A/HRC/21/39 should be the focus of policies based on human rights, the Guiding Principles are concerned mainly with those experiencing the most severe poverty in a given context. 1 Persons living in extreme poverty are of particular concern because their marginalization, exclusion and stigmatization often mean that they are not reached effectively by public policies and services. Obstacles, insecurity and structural factors frequently render it impossible for them to claim their rights and to fulfil their potential independently; they need active support from the State and other relevant stakeholders. III. Foundational principles 14. The following principles are essential to an approach based on human rights and must provide the foundations for the design and implementation of all public policies related to poverty reduction or affecting persons living in poverty. A. Dignity, universality, indivisibility, interrelatedness and interdependence of all rights 15. Human dignity is at the very foundation of human rights. It is inextricably linked to the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Respect for the inherent dignity of those living in poverty must inform all public policies. State agents and private individuals must respect the dignity of all, avoid stigmatization and prejudices, and recognize and support the efforts that those living in poverty are making to improve their lives. 16. Extreme poverty is a clear illustration of the indivisibility, interrelatedness and interdependence of human rights, given that persons living in poverty face daily violations of their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, which interact and mutually reinforce one another with devastating effects. 17. States must create an enabling environment to combat poverty and protect human rights. Public policies to overcome poverty must be based on respecting, protecting and fulfilling all the human rights of persons living in poverty in equal manner. No policy, in any area, should exacerbate poverty or have a disproportionate negative impact on persons living in poverty. B. Equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons living in extreme poverty 18. Discrimination is both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Poverty frequently originates from discriminatory practices, both overt and covert. Those living in poverty are also subject to discriminatory attitudes and stigmatization from public authorities and private actors precisely because of their poverty. Thus, those living in poverty tend to experience several intersecting forms of discrimination, including on account of their economic status. 19. States must ensure that persons living in poverty are equal before and under the law and are entitled, without discrimination, to the equal protection and benefit of the law. States must repeal or modify laws and regulations that are biased against the rights, 1 6 Accordingly, “poverty” should be taken to mean “extreme poverty” in the text that follows, although this should not be interpreted as indicating that specific obligations or recommendations may not also apply to persons living in poverty generally.