The Requirement of Using the 'Maximum of Available Resources' for Human Rights Realisation: A Question of Quality as Well as Quantity?

Abstract

The implementation of economic, social and cultural rights has received considerable attention in recent years. There are several controversies that are addressed in these debates, not least the issue of how to define and allocate resources for such implementation. This article argues that this debate may be one-dimensional in concentrating uniquely on the financial aspects of resources. While the author recognises that financial and budgetary allocations are necessary for the realisation of all human rights, it is argued that with a more diverse approach to the understanding of how resources are made available in society through the application of natural, human, educational and regulatory resources much can be achieved without necessarily increasing the financial commitments. This diverse approach would focus on the qualitative use of already available resources, rather than uniquely on an increase in financial means for the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights.