On human dignity as fundament on UNESCO's Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights

Abstract

This contribution demonstrates the central and fundamental role assumed by human dignity in the 2005 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights into the text of which of the current Bioethics debate on respect and protection is incorporated. In said document the twin concepts of dignity and human rights are expressly linked: to personal dignity is ascribed the creative capacity to produce norms which may be applied to the solution of such problems which are characteristically attendant upon it. After analyzing the close relationship between both concepts – dignity and human rights- attention will be focused exclusively upon the utility of the concept of dignity (this despite the criticicisms levelled against it) in bioethical discourse. By way of conclusion the most relevant roles ascribed to dignity in the text of the Declaration are examined - namely, first bioethical principle, essential objective and interpretative parameter of all articles which appear therein.