Handbook of procedures

relating to international
labour Conventions
and Recommendations

For more information:

International Labour Standards Department (NORMES)

International Labour Office Revised Edition 2012

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Handbook of procedures relating to
international labour Conventions
and Recommendations

International Labour Standards Department

International Labour Office Geneva Rev. 2012

Copyright © International Labour Organization 2012
First published 2012

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First edition 2012

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Contents
Page
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
I. Adoption of international labour standards ............................................................................. 2
Nature and constitutional basis of Conventions and Recommendations ................................ 2
Placing an item on the Conference agenda ............................................................................. 2
Double discussion procedure .................................................................................................. 2
Single discussion procedure .................................................................................................... 4
Revision of Conventions and Recommendations.................................................................... 4
Abrogation or withdrawal of Conventions and Recommendations ........................................ 5
Languages ............................................................................................................................... 5
Special circumstances taken into account ............................................................................... 5
Flexibility devices ................................................................................................................... 6
Conventions and Recommendations as minimum standards .................................................. 7
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 7
II. Submission to the competent authorities................................................................................. 8
Constitutional obligations ....................................................................................................... 8
Governing Body Memorandum .............................................................................................. 9
Office procedures .................................................................................................................... 11
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 12
Communication to representative organizations and observations received from them ......... 12
Summary ................................................................................................................................. 12
Office assistance ..................................................................................................................... 12
III. Ratification of Conventions and acceptance of obligations .................................................... 13
Procedure ................................................................................................................................ 13
Form of communication of ratifications ................................................................................. 13
Compulsory declarations to be included in or accompany the instrument of ratification ....... 13
Optional declarations to be included in or to accompany ratifications ................................... 15
Optional declarations concerning the scope of a Convention ................................................. 16
Ratification of Protocols ......................................................................................................... 17
Inadmissibility of reservations ................................................................................................ 17
Registration of ratifications and acceptances of obligations ................................................... 17
Entry into force ....................................................................................................................... 18
Obligations arising out of ratification ..................................................................................... 18
Incorporation in internal law ................................................................................................... 18
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 18

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx iii
 Page
Non-metropolitan territories.................................................................................................... 19
Effect of withdrawal from the ILO ......................................................................................... 19
Information on ratifications..................................................................................................... 19
IV. Reports on ratified Conventions.............................................................................................. 20
Obligation to report ................................................................................................................. 20
Reporting system..................................................................................................................... 20
Detailed reports ....................................................................................................................... 24
Simplified reports .................................................................................................................... 25
Introduction of a personalized follow-up procedure ............................................................... 25
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 25
Communication of reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations ................................... 26
Observations of employers’ and workers’ organizations ........................................................ 26
ILO procedures for requesting reports ................................................................................... 26
Summary ................................................................................................................................. 27
Proposed article 22 reporting cycles ....................................................................................... 28
Arrangement of Conventions by group in the three-year and five-year
reporting cycles for reporting purposes (English alphabetical order) .............................. 28
V. Reports on unratified Conventions and on Recommendations –
the 1998 and 2008 Declarations .............................................................................................. 30
Obligation to report on unratified Conventions ...................................................................... 30
Obligation to report on Recommendations ............................................................................. 30
Federal States .......................................................................................................................... 30
Choice of instruments for reports ........................................................................................... 30
Follow-up of the 1998 Declaration ......................................................................................... 31
Follow-up of the 2008 Declaration ......................................................................................... 31
Report forms............................................................................................................................ 32
ILO procedures for requesting reports ................................................................................... 32
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 32
Communication of reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations ................................... 32
Summary ................................................................................................................................. 33
VI. Regular machinery for supervising the observance of obligations deriving from
Conventions and Recommendations ....................................................................................... 34
Regular supervisory bodies ..................................................................................................... 34
A. Committee of Experts ...................................................................................................... 34
B. Conference Committee on the Application of Standards ................................................ 37
VII. Role of employers’ and workers’ organizations ..................................................................... 40
Communication of reports and information to employers’ and workers’ organizations......... 40
Consultation of representative organizations .......................................................................... 40

iv Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Page
Transmission of comments by employers’ and workers’ organizations ................................. 41
Participation in the Conference ............................................................................................... 41
VIII. Interpretation of Conventions and Recommendations ............................................................ 42
Interpretation by the International Court of Justice ................................................................ 42
Informal opinion of the International Labour Office .............................................................. 42
Explanations by the supervisory bodies .................................................................................. 42
IX. Revision of Conventions and Recommendations ................................................................... 44
Nature of revision of Conventions .......................................................................................... 44
Method and effect of revision of Conventions ........................................................................ 44
Revision of Recommendations ............................................................................................... 45
X. Denunciation of Conventions.................................................................................................. 46
Conditions for denunciation .................................................................................................... 46
Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations......................................................... 46
Form of communication of denunciation ................................................................................ 46
Office procedures .................................................................................................................... 47
Effect of denunciation ............................................................................................................. 47
XI. Special procedures .................................................................................................................. 48
A. Representations as to the observance of ratified Conventions......................................... 48
Constitutional provisions ................................................................................................. 48
Procedure for the examination of representations ........................................................... 48
B. Complaints as to the observance of ratified Conventions ................................................ 49
Main constitutional provisions ........................................................................................ 49
Other constitutional provisions ........................................................................................ 49
Commission of Inquiry procedure ................................................................................... 50
C. Complaints as to the infringement of freedom of association ......................................... 50
1. Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association ......................................... 50
2. Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission on Freedom of Association................... 52
D. Failure to submit Conventions and Recommendations to the competent authorities ...... 53
Constitutional provision .................................................................................................. 53
XII. Assistance available from the International Labour Office in
relation to international labour standards ................................................................................ 54
International labour standards and technical cooperation ....................................................... 54
Informal advisory services ...................................................................................................... 54
Direct contacts......................................................................................................................... 54

