Sustainable Development and the Protection of Human Dignity: Legal Perspectives between International and EU Law

Abstract

The principle of human dignity has become increasingly central in international and European legal discourse. It functions both as a foundational value and as a legal standard for a rights-based approach to sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda explicitly links dignity, equality, and environmental well-being. The paper examines the normative and procedural connections between dignity and sustainable development in international and EU law. It analyses the legal status of dignity in international treaties and EU primary law. The study highlights dignity’s potential to guide legal interpretation and sustainability policies. Selected case law shows courts increasingly invoking dignity in environmental and climate-related cases. The paper also explores dignity’s role in addressing climate inaction and social exclusion. Special attention is given to the protection of vulnerable groups and future generations. Ultimately, it argues for recognizing dignity as a normative benchmark and enforceable right in sustainability law.