Chapter 1 | Page 40 economic dimensions, as well as that of the law.’123 For this reason, law, economics, public policy and public finance disciplines create their own understanding of the workings of ESC rights implementation. The crossdisciplinary approach adopted in this thesis will enhance understanding of this crucial aspect of the human rights regime and will provide a useful resource for human rights advocates, policymakers, human rights organisations and the victims of ESC rights violations. 1.5.4 ESC rights activism and advocacy: Enhancing policy accountability of the State An effective and representative State is grounded on the values of open, transparent and accountable political and social arrangements and on institutions that promote human rights, rule of law and inclusivity. At the heart of the success of these States are empowered citizens who hold their governments to account through established institutional mechanisms. Accordingly, the ability of human rights to challenge ‘entrenched political and social behaviour’124 through moral persuasion is fundamental to effect change in the current status of fulfilment of ESC rights. Despite increasingly loud calls for equal treatment of ESC rights with other rights125 and the fact that they have received increased attention in many parts of the world in recent years,126 effective protection of these rights still leaves much to be desired. Although there is recognition that ESC rights are essential to the effective realisation of other fundamental rights and to living with 123 Amartya Sen, 'Human Rights and the Limits of the Law' (2006) 27(6) Cardozo Law Review 2913-2927, 2913. 124 Eva Brems, 'Human Rights: Minimum and Maximum Perspectives' (2009) 9 Human Rights Law Review 349-372, 366. 125 See for example, United Nations General Assembly, Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, UN Doc A/CONF.157/23 (12 July 1993); Robinson, above n 109, 866. 126 For example, Paul Hunt, 'Taking Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Seriously' (2006) 31 Alternative Law Journal 120.