International Labor Organization (ILO): Objective, Structure and Major Role – 2

International labour standards

The ILO sets international labour standards with Conventions, which are ratified by member states, or Recommendations, which are non-binding.

Conventions are drawn up with input from governments, workers’ and employers’ groups at the ILO. Conventions are adopted by the International Labour Conference, which meets every year in Geneva.

The ILO’s supervisory role

The ILO monitors the implementation of ILO Conventions ratified by member states. This is done through:

• The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations
• The International Labour Conference’s Tripartite Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations
• Member states are also required to send reports on the progress of the implementation of the Conventions they have ratified.

ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work          

Adopted in 1998, the Declaration commits member states to respect and promote eight fundamental principles and rights in four categories, whether or not they have ratified the relevant Conventions.

They are:

• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (Conventions 87 and 98)
• The elimination of forced or compulsory labour (No. 29 and No. 105)
• The abolition of child labour (Conventions No. 138 and No. 182)
• The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation