International Labour Organization

Structure and governance

The ILO has a distinctive governance model that guarantees representation from three groups: government delegates, employer delegates and worker delegates. Its main governing organs are the International Labour Conference (an annual assembly that adopts standards and reviews policy), the Governing Body (the executive council) and the International Labour Office (the permanent secretariat). The Governing Body includes government, worker and employer representatives; it sets the agenda and oversees the Office. For many years Juan Somavía served as Director-General (1999–2012) and was succeeded by Guy Ryder following the 2012 election.

Functions and activities

The ILO’s core functions include drafting international labour standards (conventions and recommendations), monitoring their application, offering technical assistance, and conducting research and statistics on work and employment. Its work covers a range of topics such as child labour, forced labour, discrimination, freedom of association, social protection and employment policy. It promotes policies that raise standards of living and advance decent work for all.

Approach and significance

Key features of the ILO are its tripartite method and its reliance on binding conventions and non-binding recommendations. Member states ratify conventions that then guide national law and practice. The ILO also collaborates with governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and other international bodies to provide technical assistance, capacity building and policy advice.

Notable facts

• The ILO was created in the aftermath of World War I and later joined the UN system.
• It has played a central role in shaping labour rights and promoting social justice worldwide.
• Its standards and declarations—such as those against child and forced labour—are widely cited in national and international policy.