Chapter 3 | Page 117 Declaration and the Millennium Declaration.78 The open-ended Working Group to consider options regarding the elaboration of an optional protocol under the ICESCR also proposed the establishment of a fund to assist States in the implementation of recommendations and proposed remedies for violations of ESC rights.79 In relation to specific ESC rights, the Committee identifies the role of international assistance and co-operation as of utmost importance. For example, in its General Comment on the right to adequate housing the Committee noted that, in situations where a State finds the required steps are beyond its capacity, particularly the maximum available resources, a request for international co-operation must be made by the State requiring such assistance.80 Similarly, in the area of monitoring the situation with respect to housing, States are also required to take steps, ‘either alone or on the basis of international cooperation’.81 On the right to food, States should ‘recognize the essential role of international cooperation and comply with their commitment to take joint and separate action to achieve the full realization of the right to adequate food’82 and ‘should take steps to respect the enjoyment of the right to food in other countries, to protect that right, to facilitate access to food and to provide the necessary aid when required’.83 The Committee also noted the importance of international assistance in the provision of disaster 78 Report of the Open-ended Working Group to consider options regarding the elaboration of an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on its third session, E/CN.4/2006/47, above n 54, [78]. 79 Report of the open-ended working group to consider options regarding the elaboration of an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on its second session, E/CN.4/2005/52, above n 55, [105]; Report of the Open-ended Working Group to consider options regarding the elaboration of an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on its third session, E/CN.4/2006/47, above n 54, [7]. 80 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, General Comment No 4: The Right to Adequate Housing (Art.11 (1)) of the Covenant, 6th sess, UN Doc E/1992/23 (13 December 1991), [10]. 81 Ibid., [13]. 82 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, General Comment No 12: The Right to Adequate Food (art. 11), 20th sess, UN Doc E/C.12/1999/5 (12 May 1999), [36]. 83 Ibid.