the Declaration’s adoption in 1948. Initially, a single covenant encompassing all human rights was envisaged. However, after long discussion, the General Assembly requested the Commission on Human Rights to draw up two separate covenants, specifying that the two instruments should contain as many similar provisions as possible to “emphasize the unity of the aim in view”.4 The two Covenants were ultimately adopted by the General Assembly in December 1966 and entered into force in 1976. Together with the Universal Declaration, the Covenants are referred to as the International Bill of Human Rights. The two Covenants have a similar structure and some of their articles adopt the same, or very similar, wording. The preambles to both recognize the interdependence of all human rights, stating that the human rights ideal can be achieved only if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy their economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Part I of both Covenants, on the right of all peoples to self-determination and to freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources, is identical. In both, part II sets out general provisions prohibiting discrimination and asserting the equal rights of men and women with regard to the enjoyment of the rights set forth in each Covenant, as well as the permissible limitations on such enjoyment. Part III of each Covenant contains the substantive provisions, which elaborate on rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) Key economic, social and cultural rights: • Right to non-discrimination The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights develops the corresponding rights in the Universal Declaration in considerable detail, specifying the steps required for their full realization. For example, on the right to education, it mirrors the language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but devotes articles 13 and 14 to its different dimensions, specifying the obligation to secure compulsory primary education free of charge and to take steps towards achieving free secondary and­ • Right to work • Just and favourable conditions of work • Trade union rights • Right to social security • Protection of the family • Right to an adequate standard of living • Right to health • Right to education • Right to participate in cultural life 4 Resolution 543 (VI), para. 1. 7