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx v
Appendices
Page
I. Calendar of action on international labour standards .............................................................. 57
II. Information resources.............................................................................................................. 59
III. Official titles of the Conventions adopted by the International Labour
Conference, 1919–2011 .......................................................................................................... 61

vi Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Introduction
This Handbook describes the procedures operating within the International Labour
Organization in relation to the adoption and implementation of Conventions and
Recommendations. The present edition takes account of the adjustments to the system for
the supervision of international labour standards decided on by the Governing Body of the
International Labour Office up to its March 2012 session. 1

The Handbook is designed in the first place to help officials of national

administrations responsible within their governments for the discharge of obligations under
the ILO Constitution relating to international labour standards, by setting out the
provisions laying down the procedures to follow and the practice established within the
Organization for giving effect to those provisions. It is also intended for use by
organizations of workers and employers, which have their own distinct roles to play in the
procedures.

The International Labour Office’s functions include that of providing information and
training for officials of governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations on all
aspects of the procedures described in this Handbook. This is done in part through
seminars held in the various regions, at ILO headquarters in Geneva, at the ILO’s
International Training Centre in Turin (Italy), and in members States, as well as through
informal advisory missions carried out by officials of the International Labour Standards
Department and the standards specialists in the field. The Office is in any event at the
disposal of the governments and organizations for further explanations of any of the
matters dealt with here. This Handbook is issued and further assistance and advice are
given by the International Labour Office on the understanding that the Office has no
special authority under the ILO Constitution to give interpretations of the Constitution or
instruments adopted by the Conference.

Appendix I to this Handbook consists of a calendar of action called for on

international labour standards. Appendix II lists available documentation on ILO
Conventions and Recommendations. Appendix III gives the short titles of all Conventions
on which reports may be requested as indicated in the table.

1
See document GB.313/LILS/5.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 1
I. Adoption of international
labour standards

Nature and constitutional basis of Conventions

and Recommendations

1. Conventions are instruments which on ratification create legal obligations.

Recommendations are not open to ratification, but give guidance as to policy, legislation
and practice. Both kinds of instrument are adopted by the International Labour Conference,
1
and article 19 of the Constitution provides:

1. When the Conference has decided on the adoption of proposals with regard to an item
on the agenda, it will rest with the Conference to determine whether these proposals should
take the form: (a) of an international Convention, or (b) of a Recommendation to meet
circumstances where the subject, or aspect of it, dealt with is not considered suitable or
appropriate at that time for a Convention.
2. In either case a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast by the delegates present shall
be necessary on the final vote for the adoption of the Convention or Recommendation, as the
case may be, by the Conference.

Placing an item on the Conference agenda

2. The agenda of the Conference is settled by the Governing Body (Constitution, article 14).
In cases of special urgency or other special circumstances (this has been the case, for
example, where a draft Protocol is being considered) the Governing Body may decide to
refer a question to the Conference with a view to a single discussion (Standing Orders (SO)
article 34(5)); but otherwise there will be a double discussion (i.e. discussion at two
sessions of the Conference) (SO, 2 article 34(4)). The Governing Body may also decide to
refer a question to a preparatory technical conference (Constitution, article 14(2); SO,
articles 34(3) and 36). The Conference itself may also, by two-thirds of the votes cast by
the delegates present, decide to include a subject on the agenda of the following session
(Constitution, article 16(3)).

Double discussion procedure

3. These are the stages in a double discussion (Appendix I): 3

(a) The Office prepares a report on law and practice in the different countries, together
with a questionnaire. The report and questionnaire request governments to consult the

1
As, occasionally, are Protocols, which are partial and optional revisions or amendments of earlier
Conventions.
2
Standing Orders of the International Labour Conference, incorporating relevant Standing Orders
of the Governing Body.
3
The normal time limits for the various stages in this procedure may be varied where a question
has been included on the agenda less than 18 months before the opening of the session at which the
first discussion is to take place or where less than 11 months separate the two sessions concerned
(SO, article 39(5) and (8)).

2 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 most representative organizations of employers and workers before finalizing their
replies and are communicated to governments at least 18 months before the relevant
session of the Conference (SO, article 39(1)).

(b) To be reflected in the report, governments’ replies must reach the Office not less than
11 months before the relevant session (see SO, article 39(2)). In the case of federal
countries and countries where it is necessary to translate questionnaires into the
national language, the period of seven months allowed for the preparation of replies
shall be extended to eight months if the government concerned so requests.

(c) The Office prepares a further report on the basis of replies received, indicating the
principal questions for consideration by the Conference. This report is communicated
to governments normally not less than four months before the relevant session (SO,
article 39(3)).

(d) These reports are considered by the Conference – usually in committee – and if the
Conference decides the matter is suitable for a Convention or Recommendation it
adopts conclusions and either decides to include the question on the agenda of its
following session or asks the Governing Body to include it on the agenda of a later
session (SO, article 39(4)(a), (b)).

