A/64/279 C. Ensuring progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights 69. Social protection instruments must be developed taking into account the longterm impact that these measures may have in the expansion of social security coverage and the fulfilment of the State obligation to ensure it. Safety-nets programmes (generally in kind assistance schemes, such as food rations) are one particular policy instrument which is designed to prevent destitution and help people to cope with emergencies. They are put in place to prevent individuals from falling below a given standard of living and are usually short term and very narrowly targeted. These programmes can bring some immediate relief. However, if they are too limited in time and in scope they run the risk of failing to produce desired effects in terms of poverty alleviation in the long term. 70. In general, safety nets fail to address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability. Their restrictions in time and reach may lead to exclusion errors (exclusion of potential beneficiaries) that are against the principles of non-discrimination and universality. Moreover, as they are short term, they may not create incentives for States to improve the delivery of basic social services in the long term. In order to comply with the principle of progressive realization, States should devise plans to progress from safety net programmes to a stable national social security system. D. Ensuring participation, transparency and accountability 71. A human rights-based approach to social protection systems requires taking into consideration the underlying principles of participation, accountability and transparency in the design, implementation and evaluation of all policies encompassed in the system. These principles not only are instrumental in ensuring efficiency in the adopted measures, but also respond to core obligations of States with respect to everyone’s right to take part in public life, to have access to information and to have access to remedies in cases of violation. 72. Social protection systems that are developed without the active involvement of those who are supposed to benefit from them, as well as systems that do not take into account the views of those whose coping strategies they intend to support, suffer a great risk of failing to achieve their core objectives. Assessments of risks and vulnerabilities of those receiving benefits is essential information in the establishment of social protection systems, but it must not replace mechanisms to promote meaningful participation of beneficiaries throughout the design and implementation of the programmes. 73. From a human rights perspective, the capacities of rights-holders to know and claim their rights must be developed and strengthened. People must be empowered and, in this regard, access to information is crucial. If the existence of social protection programmes is unknown among those who should benefit from them, there are greater risks of unfair exclusion. Transparency around the regulation of any programme is particularly important. Measures to ensure transparency must pay special attention to ensuring that the information is accessible, culturally and physically, especially to vulnerable groups whose access may be limited by language differences, mobility limitations or lack of resources. 09-45276 17