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

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

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

© Liana Lopez 2021

Poisoned by pollution, so I fight for climate justice

11 November 2021

It wasn’t until he was an adult that Bryan Parras made the connection between his asthma and the polluted air in Houston Texas, where he grew up. This realization has shaped his work today as an environmental justice advocate.
ILO in action: We work to end child labour in DR Congo’s cobalt mines

09 November 2021

ILO Chief Technical Advisor, Josée Blandine Ongotto, speaks from the field about the COTECCO Project, which is combating child labour in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with funding from the US Department of Labor.