(e) On the basis of both the replies and the first Conference discussion, the Office drafts
Conventions or Recommendations and communicates them to governments within
two months of the end of the Conference session (SO, article 39(6)). 4

(f) Governments are again asked to consult the organizations of employers and workers
and have three months to suggest amendments and make comments (SO,
article 39(6)).

(g) On the basis of further government replies, a final report containing the amended text
of Conventions or Recommendations is communicated to governments at least three
months before the session of the Conference at which they are to be discussed (SO,
article 39(7)).

(h) The Conference decides whether to base its second discussion on the Conventions or
Recommendations drafted by the Office and how to consider them – usually in
committee in the first place. Each clause of a Convention or Recommendation is
placed before the Conference for adoption, and the drafts thus adopted are referred to
the Drafting Committee for preparation of final texts. 5 Texts of instruments approved
by the Drafting Committee are submitted to the Conference for final adoption in
accordance with article 19 of the Constitution (see paragraph 1 above and SO, article
40).

(i) The Conference may, if it rejects a Convention contained in the report of a

committee, refer it again to the committee for transformation into a Recommendation
(SO, article 40(6)).

4
If there is less than 11 months between the two sessions, a programme of reduced intervals may
be approved by the Governing Body or its Officers (SO, article 39(8)). At the same time as it asks
governments for their comments on proposed Conventions and Recommendations, the Office
consults the United Nations and other specialized agencies as to any proposed provisions affecting
their activities and brings any comments they make before the Conference together with the
government replies (SO, article 39bis).
5
See SO, article 6.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 3
 (j) If a Convention fails on a final vote to obtain the necessary two-thirds majority but
does obtain a simple majority, the Conference decides whether to refer it to the
Drafting Committee for redrafting as a Recommendation (SO, article 41).

Single discussion procedure

4. These are the stages in a single discussion: 6

(a) The Office prepares a summary report on law and practice in the different countries,
together with a questionnaire with a view to the preparation of Conventions or
Recommendations, 7 for communication to governments at least 18 months before the
relevant Conference session. Governments are requested to consult the most
representative organizations of employers and workers (SO, article 38(1)). 8

(b) Governments’ replies must reach the Office not less than 11 months before the
relevant session (SO, article 38(1)).

(c) On the basis of governments’ replies, a final report containing the text of Conventions
or Recommendations 9 is communicated to governments at least four months before
the opening of the Conference session (SO, article 38(2)).

(d) If the question has been considered at a preparatory technical conference, the Office
may either, according to Governing Body decision, communicate to governments a
summary report and questionnaire (see (a) and (b) above); or, on the basis of the work
of the preparatory technical conference, draft a final report (see (c) above – SO,
article 38(4)).

(e) The final consideration and adoption of Conventions and Recommendations under the
single-discussion procedure follow paragraph 3(h) to (j) above.

Revision of Conventions and Recommendations

5. Separate procedures for the revision of Conventions and Recommendations are included in
articles 43–45 of the Standing Orders. However, they are substantially the same as those
described in paragraphs 3 and 4 above, and in practice reference is made to the same
articles of the Standing Orders. Between 1995 and 2002, the Governing Body reviewed all
ILO standards adopted before 1985, with the exception of the fundamental and governance
Conventions, to see if they needed to be revised. As a result of that review, 71 Conventions
– including the fundamental Conventions and those adopted after 1985 – were designated

6
The normal time limits for the various stages in this procedure may be varied where a question
has been included on the agenda less than 26 months before the opening of the session at which the
discussion is to take place, and a programme of reduced intervals may be approved by the
Governing Body or its Officers (SO, article 38(3)).
7
Or a Protocol.
8
At the same time as it asks governments for their comments on proposed Conventions and
Recommendations, the Office consults the United Nations and other specialized agencies as to any
proposed provisions affecting their activities and brings any comments they make before the
Conference together with the government replies (SO, article 39bis).
9
Or Protocols.

4 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 as being “up to date” (GB.283/LILS/WP/PRS/4). The Governing Body continued its work
on updating Conventions and Recommendations and at present 82 Conventions are “up to
date” and recommended for active promotion.

Abrogation or withdrawal of Conventions

and Recommendations

6. At its 85th Session (June 1997), the Conference adopted amendments to the Constitution
of the Organization adding a ninth paragraph to article 19 10 and to the Standing Orders of
the Conference (a new article 11 and a new article 45bis of the Standing Orders). A
Convention is considered as being obsolete “if it appears that the Convention has lost its
purpose or that it no longer makes a useful contribution to attaining the objectives of the
Organisation” (article 19, paragraph 9, of the Constitution – at present, only one
ratification is missing for that provision to come into force). At its 270th Session
(November 1997), the Governing Body amended its Standing Orders by adopting a new
article 12bis establishing the procedure for the placing of an item on the agenda of the
Conference concerning the abrogation or withdrawal of instruments. The abrogation
procedure applies to Conventions that are in force. Withdrawal applies to Conventions that
are not in force and to Recommendations. Abrogation and withdrawal are covered by the
same procedural guarantees, with the only difference being that the Conference can already
proceed to the withdrawal of an instrument, based on the provisions of its Standing Orders,
without having to wait for the coming into force of the constitutional amendment. 11

Languages

7. French and English authentic texts of Conventions and Recommendations 12 are adopted.
Official translations may be drawn up by the Office and considered by governments
concerned as authoritative (SO, article 42). 13

Special circumstances taken into account

8. Article 19 of the Constitution also provides:

3. In framing any Convention or Recommendation of general application the
Conference shall have due regard to those countries in which climatic conditions, the
imperfect development of industrial organization, or other special circumstances make the
industrial conditions substantially different and shall suggest the modifications, if any, which
it considers may be required to meet the case of such countries.

