Dignity and Human Rights

In the context of economic globalisation, the mandate to implement economic, social and cultural rights is most urgent. From the point of view of the human rights community, the primacy of human rights obligations over economic policies has been reiterated on several occasions. This book presents the view that human dignity and human rights need to be brought to the centre of the current debate on globalisation. Indeed, whereas human dignity is the core and the foundation of human rights, it is through the implementation of rights that dignity is protected. The contributors to this volume belong to different (inter)national networks in the field of human rights. All were present at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre and all are committed to the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights. Their contributions capture the dynamism and richness of the dialogues. Fundamental and operational issues are taken up, global alternatives and practical recommendations are presented.