unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.” Article No. (15-b) stipulates that, “The law regulates exemption of low incomes from taxes in order to ensure that a minimum standard of living is safeguarded.” 3. The first paragraph of Article No. (11) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which the Kingdom of Bahrain acceded pursuant to Law No. (10) of 2007, states that, “The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international cooperation based on free consent.” 6. On the level of ordinary legislation, the legislator has provided the necessary legal cover to protect ordinary natural persons from poverty and the unavailability of the essential living standards for a life with dignity. Therefore, a number of laws were issued containing legal protection for this right, such as Decree-Law No. (10) of 1976 with respect to Housing and its amendments regulating all the issues related to housing services provided by the State; the Real Estate Expropriation Act for the Public Interest No. (39) of 2009, which includes the procedures for the expropriation of private property for public benefit in exchange for fair compensation that guarantees the owner the right to adequate housing. Regarding the right of individuals to access adequate food and water, Legislative Decree No. (18) of 1975 with respect to Fixing Prices and Control thereof, as amended by Legislative Decree No. (11) of 1977, was issued to lay down provisions pertaining to the control of local markets, prevention of monopolistic practices, adherence of merchants to set prices, prevention of manipulation of prices, in addition to specifying the government subsidized commodities and prescribing penalties 4. The Arab Charter on Human Rights has not overlooked to lay emphasis on this right, as Article No. (38) thereof stipulates, “Every person has the right to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, which ensures their wellbeing and a decent life including food, clothing, housing, and services and the right to a healthy environment. The States Parties shall take the necessary measures commensurate with their resources to guarantee these rights.” 5. On the national legislation level, the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain is in harmony with these instruments, as Article No. (9-f) thereto stipulates that, “The State shall endeavor to provide housing for citizens with limited income ...”, and 77