International Labour Organization: Mandate & History
International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations whose primary mandate is the promotion of social justice and improved living and working conditions for workers, through respect for fundamental human rights and internationally recognized labour standards. The ILO was created in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles, alongside the League of Nations, as a result of the peace process following the First World War. From its inception, the Organization strove for social reform required by the situations emanating from the Industrial Revolution. These conditions caused great distress to workers and, in particular, children and women.
At the end of World War II, the ILO prepared for the period of reconstruction that would follow. Here, the Declaration of Philadelphia was adopted, which serves as a reaffirmation and expansion of its core principles and objectives. The Declaration of Philadelphia reinforced the role the ILO should play in the new international context and enabled the development of a comprehensive program of technical cooperation with developing countries, carried out in parallel with its standard-setting work.
In 1946, the ILO became the first specialized agency associated with the newly formed United Nations. In 1969, on the 50th anniversary of its founding, the Organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The International Labour Organization was founded on the principle, inscribed in its Constitution, that universal and lasting peace can only be based on social justice. In this context, the ILO is committed to:
Establishing International Labour Standards in the form of conventions and recommendations, laying down minimum conditions relating to labour rights. These standards are backed by a unique system for monitoring their application. The fundamental standards are those concerning:
- Freedom of association
- The right to organize
- The right of collective bargaining