its own threshold as to the resources it needs to mobilize and spend in order to realize human rights for all. Available resources are not limited to budgetary appropriations and resources in the public sphere. Rather it refers to real resources in the economy that can be mobilized by the State through fiscal and economic policies. The concept of 'fiscal space' denotes the maximum resources available to government for the realization of rights. The total space is influenced by five policy options: (i) expenditure reprioritization and efficiency, (ii) domestic resource mobilization through taxation and other revenue sources, (iii) foreign assistance, (iv) deficit financing, and (v) monetary and central bank policies. (Roy et al,2OO7; Balakrishnan et al, 2011) The first three points are well-discussed in the public finance and human rights literature. Deficit financing is a critical policy tool for mobilizing maximum resources but has been studiously de-emphasized since the debt crisis of the 1980s and the neoliberal reforms that came after. A reconsideration of deficit financing is in order. While related to public finance, monetary policies are outside the scope of this paper. The obligation to mobilize maximum available resources is accompanied by three principles: o Avoidance of retrogressive measures. The principle of non-retrogression refers to the avoidance of any deliberate act or omission that reduces the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights whether regression was an unintended or unwanted consequence. A reduction in public spending on maternal health care resulting in an increase in maternal and child mortality is an example of a retrogressive measure. ln the absence of compensatory measures, such a measure constitutes a violation of human rights. o Satisfaction of the minimum essential levels of human rights. Minimum essential levels of each of the rights guaranteed by the ICESCR, or core obligations, must at all times be satisfied. Core obligations refer to, for example, essential foodstuffs (right to adequate food), essential primary health care (right to highest attainable standard of health), basic shelter and housing (right to adequate housing), and most basic forms of education (right to education), Core obligations are non-derogable: they must be complied with under a//circumstances. . Respect, protect and fulfill human rights. The obligation to respect human rights is immediate and unconditional and requires the State to refrain from interfering with the enjoyment of human rights; the obligation to protect human rights requires the State to prohibit others from violating human rights; and the obligation to fulfill human rights requires the State to actively create conditions aimed at achieving full realization of human rights. (Maastricht Guidelines, 1 997). Shared control over the country's available resources. Public finance is traditionally maintained as a closed space, reserved for a select few of the country's financial managers, with little opportunities for people's meaningful participation. HRBA to public finance seeks to broaden the space for public participation and, in so doing, promote