10
See the Constitution of the International Labour Organization Instrument of Amendment, 1997
(see also ILO website http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/leg/amend/index.htm).
11
At its 88th Session (May–June 2000), the Conference decided to withdraw Conventions Nos 31,
46, 51, 61 and 66. At its 90th Session (June 2002), the Conference decided to withdraw
20 Recommendations (Nos 1, 5, 11, 15, 37, 38, 39, 42, 45, 50, 51, 54, 56, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 72 and
73) and at its 92nd Session (June 2004) to withdraw 16 other Recommendations (Nos 2, 12, 16, 18,
21, 26, 32, 33, 34, 36, 43, 46, 58, 70, 74 and 96).
12
And Protocols.
13
See also the final provisions of Conventions and Protocols.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 5
 For this reason the law and practice reports and questionnaires, prepared by the Office in
accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 above, request governments to indicate national
particularities which might make practical application of instruments envisaged difficult;
and to suggest ways of dealing with this. Employers’, workers’ and governments’
delegates at the Conference are also able to draw attention to special national conditions
which should be taken into account when new standards are drafted.

Flexibility devices

9. Various means have been used by the Conference to ensure the flexibility of international
labour standards. 14 For example:

(a) clauses laying down modified standards for named countries. These have not been
used recently by the Conference;

(b) adoption of a Convention laying down principles together with (or later supplemented
by) a Recommendation giving guidance on technical and practical details of
implementation;

(c) definition of standards in broad wording – for example, fixing aims of social policy –
which leaves it to national conditions and practices, often after consultation of
employers’ and workers’ organizations, to determine the methods of application
(laws, regulations, collective agreements, etc.);

(d) division of Conventions into Parts or Articles, the obligations of only some of which
need to be accepted at the time of ratification, thus allowing future cumulation of
obligations as social legislation and ability to implement;

(e) division of Conventions into alternative Parts, the extent or level of obligation varying
according to which Parts are accepted;

(f) clauses allowing (sometimes temporarily) acceptance of a specified lower standard by

countries where, for example, no legislation on the subject in question existed prior to
ratification or where the economy or administrative or medical facilities are
insufficiently developed;

(g) clauses allowing exclusion of, for example, specified categories of occupations or
enterprises or sparsely populated or undeveloped areas;

(h) clauses allowing separate acceptance of obligations in respect of persons employed in

specified economic sectors;

(i) clauses designed to keep abreast of advances of medical science by referring to the
most recent edition of a reference work, or keeping a matter under review in the light
of current knowledge;

(j) adoption of an optional Protocol to a Convention, either enabling ratification of the

Convention itself with increased flexibility or extending the obligations of the
Convention;

14
See document GB.244/SC/3/3 (Nov. 1989) and the paragraphs on flexibility in the scope and
application of obligations in the Manual for drafting ILO instruments, 2005.

6 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (k) clauses in a Convention which partially revise an earlier Convention, by introducing
alternative and more modern obligations, while leaving the Convention open to
ratification still in its unrevised form.

Conventions and Recommendations

as minimum standards

10. Article 19 of the Constitution further provides:

8. In no case shall the adoption of any Convention or Recommendation by the
Conference, or the ratification of any Convention by any Member, be deemed to affect any
law, award, custom or agreement which ensures more favourable conditions to the workers
concerned than those provided for in the Convention or Recommendation.

Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations

11. In addition to the provisions of the Standing Orders referred to under paragraphs 3 and 4
above, Article 5(1)(a) of the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards)
Convention, 1976 (No. 144) and Paragraph 5(a) of the Tripartite Consultation (Activities
of the International Labour Organisation) Recommendation, 1976 (No. 152), provide that
consultations of employers’ and workers’ representatives should be held on government
replies to questionnaires concerning items on the agenda of the Conference and
government comments on proposed texts to be discussed.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 7
II. Submission to the competent authorities

Constitutional obligations

12. Conventions come into force for any State only through an act of ratification duly
registered by the Director-General of the ILO. However, all member States have an
obligation to submit Conventions and Recommendations 1 to the competent national
authorities. The relevant provisions of article 19 of the Constitution are as follows:

