The dignity of human person has been denied in many countries following the non-justiciability of socio-economic rights despite the litigation of civil and political rights. This problem is aggravated by the common misconception that human rights are basically natural rights an age-long notion. This paper is aimed at establishing that socio-economic rights are veritable tools for actualizing the dignity of human person and that civil, political and socio-economic right is human rights. To accomplish these objectives this paper adopted the philosophical expository and critical approach in investigating the issues on dignity of human person and socio-economic rights. The paper found that as long as socio-economic rights in a country is regarded as non-justiciable and treated as non human rights the protection of the dignity of human person will remain a mirage. The paper submits that the pursuit of the dignity of human person cannot be achieved by relying solely on civil and political right; as fundamental as they are their full actualization depend on the obligations and responsibilities of the state.
Written By
Prof. Idorenyin F. Esikot
Department of Philosophy,
University of Uyo
idorenyinesikot@unuyo.edu.ng
Ruth A. Obot
Department of Philosophy,
University of Uyo
rutudoh@gmail.com
