International Labour Organization

The International labour organization(ILO) was established in 1919 as a specialized UN agency to promote social justice and decent work by setting International labour standards.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was established by the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War. It was founded on the belief that social justice is essential for achieving universal and lasting peace. It becomes the first specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946(after the League of Nations ended)

The International labour Organization is the only tripartite U.N agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments employers and workers of 187 member states,

• To set labour standards,
• To develop policies and
• To devise programs promoting decent work for all women and Men.

At present in 2025, it has 187 member states. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and it has field offices in more than 40 Countries. In 1969, the ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Objective of ILO

The ILO works to achieve Social Justice in Labor conditions. Its main Objectives are:

• Promote rights at work,
• Encourage decent work and employment,
• Enhance social Protection,
• Strengthen tripartite dialogue between Government, Employers, and Workers.

Structure of the ILO(Composition)

The structure of the ILO Consists of three main Organs:

(i) International Labour Conference

(ii) Governing Body

(iii) International Labour Office.

(i) International labour Conference : It is the supreme body of the ILO and is often referred to as the “Parliament of Labour”. It meets once a year in Geneva. Each member country sends four delegates; Two representing the Government, one representing the employers and one representing the workers.

It’s main functions are to set International labour standards by adopting conventions and recommendations, as well as to discuss policies and approve the budget of the organization.

(ii) Governing Body: It is the Executive Council of the ILO. It meets three times a year and consists of 56 regular members, of which 28 are government representatives, 14 represent employers, and 14 represent workers.

The Governing body makes Policies, decides the agenda for the International Labour Conference, and approves the draft programme and budget of the organization.

(iii) International Labour Office: It is also known as the Secretariat, and is the permanent body of the ILO. It is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day work of the Organization. The ILO is headed by a director general, who is elected for a term of five years.

It conducts research, prepares reports, provides technical assistance, and publishes information related to labour and social issues.

The ILO has identified 8 Fundamental Conventions (also known as Core Labour Standards) which are as Follows:

1. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to organise Convention,1948
2. Right to Organized and Collective Bargaining Convention,1949
3. Forced Labour Convention,1930
4. Abolition of forced Labour Convention,1957
5. Minimum Age Convention(1973)
6. Worst forms of child labour Convention (1999)
7. Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951
8. Discrimination (Employment and occupation) Convention 1958

Moreover, there are also 4 governance conventions, which are considered important for “the functioning of the international labour standards system,” namely;

1. Labour Inspection Convention,1947
2. Employment Policy Convention,1964
3. labour Inspection(Agriculture) Convention,1969
4. Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention,1976

The labour standards formulated by the ILO have been published in 190 Conventions and Protocols. These standards recognize the right to collective bargaining, attempt to eliminate forced or compulsory labour, and abolish child labour and eliminate acts of discrimination in respect to employment and occupation. This way, the protocols and conventions of the ILO have been a key contributor to International labour law.