What is the role of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)?

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) plays a crucial role in promoting labor rights and safety globally by setting international labor standards and advocating for fair and decent working conditions for workers everywhere. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the ILO addresses issues such as workplace safety, labor rights, and social justice through conventions and recommendations that member states can adopt. The ILO conducts research, provides technical assistance, and fosters international dialogue among governments, employers, and workers, which helps improve labor conditions and safety practices worldwide.

While legal counsel, financing safety training programs, and regulating workplace accidents are important components of occupational health and safety, their implementation typically falls under the jurisdiction of national governments or specific organizations rather than being a primary role of the ILO. Therefore, the ILO's overarching mission to promote labor rights and safety globally is what distinguishes its critical function in the international labor landscape.