ihmisarvoa

Ihmisarvoa, meaning human dignity, refers to the inherent worth of every human being and the idea that all persons possess equal moral value simply by being human. It is a foundational notion in moral philosophy and in the law, and it underpins the rights and freedoms to which individuals are entitled.

Internationally, human dignity is enshrined as a core principle of modern human rights law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights; subsequent instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and regional treaties, build on that premise. The concept limits state power and obligates protection against abuses such as torture, slavery, and discrimination, and it supports the equal treatment of individuals in law and policy.

In Finland, as in many European countries, human dignity is a guiding principle in constitutional and statutory protection of fundamental rights. It informs judicial interpretation and policy choices, including prohibitions on degrading treatment and guarantees of equal protection under the law. The concept is also reflected in international and European human rights instruments to which Finland is a party and in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Discussion of human dignity often involves balancing it with other social considerations, such as public safety or resource allocation. Some debates emphasize its aspirational nature, while others argue that the term can be vague or contested; nonetheless, it remains a central normative standard for evaluating laws and government actions.