What is meant by Sphere’s reference to dignity?
The principle of the right to life with dignity in the Humanitarian Charter is drawn from the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Every person has a different perception of what dignity means. Life with dignity implies a certain level beyond provision of life-saving assistance, and is a powerful and important principle for the humanitarian system. Consequently, participation is essential for people to define a programme that helps them achieve their right to life with dignity. The importance of participation of the women and men from the disaster-affected population is reflected throughout the 2004 Ed. handbook.
