What is the key concept defined by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in General Comment No. 3?

The key concept defined by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in General Comment No. 3 is the idea of progressive realization. This principle recognizes that the full realization of economic, social, and cultural rights cannot be achieved immediately or all at once, especially in the context of resource limitations and varying national capacities. Instead, it emphasizes that states have an obligation to take deliberate, concrete, and targeted steps toward achieving these rights over time.

This progressive realization involves making a commitment to improve conditions gradually and ensuring that no retrogressive measures are taken that would undermine the rights already achieved. The concept acknowledges that while some rights may require immediate action, others require a more phased approach. Therefore, it underpins the responsibility of states to work toward the betterment of economic, social, and cultural rights in a way that is consistent with their available resources and specific circumstances.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of the principles outlined in General Comment No. 3. For example, absolute fairness implies a static concept that does not take into account the varying contexts and resources among states, while universal exemption and immediate entitlement suggest notions of rights that could disregard the nuances and practical realities of progressive realization. These alternatives do not align with the