We consider initial research on dehumanization to discuss human rights violations.

We propose dehumanization as a consequence of human rights violations.

We propose dehumanization may be necessary to justify human rights violations.

We propose rights' denial and dehumanization as two faces of a self-reinforcing loop.

We present intergroup interventions promoting achievement of equal rights and status.

This article positions dehumanization within a broader framework of social inequality and specifically of human rights (HR) violations. We first introduce the link between the denial of HR and dehumanization. We then focus on the bidirectionality between HR violation and dehumanization considering dehumanization both as an antecedent and a consequence of the HR violation. We conclude with possible strategies aiming at social change based on group intentions to claim their HR.

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