ILO

International Labour Organization

Abbreviation	ILO
Formation	1919
Type	Specialized agency
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Membership	187 member states
Director-General	Gilbert F. Houngbo
Website	www.ilo.org

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. Established in 1919, the ILO is the only tripartite U.N. agency, bringing together governments, employers, and workers of 187 member states to set labor standards, develop policies, and devise programs promoting decent work for all women and men.

History

The ILO was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it is based on social justice. The ILO became the first specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946.

Structure

The ILO is unique in its tripartite structure, which gives an equal voice to workers, employers, and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labor standards and in shaping policies and programs.

Governing Body

The Governing Body is the executive council of the ILO and meets three times a year in Geneva. It takes decisions on ILO policy, decides the agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopts the draft program and budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference, and elects the Director-General.

International Labour Conference

The International Labour Conference, often referred to as the "world parliament of labor," meets annually in Geneva. It sets the broad policies of the ILO, including conventions and recommendations.

Functions

The ILO has four principal strategic objectives:

• Promote and realize standards and fundamental principles and rights at work.
• Create greater opportunities for women and men to secure decent employment.
• Enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all.
• Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.

Key Conventions

The ILO has adopted numerous conventions and recommendations that set international labor standards. Some of the key conventions include:

• ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise.
• ILO Convention 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining.
• ILO Convention 138 on Minimum Age.
• ILO Convention 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour.

Impact

The ILO has played a significant role in improving labor conditions worldwide. Its conventions and recommendations have influenced national labor laws and practices, contributing to the reduction of child labor, the promotion of gender equality, and the improvement of occupational safety and health.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, the ILO faces challenges such as globalization, technological changes, and the informal economy, which require continuous adaptation of its strategies and policies.

Also see

• United Nations
• World Health Organization
• International Monetary Fund
• World Trade Organization