Cooperation Agreement between the International Labour Organization
and the Inter-Parliamentary Union

Whereas the aim of the International Labour Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the ILO") is to achieve social justice through the improvement of conditions of labour, the protection of workers, and the promotion of democratic principles such as the principle of freedom of association based on tripartite dialogue,

Whereas the purpose of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (hereinafter referred to as "the IPU") is to work for peace and cooperation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative institutions based on the respect of fundamental human rights,

Whereas the common objectives of the ILO and the IPU are the pursuance of peace and democracy by promoting international cooperation in their respective areas of competence in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and whereas these common goals and objectives can be effectively advanced through cooperation and joint action,

Now therefore, the ILO and the IPU, being desirous of cooperating with each other within the framework of their respective constitutional mandates, have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I
General

1.1. The ILO recognizes that the IPU, as the world organization of national parliaments, by virtue of its character and responsibilities plays an important role in promoting peace, democracy and international cooperation, in furtherance of and in conformity with the purposes for which the ILO was established.

1.2. The IPU recognizes the responsibilities and fields of action of the ILO under its Constitution and undertakes to give active support to the ILO's activities, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the ILO Constitution and with the policies established by the respective governing bodies of the parties.

1.3. The ILO and the IPU agree that the strengthening of cooperative relations between them will facilitate the effective exercise of their mutually complementary activities and therefore undertake to further those relations through the adoption of the practical measures set forth in the following provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II
Consultations and exchange of information

2.1. The ILO and the IPU shall hold consultations on a regular basis in order to exchange views on matters of common concern. The date and form of such consultations shall be agreed between the parties.

2.2. Each organization shall keep the other appropriately informed of developments in its work and shall arrange for a regular exchange of documents and publications which may be of mutual interest.

ARTICLE III
Mutual representation

3.1. The ILO shall be invited to be represented and to participate as an observer at meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Conference. The ILO may also, whenever appropriate and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon, be invited to participate in other meetings of the IPU dealing with subjects which fall within the competence, activities and expertise of the ILO.

3.2. The IPU shall be invited to participate in meetings of the International Labour Conference with the status of an official international organization. The IPU may also, whenever appropriate and subject to such conditions as may be agreed upon, be invited to participate in meetings organized by the ILO in which the IPU has expressed an interest.

ARTICLE IV
Areas of cooperation

4.1. In order to achieve effective cooperation and liaison between the two organizations, each organization shall designate a senior official to follow the progress of cooperation and to act as a point of contact.

4.2. The ILO and the IPU shall together explore areas for cooperation and shall offer appropriate assistance to each other in support of future joint action, particularly with regard to:

(a) the promotion or ratification of instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference and their implementation through appropriate national legislation and regulations, and

(b) the promotion and implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work, set out in the ILO Constitution and in the Declaration of Philadelphia annexed to it and recalled in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, as an essential factor of parliamentary democracy and development.

4.3. These joint activities may include, but are not limited to, the holding of joint special meetings or conferences at appropriate intervals on subjects within the competence of the ILO, and of particular relevance and interest to parliaments and parliamentarians, including follow-up action and implementation of relevant ILO activities.

4.4. Each organization may ask the other for its assistance in the technical study of matters which are within the latter's field of competence. Any such request shall be examined by the other organization, which, within the framework of its policies, programmes and rules, shall make every effort to give appropriate assistance in such a manner and along such lines as may be agreed upon by the two organizations.

4.5. Each organization shall follow its own procedures in authorizing and financing the conduct of joint activities.

ARTICLE V
Entry into force, amendments and duration

5.1. This Agreement, having previously been approved by both the Governing Body of the ILO and by the Inter-Parliamentary Council, shall enter into force on the date of its signature by the duly authorized representatives of the parties.

5.2. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent in accordance with the respective rules and regulations of the parties. Such arrangements shall enter into force one month following notification of consent by both parties.

5.3. Each party may terminate this Agreement by giving six months' notice in writing to the other party.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized representatives of the ILO and of the IPU, have signed the present Agreement.

Signed this 27th day of May 1999 at Geneva in two originals each in the English and French languages, both of which are the original and authentic texts.

For the International Labour Organization
(Signed) Juan Somavia
Director-General of the International Labour Office

For the Inter-Parliamentary Union
(Signed) Miguel Angel Martínez
President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union

(Signed) Anders B. Johnsson
Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union