The essay tries to clarify how impunity has become a recurrent theme in the Brazilian debate over human rights. Absence of law enforcement has proven to be troublesome within a democratic society for two reasons. First, impunity is contrary to the principle of equal treatment under the law. Second, it may encourage the free rider, hindering social cooperation. The author argues that impunity may be associated with unfair and hierarquical social relations, where some are considered to be more deserving of protection than others. Therefore, it is necessary to explain which concept of human dignity is more suitable to be used in defense of human rights. The chosen concept is a Kantian one, placing a special value on the idea of liberty and personal autonomy. For this reason, the recognition of rights may be the basis for the defense of fundamental human rights, even if they have not been sufficiently recognized by the Brazilian debate.
Dignity; Autonomy; Recognition; Human rights; Impunity
