Since 1919, the International Labour Organization has maintained and developed a system of international labour standards aimed at promoting opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity. In today's globalised economy, international labour standards are an essential component in the international framework for ensuring that the growth of the global economy provides benefits to all.
- The benefits of international labour standards
- Rules of the Game: An introduction to the standards-related work of the International Labour Organization
Committee on the Application of Standards 2024
112th International Labour Conference
Committee on the Application of Standards 2024
International labour standards are legal instruments drawn up by the ILO's constituents (governments, employers and workers) and setting out basic principles and rights at work. They are either Conventions or Protocols, which are legally binding international treaties that may be ratified by member states, or Recommendations, which serve as non-binding guidelines. Read more about Conventions, Protocols and Recommendations
The development of international labour standards (ILS) at the ILO is a unique legislative process involving representatives of governments, workers and employers from throughout the world. How ILS are created
The Standards Review Mechanism (SRM) is a mechanism that is integral to the ILO’s standards policy with a view to ensuring that the ILO has a clear, robust and up-to-date body of standards that respond to the changing patterns of the world of work, for the purpose of the protection of workers and taking into account the needs of sustainable enterprises.
The Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group (SRM TWG) is mandated to review the ILO’s international labour standards with a view to making recommendations to the Governing Body on:
- the status of the standards examined, including up-to-date standards, standards in need of revision and outdated standards;
- the review of gaps in coverage, including those requiring new standards;
- practical and time-bound follow-up action, as appropriate.
See the dedicated page on the Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group (SRM TWG)
Handbook of procedures relating to international labour Conventions and Recommendations (Centenary Edition 2019)
This handbook explains how the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopts and enforces Conventions and Recommendations.
See AlsoInternational Labour Organization (ILO)International Labor Organization (ILO): Definition and StandardsThe main purpose of this handbook is to assist government officials responsible for implementing ILO standards. It outlines the procedures and practices for fulfilling obligations under the ILO Constitution and help worker and employer organizations, exercising their role in these procedures.
Browse all International Labour Standards
Browse all International Labour Standards
Browse all labour conventions, protocols, recommendations by number, subject, type, or status on the ILO NORMLEX database.
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- Focus on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006: a special instrument
Latest news
International Labour Conference takes first step towards ground-breaking international regulation of biological hazards
International Labour Conference takes first step towards ground-breaking international regulation of biological hazards
Chile ratifies the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)
Chile ratifies the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)
More news
Standards ratification: a commitment and a process
All ILO member States are held by the ILO Constitution to consider ratification of all up-to-date Conventions. They should do so regularly and on the basis of consultation with the social partners.
- Ratification data (NORMLEX)
- Guidance on ratification
- Browse ratifications by instrument, country, region
- View comparative data on ratifications
- Multi criteria search tool for ratifications
- Guidance from key outcome documents of the Organization
- FAQ on ratification
- Registration of instruments of ratification (JUR)
Standards implementation: ILO supervisory system
International labour standards are backed by a supervisory system supervisory system comprised of independent legal experts and tripartite bodies to help ensure that countries implement the Conventions they ratify.
- Overview of the ILO supervisory system
- Guide for Constituents
Regular supervision
Regular supervision
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- The regular supervision process
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- Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR)
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- Conference Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS)
Special procedures
Special procedures
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- The special procedures
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- Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA)
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- Representation procedure (Art.24)
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- Complaint procedure and Commission of Inquiry (Art.26)
Reporting resources and forms for constituents
Constitutional reporting obligations: Resources and forms for constituents
Constitutional reporting obligations: Resources and forms for constituents
Support and training
ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards
ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards
Training Programmes on International Labour Standards
Training Programmes on International Labour Standards
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ILO Publications on International Labour Standards
ILO Publications on International Labour Standards
Browse our selection of publications, articles and working papers on International Labour Standards.
Key publications
Reference documents
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- ILO Constitution
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- ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its follow-up
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- ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization
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- ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work
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- Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration)
Databases and tools
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- NORMLEX - Information System on International Labour Standards
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- Finding Aids - Tools to locate comprehensive data on a specific ILO topic or unique collection
See also
International labour standards and human rights
International labour standards and human rights
International labour standards and international trade
International labour standards and international trade
Trade for Decent Work Project
Trade for Decent Work Project
