protected the dignity of the people of Singapore, endearing himself to their hearts. Undoubtedly, Lee Kuan Yew is the most renowned leader in Singapore. Disorder and chaos have taken over the world reflecting that human dignity has been widely compromised by the governments in the modern era. The people in Kashmir are fighting for their freedom and dignity. The ongoing struggle has persisted since the partition of the sub-continent. The fight for freedom in Kashmir is driven by the goal of upholding the dignity of its inhabitants. It will meet its justified end only when Kashmiris will earn their freedom.
The Palestinian people are currently caught in a highly violent conflict, where Israel is inflicting significant harm on their right to live in peace and dignity. Had it been solely about land, a mutual agreement would have settled the issue. The illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel puts Palestinian national dignity and rightful ownership in jeopardy. Dignity serves as the foundation for human behaviour, compelling individuals to surpass their boundaries in its defense. Nobody has the right to impose apartheid on others. The world’s peaceful tendencies are fading due to repeated violations of human dignity. The right to survive and thrive is equally held by everyone on this planet. Accepting others’ rights and fulfilling societal obligations is where human dignity resides. Governments in the contemporary world are witnessing a surge in territorial conflicts and a decline in peaceful tendencies. The fact that human dignity has been at stake for years has been overlooked by everyone.
Political elites in developing states exploit power and resources, violating the dignity of poor citizens in myriad ways. In a nation where people die of hunger and struggle to access justice, how can a wealthy ruler with immense riches claim to have maintained the dignity of citizens? If there is widespread gender bias in society, how can it claim to be founded on the pillars of dignified survival? Peace is attained when individuals are not made to feel betrayed and do not suffer the loss of their dignity. The concept of human dignity is instilled in individuals through a conducive environment in which everyone gets respect. The education system plays a vital role in achieving this. Both the general masses and the rulers must receive an education that fosters empathy and compassion towards others.
Feeling someone else’s pain requires possessing these traits. Evoking a feeling that how human dignity is vital for our survival requires an acceptance of the fact that the society we live in and the people we have around us are human beings who have the same emotions and composition as we have. So, they wish to be treated just as we wish to be treated by others. The aim of the education system should be to help students understand this fact. This will enhance empathy and inclusivity in our societies, ultimately safeguarding human dignity. To achieve world peace, it is crucial to guarantee the harmonious and dignified existence of all individuals.
The most essential part of the UN charter is the preservation of human dignity. The UNO’s responsibility is to protect the dignity of individuals by preventing any state or government from violating it. The only way UNO can do this is by transforming itself into a more democratic organization. If powerful states use violence to create chaos in weaker states, what is the UN’s role in protecting human dignity? Moreover, how can governments boost the self-esteem of their citizens? Showing respect to their citizens is the key to finding a solution. When it comes to respect, they should view their citizens as their children and fulfil their needs in a dignified way. Those leaders who lack wisdom are the ones who defy this fundamental idea. As inhabitants of this planet, each of us will experience the results of our endeavours. The permanent downfall awaits dictators who disregard human dignity. Are there any recollections of ruthless rulers being seen as role models? The demise of mighty rulers who shattered human dignity reflects that they received no respect.
Human dignity is a two-sided exchange. When both ends prioritize the preservation of human dignity, collisions are avoided on this two-way road. In the event of a violation of human dignity by one side, the other side retaliates and collisions occur between them. A sense of honour and worth is derived from human dignity. To secure peace, this is the exclusive route to take. Peace is what the world needs. Before anything else, it must sow the seeds of peace. The essence of peace is intertwined with human dignity.
—The writer is CSS Officer, based in Sargodha.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
