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Principles and rights at work establish the basis for decent work and underpin many aspects of the social dimension of globalization. The ILO's unique normative role has been underlined by the report of the World Commission. The fundamental principles and rights reaffirmed in the 1998 Declaration are now firmly established as a universal definition of minimum requirements for the "social floor" in a globalizing economy. They facilitate, together with tripartism and social dialogue, a strategy for achieving programme in the social and economic sphere. The ILO has to consider how its normative role can best meet the legitimate demands of constituents and have an impact nationally and on the multilateral system. The successes of past biennium reflected in the unanimously adopted the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) and its ratification have led to intensified dialogue on its implementation.
Implementation is also the focus of the Declaration follow-up. The initial wave of activity and resources surrounding annual reporting has provided a better indication of progress and what remains to be done in different countries. The Global Reports on each of the categories of principles and rights have attracted increased attention to the issues and demand for tools and services to assist in implementation. It is now clear from reviews and evaluations that much of the promotional and technical cooperation work of the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) and the Declaration follow-up is closely related. Internal synergies and avoidance of duplication can be realized by combing the two management structures, focusing resources on a fundamental principles and rights at work "package".
The shift in emphasis towards the developmental role of international labour standards underscores that Conventions and Recommendations are also tools for the promotion, attainment and monitoring of economic and social progress, in terms both of labour legislation and of measurable improvements in working conditions and living standards. The lessons learned regarding the impact of the fundamental Conventions can be applied to ratification and implementation of other up-to-date Conventions in an integrated approach. The International Labour Conference discussion of the general survey of employment policy standards illustrates the importance of normative instruments in implementing the Declaration and pursuing policies for full, productive and freely chosen employment which is the ILO's distinctive input into the achievement of the MDGs. The abolition of child labour is one aspect of the promotion of appropriate employment for young persons. As another example, women's socio-economic empowerment requires eliminating discrimination in occupation and employment and promoting the right to organize and negotiate. Standards and the Declaration follow-up are thus elements of a single, coherent framework.
A strengthened standards system requires a re-examination of how standards policy and the supervisory and complaints processes contribute to overall aims. This includes ongoing review of the structure and the products of the Office in order to better address the needs of individual countries and regions. More coherent supervision of the fundamental Conventions and other up-to-date Conventions will aid in realizing all strategic objectives.
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