Relaunch of the Human Dignity Working Group

“The infinite dignity of every human being is routinely denied across all stages of life, from conception until natural death. Therefore, the concept of human dignity must be further explored, in order to acquire a deeper understanding of the many cultural aspects which play a role in it, such as for example recognizing the contribution of Europe’s Christian heritage”.This was the statement made by the Board of the relaunched Human Dignity Working Group in the European Parliament.On Wednesday 28 October, during the Plenary Session in Strasbourg, twelve Members of the European Parliament from six different political groups relaunched thisParliamentary Working Group which will work to promote Human Dignity beyond political differences. This Working Group, first established in 2009 by Prof. Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, MEP (EPP, Germany), then President of the European Parliament, will work to put human dignity at the forefront of EU policy making again.

The group is currently chaired by Bas Belder, MEP (ECR, The Netherlands). Its Vice-Chairs are: Alojz Peterle, MEP, Past Prime Minister, (EPP, Slovenia, signatory of the FAFCE Manifesto), Luigi Morgano, MEP (S&D, also signatory of the FAFCE Manifesto), Marian Harkin (ALDE, Ireland), Daniela Aiuto (EFDD, Italy), Diane Dodds (United Kingdom, NI).

The Chair, Mr Belder, affirmed during the meeting: “I consider the Universal Declaration of Human Dignity , on which this Working Group founds its action, as a source of great inspiration for my work in the European Parliament.”

Mr Morgano, Vice-Chair for the S&D Group, asked by FAFCE to give a comment, stated: “I believe that the greatest loophole of our society is not the lack of recognition of human rights, but the ineffectiveness of the recognition of the dignity of each human being… In this context, theEuropean thought, as a result of many and different cultures, is the most likely to provide a valuable contribution.”

Ms Aiuto, EFDD Vice-Chair, declared: “Migration, family and workers’ rights: as MEPs we are gathered here to put human dignity at the forefront of EU policy making in many different areas.”

The FAFCE office in Brussels will follow the activity of this Working Group very closely during the ongoing legislative term.

Click here to find the Working Group press release online.