Short answers, pulled from the story.
The General Assembly adopted Resolution 2200A (XXI) to finalize the text of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the 16th of December 1966. This document came into force on the 3rd of January 1976 after meeting ratification requirements.
Articles six through fifteen of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights outline entitlements including the right to work under just conditions, freedom to form trade unions, social security schemes, family protection, an adequate standard of living, health standards, free education, and participation in cultural life. These articles mandate that parties must work toward achieving these rights for all individuals using maximum available resources.
The Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights consists of eighteen independent human rights experts elected for four-year terms. Half the members rotate out every two years to maintain continuity while bringing fresh perspectives to the committee's work.
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entered into force on the 5th of May 2013 once sufficient ratifications were secured. This side agreement was adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 10th of December 2008 after years of negotiation.
As of August 2025 five additional countries including the United States have signed but not yet ratified the treaty. Non-parties include Botswana Bhutan Brunei Kiribati Malaysia and several Pacific island nations.