Abstract

In this chapter, I glean a notion of human dignity from a certain principle of ubuntu that recognises the intrinsic value of being human that correspondingly can be affirmed and reinforced by recognising and respecting the same in others. I argue that such a notion of human dignity might not be confined to geography in terms of its application as others are apt to be. In light of this principle, I attempt to offer an idea of global human dignity that challenges the power politics troubling human relations from different geopolitical centres on account of insinuated differential human dignities. My motivation is not to seek legitimation or accommodation in particular ‘closed’ notions of human dignity but to set out an African conception of human dignity sufficiently open to be applicable universally to foreground global justice discourse.