International Labour Organization

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is an international organization created in Geneva in 1919 for better  working conditions and standard of living. In 1946, this organization has become a special organization of the United Nations and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.

Juan Somavía was the ILO's director-general from 1999 until October 2012, when Guy Ryder was elected as his replacement. This governing body is composed of 28 government representatives, 14 workers' representatives, and 14 employers' representatives.

The Constitution of the International Labour Organization
The constitution of the International Labour Organization affirms that "universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice." An additional declaration adopted in Philadelphia at the 26th section affirms that "Labour is not a commodity" (I (a)), "Freedom of expression and association are essential to sustained progress" (I (b)), "Poverty anywhere constitutes a danger to prosperity everywhere" (I (c)), and that "All human beings, irrespective of race, creed or sex, have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity". (II (a))

Main purpose of activities

 Freedom of trade union 
Protection from unemployment
Equal payment for equal work
Abolishment of forced labour
Abolishment of child labour
Abolishment of sweatshop
Abolishment of work or profession discrimination
Fair rights of migrant workers
Decent work for all
Fair and decent rights of domestic workers

For this purpose, ILO has made 189 Conventions called "International Labour Convention" but many countries do not ratify the Conventions despite its importance.

Note

Other page
United Nations
Human rights
Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers

Other website
International Labour Organization
Official Website

Category:United Nations
Category:Human rights organizations
Category:Organizations based in Geneva
Category:Civil rights organizations
Category:1919 establishments in Europe