text: purposes of indicators is to measure progress and change within and between States over time, some accepted period of time will need to have elapsed before indicators attain validity in the context of the determinability of violations. Indicators will require some form of temporal comparability to be of use in terms of any possible pronouncements of violations. 95. Of course, violations of economic, social and cultural rights cannot be viewed solely from the angle of indicators. It is exceedingly clear that a variety of both acts and omissions not directly related to indicators constitute violations of these legal guarantees. The experts of the Sub-Commission are invited to address both the general issue of violations and the relevance of indicators in determining acts and omissions of non-compliance with the Covenant. IX. P r.el.im i.nary cone lug ions 96. Indicators can play diverse and useful roles in the realization and asessment of economic, social and cultural rights. In their most useful form, indicators can: (a) Provide a quantifiable measurement device of direct relevance to the array of economic, social and cultural rights; (b) Provide a means of measuring the progressive realization of these rights over time; (c) Provide a method for determining difficulties or problems encountered by States in fulfilling these rights; (d) Assist with the development of the "core contents" of this category of rights; (e) Assist in revealing the extent to which certain rights either are or are not enjoyed in practice; (f) Assist in the provision of yardsticks whereby countries can compare their progress with other countries. 97. However, indicators are subject to many limitations and imperfections. The most important limitation, which is still to be fully resolved, is the lack of available and reliable indicators for a variety of central issues; this can lead to subsequent reliance on estimates or inappropriate indicators.
analysis: The text discusses the use of indicators to measure progress and change in the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, which are often linked to development and human well-being. It highlights the importance of temporal comparability and the limitations of indicators in capturing the full range of violations. The text does not specifically mention natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, communication, international trade, humanitarian aid, or science and technology.