Standing Up for Dignity

A Christian’s Call to Human Rights Advocacy

As Christians, our lives are built on the radical idea of love – love for God and love for our neighbour. This love isn’t passive; it propels us towards action, challenging us to actively seek justice and uplift those who are marginalised and oppressed. Our commitment to this call finds a powerful echo in the principles of human rights.

The very foundation of human rights lies in recognising the inherent dignity of every human being. The word “dignity” itself speaks volumes. Dictionaries define it as “the importance and value that a person has, that makes other people respect them or makes them respect themselves,” “the quality of a person that makes him or her deserving of respect,” and “worth or value of a person.” Legal documents, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, reinforce this concept, stating that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”

Rooted in Scripture: The Image of God

This understanding of dignity isn’t a modern invention. Its roots run deep in the soil of Scripture. Genesis 1:26-27 proclaims, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This passage is foundational. It tells us that every human being, regardless of background, status, or circumstance, bears the imprint of the Divine. This divine image is what bestows upon us inherent worth and dignity.

The implications of this truth are profound. It means that each person we encounter – the refugee fleeing persecution, the child living in poverty, the prisoner yearning for freedom – is a bearer of God’s image. To treat someone with dignity is to recognise this sacred truth and respond with love, compassion, and respect.

From Biblical Principles to Human Rights Law

Throughout the Bible, we find God’s heart for justice and his concern for the vulnerable. These themes are echoed in the principles of international human rights law. Let’s look at some examples:

• Equality: In Galatians 3:26-28, Paul breaks down barriers, declaring, “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” This radical statement of equality finds expression in Article 2 of the UDHR, which prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. The Bible and human rights law converge in their affirmation that all people are equal in dignity and deserving of equal rights and opportunities.
• Justice: The Bible repeatedly calls us to seek justice and defend the oppressed. Isaiah 1:17 urges us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This call is echoed in Proverbs 24:24-25, which states, “Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.” These verses resonate with Article 14 of the ICCPR, which ensures the right to a fair trial, due process, and equal protection under the law. The pursuit of justice, both biblically and legally, aims to hold wrongdoers accountable and ensure that the rights of all are protected.
• Speaking for Others: One of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith is by speaking up for those who are silenced or marginalised. Leviticus 19:33-34 commands us to “love [foreigners] as for yourself; for you were living in a strange land, in the land of Egypt.” Psalm 82:3-4 similarly calls us to action, stating, “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” These calls to advocacy are reflected in international human rights instruments that protect refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable groups. Article 14 of the ICCPR, for example, recognises the right to seek asylum from persecution in other countries.
• Freedom: While our ultimate freedom is found in Christ, Galatians 5:1a reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” And Luke 4:18 highlights Jesus’ mission “to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” This commitment to freedom resonates with Article 2 of the UDHR, which guarantees everyone the right to freedom from oppression and discrimination, as well as other fundamental freedoms like freedom of expression and assembly.

The Bible and Human Rights: Partners in the Pursuit of Justice

The Bible provides the foundation for understanding human dignity and the moral imperative to uphold justice and defend the vulnerable. Human rights law, in many ways, seeks to codify these principles and translate them into concrete legal protections. Rather than being at odds, the Bible and human rights can work together to create a more just and compassionate world.

Our Call to Action

As Christians engaged in advocacy, we are called to be bridge-builders, connecting the timeless truths of Scripture with the practical realities of international human rights law. We can do this by:

• Educating ourselves and others about the biblical basis of human rights and the ways in which these principles are reflected in international law.
• Praying for those whose rights are being violated and for those working to uphold human rights around the world.
• Supporting organisations that are working to promote human rights and defend the vulnerable.
• Speaking out against injustice and using our voices to advocate for change.

Let’s remember the words of Isaiah 61:1:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

This is our calling, too. May we be faithful and courageous in our pursuit of justice and dignity for all.