The International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The ILO is the only tripartite agency of the United Nations. It brings together governments, employers and worker representatives of 187 member states to set labour standards and develop policies to promote decent work. The ILO governing body is supported by committees, including the ILO committee on freedom of association and the ILO committee of experts on the application of conventions and recommendations. ILO standards and conventions can be, and are, taken into account by courts and tribunals. The main ILO conventions relevant to trade union rights are listed on page 146.