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Introduction
Have you ever thought about how fundamental a name is to your identity and your relationship with society? It's more than just a word; it's how you represent yourself and how you are known. Personhood, culture, and personal history are all signified by one’s name.
Today, names are increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right, legally protected by international law and further supported by documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states that everyone deserves respect and recognition. Let’s explore why names are essential and why they deserve protection as basic human rights.
Legal Status of Names
According to the UDHR, every human has the right to be recognized as a person. But how does society demonstrate personhood? One essential way is with a name.
Conferring a name is often the first act that defines a child’s relationship with society. It gives the child a unique identity and a defined place within their community. This extraordinary power, borne of a seemingly rote act, is why denying people their names has been a common tactic of intimidation and oppression throughout history.
Now, an increasing body of international law, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, specifies “Every child shall… have [be given] a name.” Subsequent documents have reiterated these rights on behalf of oft-marginalized groups such as disabled people and migrant workers. Recent landmark UN court decisions and convenings continue to expand the protection of names as identity, including the rights of women and indigenous people to keep their names and those names’ original spellings and pronunciation.
Photo of a nametag that says "Hello, my name is not yours to deface."
The Evolution of the Right to a Name
Names figure prominently in various human rights:
• Right to Private Life: Many treaties state that the right to a name is linked to the right to private life, emphasizing that your name is essential to your identity and should be safeguarded from arbitrary changes.
• Rights for Minorities: Recent agreements affirm that people belonging to minority or Indigenous groups have the right to use names that reflect their cultural identity, even if those names are in languages that are not officially sanctioned.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: Different treatment in naming practices, especially concerning gender, can constitute discrimination under international law, as demonstrated by evolving standards that recognize the right to choose one's name.
• Historical Context: History shows the dangers of denying someone their name. For instance, during the Holocaust, many individuals were forcibly renamed, leading to devastating effects on their identities and communities.
The Significance of Names
Names are deeply personal. They connect us to our families and cultures and often carry meanings that reflect our heritage. For many, changing or losing their name can feel like losing part of themselves. Denying someone the right to use their own name can lead to feelings of isolation and discrimination, and worsen those feelings among minorities and Indigenous communities where names may be integral to cultural identities.
Names as a Social Contract
Names are also a kind of social contract. They are the first way we are known to others, tagging us as human and a legitimate member of society. Whenever we are named or introduced, we are recognized as existing, both individually and in relationship to others. And when we introduce ourselves, our names signal to others that we are ready to connect. In many cases, the name itself helps to shape the relationship of its bearer to family and society, conveying implications of connection, respect, familiarity, or even bias and influencing how we are perceived and treated by others.
Cultural Importance
Names often reflect cultural identity and heritage. Many communities have names that hold significant meanings tied to their traditions. Denying someone the right to use their name can feel like denying their cultural identity. Respecting names is about honoring the diverse identities that exist in our societies.
Personal Freedom
The right to a name is closely linked to personal freedom and self-worth. Everyone has the right to a nationality, which is often connected to their name. If someone cannot use their own name, it can undermine their sense of self and/or belonging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, names are not just labels; they are the building blocks of identity, culture, and dignity. Recognizing and respecting names is vital for upholding human rights. The Names Alliance exists to educate people about the importance of names and reverse name-based bias and discrimination. We hope you'll join our efforts to propel names as tools for connection, not oppression.
Learn More:
CBC Radio. (2020, November 27). How Nazis used personal names to spawn the Holocaust. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/how-nazis-used-personal-names-to-spawn-the-holocaust-1.5818120
de Varennes, F., & Kuzborska, E. (2015). Human Rights and a Person’s Name: Legal Trends and Challenges. Human Rights Quarterly 37(4), 977-1023. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/hrq.2015.0067
Allen, Irving Lewis. (1983b). Personal Names That Became Ethnic Epithets. Names 31, no. 4: 307-17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232432574_Personal_Names_that_Became_Ethnic_Epithets
United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
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