The
The International Labour Organization (ILO), founded in October 1919 under the League of Nations and since 1946 a specialized agency of the United Nations, is a global body dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights.
The ILO's mission is to achieve universal and lasting peace through social justice. Its core objective is to promote "decent work" for all women and men. This includes creating jobs, protecting human rights, improving working and living conditions, and strengthening social protection[2][3][5].
International Labor Standards: The ILO develops and oversees international labor standards established in 189 conventions and treaties. Eight of these conventions are considered fundamental and protect principles such as freedom of association, the prohibition of forced labor, the abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in the workplace[4][5].
Technical Cooperation: The ILO offers extensive programs of international technical cooperation to assist countries in implementing these standards. This is done through active partnerships with member states and includes areas such as labor market analysis, employment promotion, and social protection[2][3][4].
Education, Research, and Training: The ILO engages in comprehensive education, research, and training activities to advance its goals. This includes programs for vocational training, management development, and occupational safety[2][3].
Four Strategic Goals: The ILO has four central strategic goals:
Gender Equality: The ILO is particularly committed to promoting women in the labor market through programs such as the "International Programme on More and Better Jobs for Women," which aims to create more and better jobs for women[3].
Social Protection: The ILO emphasizes the importance of social protection, including health care, income security, and protection in cases of unemployment, illness, workplace accidents, old age, and maternity[4].
The ILO is the only tripartite agency of the United Nations, bringing together governments, employers, and workers' representatives from 187 member states. This unique structure ensures that all standards, policies, and programs are developed and approved through discussion and consensus among all three groups[2][5].
The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for its efforts to promote brotherhood and peace among nations and for its work to improve working conditions and social justice[4][5].
The International Labour Organization remains a central body in the global effort for social justice, decent working conditions, and human rights, tirelessly advocating for the improvement of living and working conditions for people worldwide.
