The UN General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1966. It is one of three documents that make up the International Bill of Rights.
The covenant recognizes equal rights between men and women, the right to work, and the right to health, among others. It includes the principle of progressive realization, recognizing that some countries may not be able to achieve all of the rights due to various constraints. Regardless of the constraints, however, each party to the covenant is expected to take steps toward making the rights enshrined within it a reality.
Ratification of the Covenant (via UN Photo)