A/HRC/10/46 page 17 rights. The adoption of the Optional Protocol carries important repercussions on national jurisdictions and will help strengthen the legal protection of economic, social and cultural rights worldwide. 60. 2008 also marks an ongoing commitment by OHCHR to increase and further strengthen its work in the field of economic, social and cultural rights at the country, regional and international levels. In the context of the year-long campaign for the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, OHCHR has reiterated the equal status of economic, social and cultural rights and the need to protect these rights in the context of the global food crisis, the fight against terrorism or in relation to climate change. The importance of economic, social and cultural rights for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, as well as the relevance of economic, social and cultural rights for achieving gender equality and addressing discrimination in relation to HIV/AIDS were also highlighted. 61. Treaty bodies have strengthened their work on economic, social and cultural rights through the periodic reporting process, the elaboration of general comments and statements and the holding of general days of discussion. Special procedures with thematic mandates covering economic, social and cultural rights have continued monitoring the implementation and respect for these rights around the world. Additionally, other special procedures have also continued to pay close attention and devoted reports, visits and communications to economic, social and cultural rights and their interlinkage with civil and political rights. 62. OHCHR continued to expand its thematic expertise in economic, social and cultural rights at the country and regional levels, in line with the 2008-2009 Strategic Management Plan. Activities carried out have included monitoring violations of economic, social and cultural rights, research on specific issues, providing technical assistance to States to promote economic, social and cultural rights, including the drafting of legislation; strengthening the legal protection of economic, social and cultural rights; following up the recommendations of treaty bodies and special procedures; and building and strengthening partnerships with United Nations agencies. 63. An increased and strengthened involvement on economic, social and cultural rights does not come without challenges. These notably include the operationalization of economic, social and cultural rights in the field; the mainstreaming of economic, social and cultural rights into regular field work and existing priorities; the perception that economic, social and cultural rights are not legally enforceable; and the lack of knowledge among OHCHR staff and other stakeholders about economic, social and cultural rights. -----