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International Labour Standards

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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. 

Latest news

Malaysia ratifies the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
Ratification ceremony of Convention No. 155 on 11 June 2024: Mr Steven Sim, Minister of Human Resources of Malaysia and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO

Malaysia ratifies the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)

Spain ratifies key occupational safety and health standards for construction and agriculture
Ratification ceremony of Conventions Nos. 167 and 184 on 11 June 2024: Yolanda Díaz, Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy of Spain, and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO

Spain ratifies key occupational safety and health standards for construction and agriculture

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.

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.

Reporting resources and forms for constituents

Constitutional reporting obligations: Resources and forms for constituents
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Constitutional reporting obligations: Resources and forms for constituents

Support and training

ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards
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ILO Helpdesk for Business on International Labour Standards

Training Programmes on International Labour Standards
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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.

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