The Realisation of the Principle of Human Dignity in the Actions of Public Administration – Selected Issues

Abstract

Human dignity is one of the constitutional values in a number of contemporary states, including Poland. Article 30 of the Polish Constitution says that the inherent and inalienable human dignity is a source of human and civic freedoms and rights. It is inviolable and must be respected and protected by public authorities. Respect for human dignity is expressed as a normative principle or a value that public administration must keep in mind in its operations. Given its universal nature, it determines the way in which people are treated by public administration, which must not only consider but also respect human dignity. Therefore, the state administration should not take action that would violate human dignity and should take action where that dignity is at risk. This obligation becomes the source of the public administration’s special duties concerning the respect for and protection of human dignity.