Key Documents

ILO Constitution
The different ILO bodies, the functioning of the Conference, and the adoption and application of international labour standards are governed by the Constitution. The original ILO Constitution formed Part XIII of the Treaty of Versailles (1919). Since that date it has been amended on six occasions, and has become a separate instrument. In 1944, the Conference adopted the Declaration of Philadelphia, which restated the fundamental aims and purposes of the ILO. The Declaration is annexed to and forms an integral part of the Constitution.
Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference (as amended)
The Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference are a set of practical rules on how to carry out activities relating, among other things, to the adoption of international labour standards. They lay down the procedure for the Governing Body to place standard-setting items on the agenda of the Conference, deadlines for the preparation and circulation of reports and questionnaires, and the procedures of the Conference committees that adopt standards (First Standing Orders adopted at the First Session of the Conference (November 1919). Amended text adopted at the 109th Session of the Conference (2021)).
Global call to action for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 crisis that is inclusive, sustainable and resilient
Resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 109th session, 2021
2019 ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work
Adopted by the Conference at its 108th session, 21 June 2019.
2008 Declaration on social justice for a fair globalization
The Declaration was updated in 2022 to reflect the inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment in the ILO framework of fundamental principles and rights at work.
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), as amended in 2022
Adopted at the 86th Session of the International Labour Conference (1998) and amended at the 110th Session (2022).
Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy
The MNE Declaration is the only ILO instrument that provides direct guidance to enterprises on social policy and inclusive, responsible and sustainable workplace practices. It was adopted in 1977 and amended several times (in 2000, 2006, 2017), most recently in 2022. Its principles are addressed to MNEs, governments, and employers’ and workers’ organizations and cover areas such as employment, training, conditions of work and life, and industrial relations as well as general policies. All principles build on international labour standards (ILO conventions and recommendations).
Global Jobs Pact (2009)
The fundamental objective of the Global Jobs Pact is to provide an internationally agreed basis for policy-making designed to reduce the time lag between economic recovery and a recovery with decent work opportunities. It is a call for urgent worldwide action: national, regional and global.
General Surveys since 1985
Examination of law and practice in a particular subject area, in member States that have or have not ratified relevant conventions - (Report III (Part 1B) of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations)
Preparatory reports for the adoption of conventions, protocols and recommendations
Background and preparatory work: texts of the preparatory reports, discussions at the International Labour Conference, committee reports, votes and texts of the Convention.
Handbook of procedures relating to international labour Conventions and Recommendations (Centenary Edition 2019)
This Handbook describes the procedures operating within the International Labour Organization in relation to the adoption and implementation of Conventions and Recommendations.
Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association
Special procedures for the examination in the International Labour Organization of complaints alleging violations of freedom of association
Standing Orders concerning the procedure for the examination of representations under articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution of the ILO