5. In the case of a Convention:

(a) the Convention will be communicated to all Members for ratification;
(b) each of the Members undertakes that it will, within the period of one year at most from
the closing of the session of the Conference, or if it is impossible owing to exceptional
circumstances to do so within the period of one year, then at the earliest practicable
moment and in no case later than 18 months from the closing of the session of the
Conference, bring the Convention before the authority or authorities within whose
competence the matter lies, for the enactment of legislation or other action;
(c) Members shall inform the Director-General of the International Labour Office of the
measures taken in accordance with this article to bring the Convention before the said
competent authority or authorities, with particulars of the authority or authorities
regarded as competent, and of the action taken by them;
...
6. In the case of a Recommendation:
(a) the Recommendation will be communicated to all Members for their consideration with
a view to effect being given to it by national legislation or otherwise;
(b) each of the Members undertakes that it will, within a period of one year at most from the
closing of the session of the Conference or if it is impossible owing to exceptional
circumstances to do so within the period of one year, then at the earliest practicable
moment and in no case later than 18 months after the closing of the Conference, bring
the Recommendation before the authority or authorities within whose competence the
matter lies for the enactment of legislation or other action;
(c) the Members shall inform the Director-General of the International Labour Office of the
measures taken in accordance with this article to bring the Recommendation before the
said competent authority or authorities with particulars of the authority or authorities
regarded as competent, and of the action taken by them;
...
7. In the case of a federal State, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) in respect of Conventions and Recommendations which the federal government regards
as appropriate under its constitutional system for federal action, the obligations of the
federal State shall be the same as those of Members which are not federal States;
(b) in respect of Conventions and Recommendations which the federal government regards
as appropriate under its constitutional system in whole or in part, for action by the
constituent states provinces, or cantons rather than for federal action, the federal
government shall –
(i) make, in accordance with its Constitution and the Constitutions of the states,
provinces or cantons concerned, effective arrangements for the reference of such

1
And Protocols in as much as they constitute partial revisions of and can thus be assimilated to
Conventions.

8 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Conventions and Recommendations not later than 18 months from the closing of
the session of the Conference to the appropriate federal, state provincial or
cantonal authorities for the enactment of legislation or other action;
(ii) arrange, subject to the concurrence of the state, provincial or cantonal governments
concerned, for periodical consultations between the federal and the state, provincial
or cantonal authorities with a view to promoting within the federal State
coordinated action to give effect to the provisions of such Conventions and
Recommendations;
(iii) inform the Director-General of the International Labour Office of the measures
taken in accordance with this article to bring such Conventions and
Recommendations before the appropriate federal state, provincial or cantonal
authorities with particulars of the authorities regarded as appropriate and of the
action taken by them. 2
…

Governing Body Memorandum

13. In order to facilitate the uniform presentation of information supplied by governments as to

measures taken to comply with the provisions cited in paragraph 12 above, the Governing
Body adopted a Memorandum concerning the obligation to submit Conventions and
Recommendations to the competent authorities. A revised version of the Memorandum
was adopted by the Governing Body in March 2005. 3 The Memorandum recalls the
relevant provisions of the Constitution and cites extracts from reports of the Committee of
Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations 4 and the Conference
Committee on the Application of Standards 5 intended to clarify the aims and objectives of
submission, the nature of the obligation and a series of requests for information. The
tripartite consultations that should be held in relation to the obligation of the submission to
national parliaments of the instruments adopted by the Conference are also recalled. The
content of the Memorandum 6 is as follows:

I. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SUBMISSION

(a) The main aim of submission is to promote measures at the domestic level for the
implementation of Conventions and Recommendations. Furthermore, in the case of
Conventions, the procedure also aims to promote ratification.
(b) Governments remain entirely free to propose any action which they may judge
appropriate in respect of Conventions or Recommendations. The aim of submission is to
encourage a rapid and responsible decision by each member State on instruments
adopted by the Conference.

2
In addition, article 35, para. 4, of the Constitution provides: “Where the subject-matter of the
Convention is within the self-governing powers of any non-metropolitan territory the Member
responsible for the international relations of that territory shall bring the Convention to the notice of
the government of the territory as soon as possible with a view to the enactment of legislation or
other action by such government ...”.
3
GB.292/LILS/1(Rev.) and GB.292/10(Rev.), Appendix I.
4
In this respect, see paras 58–60 below.
5
In this respect, see paras 61–63 below.
6
Memorandum concerning the obligation of submission to the competent authorities, ILO, Geneva
2005.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 9
 (c) The obligation of submission is a fundamental element of the standards system of the
ILO. One purpose of this obligation was, and still is, that the instruments adopted by the
Conference are brought to the knowledge of the public through their submission to a
parliamentary body.
(d) The obligation of submission reinforces the relations between the Organization and the
competent authorities and stimulates tripartite dialogue at the national level.
II. NATURE OF THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY
(a) The competent authority is the authority which, under the Constitution of each State, has
power to legislate or to take other action in order to implement Conventions and
Recommendations.
(b) The competent national authority should normally be the legislature.
(c) Even in cases where, under the terms of the Constitution of the Member, legislative
power is held by the executive, it is in conformity with the spirit of the provisions of
article 19 of the Constitution of the ILO and of practice to arrange for the examination of
the instruments adopted by the Conference by a deliberative body, where one exists.
Discussion in a deliberative assembly, or at least information of the assembly, can
constitute an important factor in the complete examination of a question and in a
possible improvement of the measures taken at the domestic level to give effect to the
instruments adopted by the Conference. With respect to Conventions, it could lead to a
decision as to their ratification.
(d) In the absence of a parliamentary body, informing a consultative body makes it possible
to carry out a full examination of the issues addressed by the Conference. This process
ensures that the instruments are widely disseminated among the public, which is one of
the purposes of the obligation of submission.
III. EXTENT OF THE OBLIGATION TO SUBMIT
(a) Article 19 of the Constitution lays down the obligation to place before the competent
authorities all instruments adopted by the Conference without exception and without
distinction between Conventions and Recommendations.
(b) Governments have complete freedom as to the nature of the proposals to be made when
submitting the instruments and on the effect that they consider it appropriate to give to
the instruments adopted by the Conference. The obligation to submit the instruments
does not imply any obligation to propose the ratification of Conventions or to accept the
Recommendations.
IV. FORM OF SUBMISSION
(a) Since article 19 of the Constitution is clearly aimed at obtaining a decision from the
competent authorities, the submission of Conventions and Recommendations to these
authorities should always be accompanied or followed by a statement or proposals
setting out the Government’s views as to the action to be taken on the instruments.
(b) The essential points to bear in mind are: (a) that, at the time of or subsequent to the
submission of Conventions and Recommendations to the legislative authorities,
Governments should either indicate what measures might be taken to give effect to these
instruments or propose that no action should be taken or that a decision should be
postponed; and (b) that there should be an opportunity to take up the matter for debate
within the legislature.
V. TIME LIMITS
(a) In order that the competent national authorities may be kept up to date on the standards
adopted at the international level which may require action by each State to give effect to
them at the national level, submission should be made as early as possible and in any
case within the time limits set by article 19 of the Constitution.
(b) In virtue of the formal provisions of article 19 of the Constitution, the submission of
texts adopted by the Conference to the competent authorities must be effected within one
year or, in exceptional circumstances, not longer than 18 months from the close of the
session of the Conference. This provision applies not only to non-federal but also to
federal States; in the case of the latter, the period of 18 months is applicable only in

