International Labour Organisation: universal and lasting peace can only be established if it is base

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

The ILO was created in 1919 with the aim of advancing social justice in the belief that universal and lasting peace can only be established if it is based on social justice.

The ILO Declaration of Aims and Purposes 1944 included the following:

• Labour is not to be regarded as a commodity.

• Poverty constitutes a danger to prosperity.

• The war against want must be carried on with unrelenting vigour within each nation and by means of concerted international efforts.

• All human beings have the right to pursue both material well-being and spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, economic security and equal opportunity without discrimination on the ground of race, creed or sex.

The ILO has obligations to promote programmes with the aim of achieving:

• Full employment

• Rising standards of living

• Worker satisfaction

• A minimum wage

• A basic income for all in need

• A just share in the fruits of progress for all

• The right to free collective bargaining

• Adequate protection for the health and safety of workers

• Child welfare and maternity protection

• The provision of adequate nutrition, housing and facilities for recreation and culture

• Equality of educational and vocational opportunity.