The right to a decent standard of living is a cornerstone of human dignity. It goes beyond the idea of simply staying alive and addresses the quality of life that every person is entitled to enjoy. At its heart, this right affirms that all human beings deserve the basic conditions that allow them to live in health, safety and security, conditions that nurture not just survival, but potential and participation in society.

This right is articulated in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and necessary social services. It also includes the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other circumstances beyond one’s control.

A decent standard of living is made up of several interconnected rights: the right to food, the right to housing, the right to education, the right to work and the right to health. These are often categorized as economic, social and cultural rights and together they form the foundation of a life with dignity. When any one of these is denied, a person’s ability to live fully and contribute to their community is severely limited.

Access to food, for instance, is not just about avoiding hunger. It means having regular, sufficient and nutritious food that supports physical and mental well-being. In a world where millions still suffer from chronic hunger or malnutrition—despite there being enough food to feed everyone—the right to food remains unrealized for far too many.

Similarly, adequate housing is not merely about having a roof over one’s head. It means having a safe, secure and affordable place to live. It includes protection against forced evictions and homelessness, access to clean water and sanitation and the ability to live without fear of environmental hazards or violence. For the urban poor, refugees and people in informal settlements, this right is often under constant threat.

Healthcare is another essential part of a decent standard of living. Every person should be able to access medical services without facing financial ruin or discrimination. Yet, in many parts of the world, healthcare remains inaccessible to those who need it most—due to cost, location or stigma.

Work is also central to human dignity. The right to work means more than just having a job; it means having access to employment that is safe, fairly paid and freely chosen. It includes protection against exploitation, the right to rest and leisure and the ability to organize or join trade unions. When work is unstable, unsafe or underpaid, the entire foundation of a decent standard of living begins to crumble.

Education plays a unique role in enabling this right. It empowers individuals to secure decent work, understand their rights and participate fully in society. Education breaks the cycle of poverty and inequality and opens doors to opportunity. But millions of children and adults around the world still lack access to even basic education, due to factors like poverty, conflict, gender discrimination and lack of infrastructure.

The right to a decent standard of living is not a luxury; it is a basic entitlement that every person should enjoy. It recognizes that poverty is not just a lack of income but a lack of access, opportunity and security. It sees economic inequality not just as a social problem, but as a violation of human rights. And it acknowledges that development and dignity must go hand in hand.

However, this right is frequently violated, both in rich and poor countries alike. Homelessness, food insecurity, health disparities and joblessness are not confined to the Global South; they are visible in many developed nations as well. Often, marginalized groups such as indigenous communities, people with disabilities, migrants and women face the most significant barriers to enjoying a decent standard of living. Discrimination, structural inequality and lack of political will continue to block progress.

Fulfilling this right requires more than policy declarations; it demands action. Governments must invest in public services, establish social safety nets, enforce labor laws and reduce income inequality. International cooperation is also crucial, especially in addressing global poverty, climate change and forced displacement.

Above all, ensuring a decent standard of living for all is a matter of recognizing that human dignity is not negotiable. It affirms that life is not just about getting by, but about having the opportunity to thrive, to feel safe, to raise a family, to grow and to dream. In upholding this right, we build a world where justice is not just a principle, but a lived reality for everyone.