10 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 respect of Conventions and Recommendations which the federal Government considers
to be appropriate for action by the constituent states, provinces or cantons. In order that
it may be possible to ascertain that States Members have respected the prescribed time
limits, the Committee considers that it would be advisable for the date on which the
decisions of the Conference have been submitted to the competent authorities to be
indicated in the communication to the Director-General.
VI. OBLIGATIONS OF FEDERAL STATES
As regards federal States, the Committee wishes to point out that under article 19 of the
Constitution, paragraph 7(b)(i), whenever action by the constituent states, provinces or
cantons is considered “appropriate”, the Government must make effective arrangements for
the reference of Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the Conference to the
“appropriate authorities” of the constituent states, provinces or cantons for the enactment of
legislation or other action.
VII. TRIPARTITE CONSULTATIONS
(a) For those States which have already ratified the Tripartite Consultation (International
Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144), effective consultations have to be held
on the proposals made to the competent authorities when submitting the instruments
adopted by the Conference (Article 5, paragraph 1(b), of Convention No. 144).
(b) The representative organizations of employers and workers must be consulted
beforehand. The effectiveness of consultations presupposes that the representatives of
employers and of workers have at their disposal sufficiently in advance all the elements
necessary for them to reach their opinions before the Government finalizes its definitive
decision.
(c) Members which have not ratified Convention No. 144 may refer to the relevant
provisions of that Convention and to those of the Tripartite Consultation (Activities of
the International Labour Organisation) Recommendation, 1976 (No. 152).
(d) The representative organizations of employers and workers will be requested to make
known their point of view on the action to be taken with regard to new instruments
independently. Fulfilment of the submission procedure is an important moment of
dialogue among government authorities, the social partners and parliamentarians.
VIII. COMMUNICATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
(a) Under article 23, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, the information communicated to the
Director-General on submission to the competent authorities must be sent also to the
representative organizations of employers and workers.
(b) This provision is designed to enable the representative organizations of employers and
workers to formulate their own observations on the action that has been taken or is to be
taken with regard to the instruments in question.

Office procedures

14. (a) Copies of Conventions and Recommendations are sent to governments, immediately
after the Conference adopts them, by circular letter recalling the obligations as to
submission under article 19 of the Constitution. The Governing Body Memorandum
is attached to this circular letter. Copies of the same documents are sent to national
organizations of employers and workers.

(b) One year after the close of the session of the Conference at which the instruments
were adopted, a letter of reminder – with a further copy of the Memorandum – is
addressed to all governments which have not supplied the information requested.

(c) When 18 months have elapsed since the close of the relevant session of the
Conference and the information has still not been supplied, a further reminder is sent.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 11
 (d) In response to the Committee of Experts’ request, the Office, when it receives
information as to submission of instruments to the competent authorities, checks to
see whether the information and documents asked for in the Governing Body
Memorandum – including replies to any observations or direct requests of the
Committee of Experts itself or observations of the Conference Committee – have
been supplied. If they have not, the Office will, as a routine administrative step, ask
the government concerned to send what is missing. The substance of information
supplied is examined by the responsible supervisory bodies.

Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations

15. Article 5, paragraph 1(b), of Convention No. 144 and Paragraph 5(b) of Recommendation
No. 152 provide for consultation of representatives of employers’ and workers’
organizations on the proposals to be made to the competent authorities in connection with
the submission of Conventions and Recommendations. Part V of the questionnaire at the
end of the revised Memorandum asks the governments concerned to indicate whether prior
consultations took place and, if applicable, the nature of those consultations.

Communication to representative organizations

and observations received from them

16. Article 23, paragraph 2, of the Constitution provides that all governments must
communicate to the organizations copies of the information supplied under article 19; and
under Part VI of the questionnaire at the end of the Governing Body’s Memorandum, they
should indicate to the Office which organizations communication has been made to. The
Memorandum also asks governments to indicate any observations received from
employers’ or workers’ organizations as to the effect given or to be given to the
instruments submitted.

