ILO: Objectives, Fundamental Conventions & Reports Published

Table of contents

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

ILO is a specialised agency of the United Nations devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.

Establishment:
- 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’s based on social justice.
- In 1946, after the demise of the League of Nations, the ILO became the first specialised agency associated with the United Nations.
It is the only tripartite UN Agency where representatives of the workers and of the employers have an equal voice with those of governments in formulating its policies.
- All the three groups are represented on almost all the deliberative organs of the ILO and share responsibility in conducting its work.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Members: 187 Members (India is a founding member)
Membership:
- Any nation that is a member of the UN can become a member of the ILO by unilaterally notifying the Director General that it accepts the obligations of the ILO constitution.
- Other nations may be admitted to ILO membership by a two-thirds vote of the International Labour Conference.
It is also a member of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a coalition of UN organisations helping meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Organization won the Nobel Peace Prize on its 50^th anniversary in 1969 for improving peace among classes, pursuing decent works and justice for workers, and providing technical assistance to other developing nations.

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

The three organs of the ILO are:
1. International Labour Conferences
2. Governing Body
3. International Labour Office

The Conference sets the international labour standards and the broad policies of the ILO.
It meets annually in Geneva.
Often called an international parliament of labour, the Conference is also a forum for discussion of key social and labour questions.

The Conference has so far had 4 Indian Presidents, viz,

It is the executive wing of the Organization. It is also tripartite in character.
It meets three times a year, in March, June and November.
It takes decisions on ILO policy, decides the agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopts the draft Programme and Budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference, and elects the Director-General.
In 1922, India became a permanent member of the ILO Governing Body and in 1928, the ILO office in India was established in New Delhi.

It provides the Secretariat for all conferences and other meetings and is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of decisions made by the Conference, Governing Body, etc.

It examines employment-related complaints by officials of ILO and other international organizations that have recognized its jurisdiction.

It provides specialized research, training and support for the ILO’s offices and constituents.

International labour standards are legal instruments drawn up by the ILO’s constituents (governments, employers and workers) and setting out basic principles and rights at work. They are either:
- Conventions and Protocols: They are legally binding international treaties that member States may ratify, or
- Recommendations: They serve as non-binding guidelines.
Conventions, Protocols and Recommendations are drawn up by representatives of governments, employers and workers and are adopted at the annual International Labour Conference.

The eight fundamental conventions form an integral part of the United Nations Human Rights Framework, and their ratification is an important sign of member States’ commitment to human rights.
The conventions are:
1. Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
3. Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
4. Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
5. Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
6. Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
7. Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
8. Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)

The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022, expresses the commitment of governments, employers, and workers’ organisations to uphold basic human values.
It affirms obligations and commitments that are inherent in membership of the ILO, namely:
- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
- Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour;
- Effective abolition of child labour;
- Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and
- Safe and healthy working environment.

Preventing unacceptable forms of work such as bonded labour, labour trafficking, and ensuring the rights and protection of domestic workers.
Promoting gender equality at the workplace, preventing sexual harassment, gender-based violence and wage discrimination.
Conducting evidence-based policy research on areas of national importance including mapping trends in India relating to the future of work.
Introducing tools to integrate employment goals in national policies and programmes and promoting Decent Work elements in select governmental programmes.
Supporting the creation of a national Social Protection Floor through advisory services and identifying challenges in implementing select government schemes.
Strengthen tripartite institutions’ ability to carry out social dialogue at both national and state levels and promote capacities of employers’ and workers’ organizations.

The ILO and its constituents launched its new Decent Work Country Programme, the fourth since 2007 for the next five years, as the country builds forward better after COVID-19.