Glossary:International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization, abbreviated as ILO, is the only tripartite United Nations (UN) agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work worldwide. Its stated mission is to advance opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive employment in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
The ILO was founded in 1919, in the wake of World War I, to pursue a vision based on the premise that universal, lasting peace can only occur if based on the decent treatment of working women and men. In 1946 it became the UN's first specialised agency, with as main objectives to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue concerning work-related issues.
The ILO is the global body responsible for drafting and overseeing international labour standards. Working with its Member States, the ILO seeks to ensure that labour standards are respected in practice, as well as in principle.