States obligations

Regarding human rights (civil, political, economic, social and cultural), states have three levels of obligation: respect, protect and fulfill.

Besides these three levels of obligation at the national level, states also have obligations at the international level. Regarding the fulfillment of economic, social and cultural rights, for example, states must cooperate among themselves and demonstrate solidarity with countries that have difficulty honoring their commitments, in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Regarding the actions of TNCs, states are required to regulate their activities, (the obligation to protect) so that they do not violate the human rights of the persons under their jurisdiction nor the rights of those of other countries, and, if necessary, provide for sanctions in the event of violations committed by these entities.