That's the basis of the Declaration. And since it is linked to a system of technical cooperation, countries which have problems implementing rights have a way of requesting help to put them in place. That way you turn a promotional approach into real change. After this years' International Labour Conference, where we had a review of the dimension of the Declaration concerned with the right to organize, people from several governments came to me to ask for technical assistance to get these rights into place. All of these factors strengthen groups who, in democratic systems, have voice and votes.
Public opinion is ultimately a major force for change.
We have seen how consumers have made it more difficult for firms to sell goods made with child labour, and the number of such initiatives is growing. Non-governmental organizations often have an important role to play. SEWA in India is an example, showing how the mobilization of a quarter of a million women can act as a force for change. Beyond conventions and legislation, sound management practice by companies means implementing core labour standards in their operations. By now truly successful firms know well that good labour relations are good for business.