Conference “Human dignity: a fundamental tool in a democratic State governed by the rule of law” is to turn the society’s and professionals’ attention to the concept of human dignity in many
human rights issues; for this reason the conference takes place during the week of Baltic Pride 2021. The issue of LGBT rights has made the discussion about human dignity very timely, but it
is important to highlight the fact that LGBT rights fall within the bigger concept of human rights and it must be viewed together with other aspects of human dignity.
During the conference, we will look at human dignity through the lens of fundamental rights, values and philosophy of law. We will also discuss the possible future development of the concept
of human dignity. This conference will be used to generate a set of legal scientific and philosophical articles that will focus on human dignity in Latvia, Europe and the world; it will provide
information and practical advice to professionals.
Respect for human dignity is at the core of human rights. For this reason, in a democratic country, governed by the rule of law, each member of the society must respect human dignity. Human dignity must be protected when individuals interact with the State, as well as when they interact with each other.
Democracy and human dignity are closely intertwined and support each other. Respect for human dignity forms the basis of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia; this notion is also deeply rooted within the European fundamental rights. Thus, human dignity is part of fundamental rights, which can be enjoyed by everyone, as well as a valuable constitutional tool through which
several processes are realized in the country and the society. It was the Constitutional court’s rulings – Nr.2019-33-01 and Nr.2020-34-01 – that created a wide resonance in the Latvian society, since not only did they highlight the unjust confinements of human rights, that relate to families of same-sex couples living in Latvia, but they also caused anger and aggressive rhetoric in some groups of the society and among some politicians. If there is a lack of mutual tolerance, dialogue and respect towards our Constitution and each member of our society, then fear and anxiety rises among us, and we start to feel vulnerable and disappointed in our fellow citizens and in the State.
To invest in the creation of a brave and a respectful society, the content of the conference will be specifically tailored to lawyers, human rights activists, philosophers, journalists, politicians, and others. It is planned that high-ranking Latvian and European legal rights experts and practitioners will participate in the conference, to provide a wide, yet at the same time very precise, look at the concept of human dignity and its practical applications.
