International Labour Organization (ILO)

Purpose

Set international labour standards and promote decent work, social protection and rights at work worldwide.

Members:

187 member states

Headquarters:

Geneva, Switzerland

History

The ILO was founded in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles as part of the League of Nations, making it one of the oldest still-active international organizations, and became a UN specialized agency in 1946.

Structure

• International Labour Conference
• Governing Body
• International Labour Office, headed by the Director-General

Key facts

• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969
• Uniquely tripartite in structure, bringing together representatives of governments, employers and workers in its decision-making

Pakistan's relationship

A founding-era member; ILO conventions on labour rights and child labour have influenced Pakistani labour legislation.