Since its inclusion in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1949, ‘human dignity’ has become a foundational human rights concept, frequently used in the context of international human rights and sustainable development programs (including the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030) around the world. In contrast to other formulations of dignity which are premised on the status of individuals or institutions, ‘human dignity’ is often understood as the intrinsic value of human beings. Yet, what ‘human dignity’ requires is widely varied and frequently contested. In fact, the term is understood in diverse ways in different socio-cultural and political settings.

 

The research project ‘Locating “Human Dignity” in Cambodia’ begins to address this gap, by exploring both how ‘human dignity’ is used in Cambodian law, policy, and advocacy, and how it is understood by Cambodians from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. In this way, we explore whether ‘human dignity’ resonates or conflicts with both other framings of ‘dignity’ and other values in Cambodia. This research brief is based on our review of publicly available Cambodian law, policy, and civil society advocacy. Here we provide some non-exhaustive examples of the contexts in which ‘human dignity’ is used, as well as noting other framings of ‘dignity’ which may relate to, overlap with, or even contradict, notions of ‘human dignity.

CSHL Research Brief Vol. 3 (PDF 352kb)

CSHL Research Brief Vol. 4 (PDF 291kb)

(Khmer language version)
CSHL Research Brief on Human Dignity - KH_Final.pdf  (PDF 872kb)