Limitations on the exercise of the rights guaranteed by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights under Article 4 thereof and the progressive exercise of these rights

Abstract

Article 4 ICESCR is rarely applied or commented on. One of the most controversial issues regarding the understanding and application of this provision is its relation to the principle of the progressive exercise of rights covered by the Covenant. The key question comes down to whether or not any shortcomings in the possibility of exercising the rights contained in the Covenant, and thus also shortcomings related to the limited availability of resources and the resulting inability of the state to fully implement any of the rights or freedoms, should be understood as limitations and thus evaluated under Article 4 and the admissible criteria for limitations contained
therein. The question becomes even more pertinent with regard to the introduction of so-called retrogressive measures, which are introduced by states when resources are limited. Should such measures be assessed under Article 4 ICESCR and the criteria stipulated therein, or do they fall under a different order and thus need to meet other conditions? This paper is an attempt at a delimitation of the issues associated with the lack of full enjoyment of Covenant rights by entitled persons due to limited resources, and as a result of other legitimate aims pursued by the States. The article shows how the justification of such a delimitation is based on travaux préparatoires, on the text of the Covenant itself, and on its protective function. In this paper, the way in which this delimitation can be made more precise by proper application of the communications procedure, especially when it comes to a proper understanding of Article 8(4) of the Optional Protocol, will be proposed.