A/64/279 be financed with 2 to 5 per cent of the GDP of developing countries and in the longer term increased fiscal space would allow for expanded programmes. 46 100. CEB argues that the social protection floor can correspond to the existing notion of core obligations, to ensure the realization of, at the very least, minimum essential levels of rights embodied in human rights treaties. 47 In this regard, it is worth stressing that minimum core obligations work in conjunction with the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. States must commit to achieving higher levels of services and benefits when their budgets increase and the fiscal space widens. 101. The core obligations with regard to social security, defined by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in general comment No. 19, usefully define a course to implement the social transfer element of the social protection floor in a way that realizes the right to social security. The obligations emphasize the notions of (a) a minimum essential level of benefits to all individuals and families; (b) access to social security systems on a non-discriminatory basis, especially for disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups, and the existence of specific measures to protect them; (c) a need for a strategy and action plans, as ensuring the minimum essential level of benefits is not in itself sufficient to realize this right; and (d) a need to monitor the realization of the right, ensuring accountability mechanisms are put in place. 102. While it remains to be seen if and how States will implement the social protection floor concept, the extent to which this process is based on the recognition of State’s obligations with regard to human rights is a central aspect to be considered. 103. The social protection floor should be understood as the minimal set of policies and measures upon which States can build, and make available, higher standards of protection once national budget capacities increase. From a human rights perspective, it cannot be a stand-alone policy, but rather must be seen as the basic element around which a broad national social protection policy is built and articulated. IX. Conclusions and recommendations 104. Social economic indicators show that the current global financial crisis is having unparalleled negative consequences on the enjoyment of human rights for many people around the world, in particular for those living in situations of poverty and extreme poverty. The fulfilment of a vast range of human rights is seriously compromised by the absence of social protection schemes to alleviate the acute impact of a possible long period of widespread global recession and economic contraction. 105. Responses to the crisis are being devised and it is possible to identify a number of positive steps, for example, the recognition of the need to react to the financial collapse in a globally coordinated fashion. Yet, in order to achieve __________________ 46 47 22 See Bob Huber, “A global social floor” presentation at the Regional Expert Meeting on Social Protection, Dakar, Senegal, 9-11 June 2008. United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, Financial and Economic Crises, Joint Crisis Initiatives, p. 46. 09-45276