9/13/2026
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to social justice, labour rights and decent work. The ILO develops international labour standards, supports employment policies, promotes social protection and brings together governments, employers and workers to address issues affecting the world of work.
The ILO was established in 1919 and later became a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is unique within the UN system because it has a tripartite structure.
This means that governments, employers and workers all participate in its decision-making.
The ILO currently has 187 Member States and works internationally on employment and labour-related issues.
The ILO's work can be grouped into several major areas.
1. Setting international labour standards
One of the ILO's most important functions is developing international labour standards through conventions, protocols and recommendations.
These standards address issues such as freedom of association, forced labour, child labour, discrimination, occupational safety and health, wages and working conditions.
Countries can ratify ILO conventions and use them as frameworks for developing national labour legislation and policies.
2. Promoting decent work
The ILO promotes the concept of decent work, meaning employment that provides productive opportunities, fair income, workplace rights, social protection and opportunities for participation and dialogue.
Its Decent Work Agenda is built around four strategic objectives:
Fundamental principles and rights at work
Employment and income opportunities
Social protection
Social dialogue and tripartism
3. Protecting workers' rights
The ILO works to protect fundamental labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour, abolition of child labour and elimination of discrimination in employment.
These principles are central to the ILO's mission of promoting social justice.
4. Supporting employment policies
The ILO provides research, policy advice and technical assistance to governments and social partners.
Its work covers subjects such as unemployment, youth employment, labour-market transitions, skills development, informal employment and employment policy.
5. Promoting social protection
Social protection is another major area of ILO work. The organization supports policies designed to protect people against economic and social risks.
Examples include social security, pensions, unemployment protection, maternity protection and other social protection systems.
The ILO's tripartite structure makes it different from many other international organizations.
Governments do not make labour policies completely independently within the ILO framework. Employers' organizations and workers' organizations also participate.
This allows different interests within the labour market to be represented when international labour standards and policies are developed.
The ILO itself employs international professionals, national staff, consultants and other personnel. It also provides technical assistance and development cooperation programmes in many countries.
However, the ILO's primary mission is not to act as a global employment agency. Its purpose is to improve labour systems and working conditions.
The International Labour Organization works to promote social justice and decent work worldwide. It creates international labour standards, protects workers' rights, supports employment policies, promotes social protection and facilitates dialogue between governments, employers and workers.
ILO – Mission and Impact
ILO – About the ILO
ILO – How the ILO Works
Unchannel - 9/13/2026