Chapter 1 | Page 9 inputs.25 Therefore, in order to unpack the concept of ‘maximum available resources’, the following elements need to be considered. 1.2.2 Defining ‘resources’ The concept of resources is abstruse and difficult to define within a simple set of parameters. Resources represent a whole gamut of meanings within economics, politics and public policy, in addition to the understanding of resources in the legal language of the Covenant. In common usage, ‘resources’ can be defined as ‘stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organisation in order to function effectively’.26 Even this simple definition encompasses multiple elements and dimensions that are applicable for a comprehensive understanding of the concept. The ESCR Committee elucidates that ‘resources’ in the Covenant refer to ‘all resources’ at a State’s disposition.27 This includes both domestic and international resources that the State has ‘access to’.28 However, despite these general parameters, the concept of resources at the disposition of the State or that which it has access to solicits further refining in order to make such definitions practical in human rights policy and advocacy. Clearly, any discussion of resources available to the State must include the government’s budgetary resources as a key component. While financial resources are most easily identifiable, some scholars argue that the definition of resources should also include non-financial dimensions to comprise natural resources, technological resources, human resources, environmental 25 See for example, Skogly, above n 14. 26 Oxford Dictionaries (Online), Oxford University Press <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/>. 27 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, General Comment No 3: The Nature of States Parties Obligations (Art. 2, par.1), 5th sess, UN Doc E/1991/23 (14 December 1990), [10]. 28 An evaluation of the Obligation to take steps to the "Maximum Available Resources" under an Optional Protocol to the Covenant, E/C.12/2007/1, above n 19, 4.