What is dignity?
Dignity is discussed constantly. Almost all cultures and religious traditions have had ideas of dignity, and it is central to ethical debates in medicine and law. Development actors often say that dignity is important to them.

Despite that, dignity is rarely defined. Different people may mean very different things by it. That’s why Mika LaVaque-Manty calls it ‘multivocal’. There are big differences between dignity among Kenyans, Syrians, Rohingya, and other groups – and all of these definitions can exist simultaneously.
Despite that, dignity is rarely defined. Different people may mean very different things by it. That’s why Mika LaVaque-Manty calls it ‘multivocal’. There are big differences between dignity among Kenyans, Syrians, Rohingya, and other groups – and all of these definitions can exist simultaneously.
‘Dignity is inherent to all people, regardless of who they are or how they act. Because people have dignity, they are entitled to respect.’
