International Labour Organization

International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency associated with the United Nations (UN), whose worldwide objectives are to improve labour conditions, promote productive employment and social progress, and raise living standards. The ILO was established in 1919 as an autonomous part of the League of Nations and brought into formal relationship with the UN in 1946. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.

The ILO is composed of 178 member nations and differs from other UN agencies because representatives of employers and workers, as well as government officials, take part in its work. Each member nation sends four delegates: two from the government, one employer, and one worker. The organization's supreme deliberative body, the International Labour Conference, meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland, to define and ratify international labour standards. This is done by means of conventions, which are subject to voluntary ratification by member nations, and by recommendations that provide nations with detailed guidelines for legislation.

The ILO sets standards that cover child labour, disabled workers, discrimination, equality of treatment, freedom of association, human rights, maternity protection, pensions, and the elimination of forced labour. The organization supervises the application of ratified conventions in national law and practice. Employers' and workers' organizations and member nations' governments have the right to lodge formal complaints with the ILO.

The ILO also provides technical assistance to member nations in order to facilitate the adoption and enforcement of ILO standards. Technical cooperation programmes cover employment promotion, management, and training; labour administration and industrial relations; social security; and working conditions, occupational safety, and health.

The ILO's governing body has 56 members: 28 represent governments (ten being permanent seats of “states of chief industrial importance”; the remaining 18 are elected from other countries every three years), 14 represent employers, and 14 workers. Non-permanent members are elected by the conference every three years. The governing body appoints the director-general and drafts the organization's budget, which is funded by member states. The ILO headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland; the organization maintains field offices in 40 countries.

Reviewed by: International Labour Organization