A/HRC/10/61 page 25 1. Progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights 75. As discussed in chapter II, climate change will have implications for a number of economic, social and cultural rights. As specified in the relevant treaty provisions, States are obliged to take measures towards the full realization of economic, social and cultural rights to the maximum extent of their available resources.107 As climate change will place an additional burden on the resources available to States, economic and social rights are likely to suffer. 76. While international human rights treaties recognize that some aspects of economic, social and cultural rights may only be realized progressively over time, they also impose obligations which require immediate implementation. First, States parties must take deliberate, concrete and targeted measures, making the most efficient use of available resources, to move as expeditiously and effectively as possible towards the full realization of rights.108 Second, irrespective of resource limitations, States must guarantee non-discrimination in access to economic, social and cultural rights. Third, States have a core obligation to ensure, at the very least, minimum essential levels of each right enshrined in the Covenant. For example, a State party in which “any significant number of individuals is deprived of essential foodstuffs, of essential primary health care, of basic shelter and housing, or of the most basic forms of education” would be failing to meet its minimum core obligations and, prima facie, be in violation of the Covenant.109 77. In sum, irrespective of the additional strain climate change-related events may place on available resources, States remain under an obligation to ensure the widest possible enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights under any given circumstances. Importantly, States must, as a matter of priority, seek to satisfy core obligations and protect groups in society who are in a particularly vulnerable situation.110 2. Access to information and participation in decision-making 78. Awareness-raising and access to information are critical to efforts to address climate change. For example, it is critically important that early-warning information be provided in a manner accessible to all sectors of society. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the parties commit to promote and facilitate public access to information on climate change.111 Under international human rights law, access to information is implied in the 107 See CESCR general comment No. 3 (1990) on the nature of States parties’ obligations (art. 2, para. 1, of the Covenant). For a discussion of the concept of progressive realization under the international human rights treaties, see report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Economic and Social Council (E/2007/82). 108 See e.g. CESCR general comments No. 3, paras. 2 and 9, and No. 14 (2000) on the right to the highest attainable standard of health (art. 12), para. 31. 109 CESCR general comment No. 3, para. 10. 110 See Statement by CESCR (E/C.12/2007/1, paras. 4 and 6). 111 UNFCCC, art. 6.