The Iowa Department of Human
Rights embraces the concept that every person should be treated
with dignity and respect, and that we should uphold the most fundamental
human courtesies toward one another. It is with this premise that
we will continue our efforts to ensure that every Iowan is equally
protected and respected.
-Walter Reed, Jr.
Director, Iowa Department of Human Rights
Every individual has dignity.
Dignity gives an individual a sense of value and worth. The existence
of human rights demonstrates that human beings are aware of each
other’s worth. Human dignity is not an individual, exclusive
and isolated sense. It is a part of our common humanity.
Human rights enable us to
respect each other and live with each other. In other words, they
are not only rights to be requested or demanded but rights to
be respected and be responsible for. The rights that apply to
you also apply to others.
United Nations
Publication DPI/1967 98-03917 March 1998 and ABC: Teaching Human
Rights, United Nations Publication