Summary

17. Article 23, paragraph 1, of the Constitution provides for a summary of the information
supplied under article 19 to be laid before the next meeting of the Conference. That
summary appears as an appendix to Report III (Part 1A).

Office assistance

18. Governments and representative organizations of employers and workers may, on request,
obtain from the International Labour Office information and specimen documents showing
the manner in which other countries fulfil the submission obligation.

12 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
III. Ratification of Conventions and
acceptance of obligations

Procedure

19. Article 19 of the Constitution provides:

5.
…
(d) if the Member obtains the consent of the authority or authorities within whose
competence the matter lies, it will communicate the formal ratification of the Convention
to the Director-General and will take such action as may be necessary to make effective
the provisions of such Convention.

Form of communication of ratifications

20. No specific requirements as to form are laid down in the Constitution. Each State will have
its own constitutional provisions and practice. In order to be registered, an instrument of
ratification must nevertheless: 1

(a) clearly identify the Convention being ratified;

(b) be an original document (on paper, not a facsimile or photocopy) signed by a person
with authority to engage the State (such as the Head of State, Prime Minister,
Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs or Labour);

(c) clearly convey the Government’s intention that the State should be bound by the
Convention concerned and its undertaking to fulfil the Convention’s provisions,
preferably with a specific reference to article 19(5)(d) of the ILO Constitution.

Compulsory declarations to be included in or

accompany the instrument of ratification

21. Several Conventions require declarations to be made either in the instrument of ratification
itself or in an accompanying document. If no such declaration is received by the Office,
the ratification cannot be registered. In some cases, a compulsory declaration will define
the scope of the obligations accepted or give other essential specifications. In all these
cases, the substance of the declaration has to be considered before the instrument of
ratification is prepared and the necessary indications either included in or attached to the

1
An instrument of ratification in these terms must always be communicated to the Director-General
of the ILO, in order for the ratification to become effective in international law. If this is not done,
it may be that a Convention is regarded by a State as “ratified” in its internal legal system, but this
will be of no effect in the international legal system. An instrument of ratification might thus
contain the following statement: “The Government of ... hereby ratifies the ... Convention and
undertakes, in accordance with article 19, para. 5(d), of the Constitution of the ILO, to fulfil its
obligations in this respect” and be signed by a person authorized to engage the State.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 13
 instrument of ratification. The Conventions in question adopted up to the 101st Session of
the Conference (2012) that are open for ratification are as follows: 2

(i) Convention No. 102: Social Security (Minimum Standards), 1952 – Article 2(b);

(ii) Convention No. 115: Radiation Protection, 1960 – Article 3, paragraph 3(c);

(iii) Convention No. 118: Equality of Treatment (Social Security), 1962 – Article 2,
paragraph 3; 3

(iv) Convention No. 123: Minimum Age (Underground Work), 1965 – Article 2,
paragraph 2;

(v) Convention No. 128: Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors’ Benefit, 1967 – Article 2,
paragraph 2;

(vi) Convention No. 132: Holidays with Pay (Revised), 1970 – Article 3, paragraphs 2
and 3, and Article 15, paragraph 2;

(vii) Convention No. 138: Minimum Age, 1973 – Article 2;

(viii) Convention No. 146: Seafarers’ Annual Leave with Pay, 1976 – Article 3,
paragraphs 2 and 3;

(ix) Convention No. 160: Labour Statistics, 1985 – Article 16, paragraph 2;

(x) Convention No. 165: Social Security (Seafarers) (Revised), 1987 – Article 4;

(xi) Convention No. 173: Protection of Workers’ Claims (Employer’s Insolvency),

1992 – Article 3, paragraph 1;

(xii) Convention No. 183: Maternity Protection, 2000 – Article 4, paragraph 2;

(xiii) MLC – Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) – Standard A4.5,
paragraph 10.

2
It should also be noted that the Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976
(No. 147), is not open to ratification by States which have not fulfilled the requirements to which
ratification is made subject by Article 5, para. 1, unless they give the undertaking required under
Article 5, para. 2.
3
(a) When a member State ratifies this Convention, it should also communicate to the Office a
confirmation in terms of Article 2, para. 1, that it has “in effective operation legislation covering its
own nationals within its own territory” in the branch or branches of social security in respect of
which it is accepting the obligations of the Convention. A similar confirmation should be given in
the case of a notification of acceptance of further obligations under Article 2, para. 4. (b) Each
Member accepting the obligations of the Convention in respect of any branch of social security
which has legislation providing for benefits of the type indicated in Article 2, para. 6(a) or (b), must
at the time of ratification communicate to the Office a statement indicating such benefits. Under
Article 2, para. 7, a similar statement should be made on any subsequent notification of acceptance
of the Convention’s obligations under Article 2, para. 4, or within three months of the adoption of
relevant legislation. Though such statements are compulsory, they are for information purposes and
failure to make them does not invalidate the ratification or notification.

