Working Groups

The Institute is in the process of establishing parliamentary working groups on human dignity in legislatures worldwide.

So far, we have three operating: in the UK, Romanian and Lithuanian parliaments. Our next working group will be launched later this year in the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Dignity, Palace of Westminster

The all party parliamentary group is chaired by the veteran pro-life campaigner, Lord Alton of Liverpool. It was launched in 2010 by another pro-life activist, Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Martin Luther King.

At the event, Dr. King said: “I have to tell you that the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Human Dignity (APPG) is an enormous encouragement. I’m hopeful that we can have an ongoing dialogue on the recognition and protection of what we all possess from the moment of conception—our dignity and inherent value.”

Working Group on Human Dignity in the Lithuanian Parliament

This Working Group was launched on 12 March 2010 to mark the 20th anniversary of Lithuania’s Declaration of Independence from Soviet tyranny. Lithuanian MP Dr. Mantas Adomenas said: “The Declaration invites us to turn to the genuine foundations of European values, such as human dignity, sanctity of life, and Christian value-based coexistence of the society.”

Romanian Parliamentary Subcommittee on Human Dignity

The Subcommittee on Human Dignity in the Romanian Parliament is the initiative of several members of Parliament who seek to promote the respect of human life and the dignity thereof.

“The launch of the Subcommittee in May 2010 was one of the most important developments in the Parliament this year,” said Romanian MP, Marius Dugulescu.

The Institute is planning on establishing further parliamentary working groups on human dignity in many more legislatures around the world. Luca Volontè MP, President EPP Group, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, said: “I think the failure to recognise the imago Dei within man is a contributory factor towards the apparent lack of concern for the breakdown of the family and community we have seen over the last half century.”