Comment and analysis
2020
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© ILO 2021
Q&A
Universal protection against the worst forms of child labour
23 December 2020
In 2020, for the first time in the ILO’s history, an International Labour Standard achieved universal ratification, with acceptance by all 187 Member States. Universal ratification of ILO Convention No. 182 on Worst Forms of Child Labour (1999) means that all children now have legal protection against the worst forms of child labour. The landmark achievement comes at a significant moment, because the United Nations has designated 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. Vera Paquete-Perdigao answers some key questions on child labour and the Convention.
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Labour migration
Who are the women on the move? A portrait of female migrant workers
18 December 2020
The international migration of women, either together with their family or on their own, is an increasingly important and complex phenomenon but remains insufficiently documented owing to a lack of data. New ILOSTAT data offer some insights on the profile of women looking for work and better opportunities abroad.
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© Jérémy Stenuit 2021
COVID-19 and price inflation
COVID-19 drives up food prices worldwide
10 December 2020
COVID-19 restrictions have altered consumer spending patterns. In particular, lockdown measures have affected the supply of and demand for certain products and, hence, their prices.
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International Volunteers Day
Volunteering reached new heights in March and April 2020
05 December 2020
In normal times, a billion people volunteer their time and energy each year, providing unpaid help to others. Has the COVID-19 pandemic led to even more volunteering worldwide?
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
How disability affects labour market outcomes
03 December 2020
People with disabilities make up 15 per cent of the global population. Yet, they are far from adequately represented in labour markets around the world.
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© Marcin Jozwiak 2021
Work-life balance
Working mothers squeezed out of labour force by COVID-19
30 November 2020
Families are making tough decisions about who keeps their paid job and who quits to provide the unpaid care needed at home during the COVID-19 crisis. Mainly it is women who are sacrificing their careers.
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UNIC Blog
Adjusting the way we work during the COVID-19 pandemic
25 November 2020
This is an excerpt from the new blog series of the United Nations Information Centres (UNIC), which includes comments from experts active in various fields, including senior Japanese staff members from the United Nations. This contribution is from Mito Tsukamoto, Chief of the Development and Investment Branch, ILO Employment Policy Department.
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© ILO 2021
World Children’s Day
Child labour is an affront to our common values
20 November 2020
The universal ratification of the ILO’s Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour is a positive step for Africa’s children says Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa.
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Blog
Five steps to help women entrepreneurs cross the business gender divide
19 November 2020
Women entrepreneurs tend to be stuck at the lower end of the business value chain, while their male counterparts make more profits at the high end. The ILO has developed a five step model to help women cross the business gender divide.
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GB roundup
A look back at the 340th session of the ILO Governing Body
17 November 2020
The November 2020 session of the ILO Governing Body ended on 14 November. ILO News discussed the highlights with Juan Llobera, Clerk of the Governing Body.