International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. Founded in 1919, it was formed through the negotiations of the Treaty of Versailles which brought the League of Nations into being.  It became a UN body after the demise of the League and the formation of the UN in 1946.

The ILO formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights such as  freedom of association, the right to organize, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and other standards regulating conditions of work related issues. The organization also provides technical assistance focusing upon areas such as; vocational training, employment policy, management development, cooperatives, social security, and labour statistics and occupational safety and health. The organizations aims and purpose emphasize the labour should not be viewed as a commodity, that poverty is a danger to prosperity and that all humans have the right to pursue material well being and spiritual development. Overall the ILO works to promote the development of independent employers' and workers' organizations and provides training and advisory services to those organizations. The organizations structure, within which both workers and employers participate gives the ILO an unique position within the UN system.

WILPF has consultative status with ILO. Krishna Ahooja-patel is our appointed representative.

The International Labour Conference