About the ILO

The only tripartite U.N. agency, since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. Origins and history

How we work

  1. The unique tripartite structure of the ILO gives an equal voice to workers, employers and governments to ensure that the views of the social partners are closely reflected in labour standards and in shaping policies and programmes.

Mission and impact

  1. The main aims of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

Stories of impact

  1. © ILO 2022
    In Morocco, a renewed hope for former child domestic workers

    27 September 2022

    Meet Ghizlan. At age 12 she worked as a child domestic worker when she should have been attending school. See how Morocco is changing laws and attitudes to protect children like Ghizlan.

  2. Using technology to eliminate forced labour on the ocean

    26 September 2022

    An ILO roundtable discussion raises important questions on the use of digital innovation to fight forced labour in fishing

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ILO in the media

  1. © GETTY images 2022

    BBC

    Modern slavery shoots up by 10 million in five years

    12 September 2022

  2. © Joy Saha/Zuma/Rex 2022

    The Guardian

    Fifty million people now trapped in modern slavery in a ‘surge of exploitation’

    12 September 2022

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