Closely linked to the right to dignity and its protection, the right to a minimum level of existence or subsistence has been used notably by German and Swiss courts to protect ESC rights.
Although a principle in and of itself in certain jurisdictions, it follows the concept underlying the definition of a core content or of core obligations by the CESCR for each substantive right. The principle of minimum level of existence has been used to protect minimum levels of enjoyment of the right to social assistance, adequate standard of living and education.