Universal Human Right #12 of 30 — The Right to Privacy, Dignity, and Protection from Interference
- Ashley Martin
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Part of Lustitia Aequalis’ “30 Rights in 30 Days” Series | In alignment with USIDHR Human Rights Education and Diplomacy Standards
Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”
Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we recognize that the right to privacy and the fight against poverty are deeply intertwined.
Poverty is not only economic deprivation — it is often a state of exposure. When people lack stable housing, secure employment, or digital protection, their privacy and dignity are routinely violated. From data exploitation and predatory surveillance to the public stigmatization of those seeking assistance, poverty exposes individuals to scrutiny rather than support.
Why Right #12 Matters Today
USIDHR identifies the right to privacy as a core element of human dignity and self-determination. Without privacy, marginalized populations lose the freedom to define their own identity and the autonomy to pursue stability and safety.The same is true globally: as economic inequality widens, the most vulnerable become the most monitored — through invasive technologies, unregulated data collection, and inequitable welfare systems that treat survival as suspicion.
The Human Rights Connection
Economic justice and privacy are inseparable: dignity requires both resources and respect.
Family and home are not privileges — they are protections.
Security of personal information is a human right, not a luxury of wealth.
Our Commitment
Lustitia Aequalis, in alignment with USIDHR’s human rights education and diplomatic engagement principles, reaffirms its dedication to:
Advocating for data and privacy laws that protect vulnerable populations.
Advancing economic justice as a condition of human dignity.
Promoting education and diplomacy that uphold the universal right to live free from exposure, interference, or indignity.
Poverty is not a personal failure — it is a collective responsibility.And dignity begins where interference ends.
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