23. In addition, the State must ensure that persons within its jurisdiction, particularly members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, enjoy effective access to quality legal services. Measures to be taken in this regard include the establishment of comprehensive and effective legal aid schemes. 24. Without prejudice to the foregoing, where economic, social and cultural rights are not expressly included in the constitution of a State party, the courts and administrative tribunals should strive to protect the interests and values underlying these rights through an expansive interpretation of other rights, for example, the rights to life, human dignity, security of the person, equality and just administrative action. 25. Domestic law must be interpreted as far as possible in a way which conforms to States parties’ obligations under the African Charter. Designing and Implementing a National Policy 26. For each protected right, national plans and policies should be devised and periodically reviewed, on the basis of a participatory and transparent process. They should take into account all other national plans, including where appropriate, poverty alleviation plans and policies whilst also ensuring that the special needs of members of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are met. They should also identify the resources available to meet the objectives and the most cost-effective way of using them. 27. The plans and policies should include information on indicators, time-frames and benchmarks, by which progress can be closely monitored. Indicators designed to monitor the implementation of the national plan should include structural indicators (that measure the legal and administrative structures created for the implementation of the rights), process indicators (which measure the progressive realisation of the rights in terms of the process adopted) and outcome indicators (which relate to the realisation of the enjoyment of a protected right). Indicators should include analysis of budget allocation and implementation. 28. Data analysed during the monitoring and evaluation of national plans should be disaggregated according to relevant criteria including emphasis on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. 29. The State should ensure, through political and financial support, the greater effective participation of the population in all phases of policy and programme design, implementation, monitoring and review. 30. The State should avail itself of the necessary technical assistance and cooperation from both other States and international agencies as required to assist with the fulfilment of its obligations under the Charter. 15