An increasing number of theorists are seeking to defend what they call a ‘political’ conception of human rights. This conception grounds human rights in the political facts of the international human rights regime. This paper will argue against such a conception of human rights and will, instead, argue that human rights should be grounded in a conception of human dignity as a lofty, or high, status. In order to do so I will first critique the political conception to make clear the need for a solid foundation. I will then explore the concept of human dignity, its possible meaning and significance. I will finally combine the idea of human dignity as a lofty status with an interest theory of the functions of rights. By doing this I will show that dignity can, and does, provide a solid and coherent foundation for human rights.