14 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Optional declarations to be included
in or to accompany ratifications

22. In the case of some Conventions (and Protocols) a declaration is needed only where the
ratifying State wishes to make use of permitted exclusions, exceptions or modifications.
When this applies, the declaration must be included in or attached to the instrument of
ratification: if the instrument of ratification is received by the Office without any
qualifying declaration, the ratification will be duly registered as it stands and the
exclusion, exception or modification will no longer be available. The Conventions in
question adopted up to the 101st Session of the Conference (2012) which are still open for
ratification 4 are as follows:

(i) Convention No. 77: Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry), 1946 –
Article 9, paragraph 1;

(ii) Convention No. 78: Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial

Occupations), 1946 – Article 9, paragraph 1;

(iii) Convention No. 79: Night Work of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations),
1946 – Article 7, paragraph 1;

(iv) Convention No. 81: Labour Inspection, 1947 – Article 25, paragraph 1; Protocol of
1995 – Article 2, paragraph 1;

(v) Convention No. 90: Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) (Revised), 1948 –
Article 7, paragraph 1;

(vi) Convention No. 97: Migration for Employment (Revised), 1949 – Article 14,
paragraph 1;

(vii) Convention No. 102: Social Security (Minimum Standards), 1952 – Article 3,
paragraph 1;

(viii) Convention No. 106: Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices), 1957 – Article 3,
paragraph 1;

(ix) (a) Convention No. 110: Plantations, 1958 – Article 3, paragraph 1(b);

(b) Protocol to Convention No. 110 – Article 1;

(x) Convention No. 119: Guarding of Machinery, 1963 – Article 17, paragraph 1;

(xi) Convention No. 121: Employment Injury Benefits, 1964 – Article 2, paragraph 1,
and Article 3, paragraph 1;

(xii) Convention No. 128: Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors’ Benefits, 1967 – Article 4,
paragraph 1, Article 38 and Article 39;

(xiii) Convention No. 130: Medical Care and Sickness Benefits, 1969 – Article 2,
paragraph 1, Article 3, paragraph 1, and Article 4, paragraph 1;

4
The Sickness Insurance (Industry) Convention, 1927 (No. 24) and the Sickness Insurance
(Agriculture) Convention, 1927 (No. 25) were revised by the Medical Care and Sickness Benefits
Convention, 1969 (No. 130).

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 15
 (xiv) Convention No. 138: Minimum Age, 1973 – Article 5, paragraph 2;

(xv) Convention No. 143: Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions), 1975 –

Article 16, paragraph 1;

(xvi) Convention No. 148: Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration),
1977 – Article 2;

(xvii) Convention No. 153: Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport), 1979 –
Article 9, paragraph 2;

(xviii) Convention No. 168: Employment Promotion and Protection (Unemployment),

1988 – Article 4, paragraph 1, and Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2;

(xix) Convention No. 173: Protection of Workers’ Claims (Employer’s Insolvency),

1992 – Article 3, paragraph 3;

(xx) Convention No. 185: Seafarers’ Identity Documents (Revised), 2003 – Article 9.

Optional declarations concerning the

scope of a Convention

23. For all the cases referred to in paragraphs 21 and 22 above, a Member which has made use
of the option to limit the scope of the Convention’s application to it may subsequently
modify, cancel or withdraw such limitation: this is done by a further declaration,
notification or statement of renunciation in a report under article 22 of the Constitution, 5
as the case may be according to each Convention. In addition, the following provide for
declarations to extend the scope of the Convention’s application by the State concerned
either at the time of ratification or at any subsequent time: 6

(i) Convention No. 129: Labour Inspection (Agriculture), 1969 – Article 5,

paragraph 1;

(ii) Convention No. 146: Seafarers’ Annual Leave with Pay, 1976 – Article 2,
paragraphs 4, 5 and 6;

(iii) Convention No. 172: Working Conditions (Hotels and Restaurants), 1991 –
Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3;

(iv) Protocol of 1996 to Convention No. 147: Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards),
1976 – Article 3;

(v) Convention No. 176: Safety and Health in Mines, 1995 – Article 2;

(vi) Convention No. 181: Private Employment Agencies, 1997 – Article 2, paragraph 7;

(vii) Convention No. 183: Maternity Protection, 2000 – Article 2, paragraph 7;

5
For these reports, see below, paras 34–39.
6
This does not include cases where determinations by a member may have the effect of extending
the obligations of a Convention, although there is no provision for a formal declaration, such as in
the case of Convention No. 111, Article 1, para. 1(b).

16 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (viii) Convention No. 184: Safety and Health in Agriculture, 2001 – Article 3;

(ix) Convention No. 188: Work in Fishing, 2007– Articles 2 and 3.

Ratification of Protocols

24. A Protocol is an instrument which partially revises a Convention. It is open to ratification

by a State already bound by or simultaneously ratifying and becoming bound by the
Convention in question. Two Protocols so far adopted by the Conference effectively
introduce greater flexibility into the two respective Conventions. They are:

(i) P089 – Protocol of 1990 to Convention No. 89: Night Work (Women) Revised, 1948;

(ii) P110 – Protocol of 1982 to Convention No. 110: Plantations, 1958.

Three other Protocols extend the obligations under the Conventions which they partially
revise:

(iii) P081 – Protocol of 1995 to Convention No. 81: Labour Inspection, 1947;

(iv) P147 – Protocol of 1996 to Convention No. 147: Merchant Shipping (Minimum
Standards), 1976;

(v) P155 – Protocol of 2002 to Convention No. 155: Occupational Safety and Health,
1981.

Inadmissibility of reservations

25. Conventions contain various provisions ensuring flexibility (see paragraphs 8 and 9
above), including some specifically enabling ratifying States to limit or qualify the
obligations assumed on ratification (paragraphs 21–24). However, no limitations on the
obligations of a Convention other than those specifically provided for (i.e. no reservations)
are possible. 7

Registration of ratifications and

acceptances of obligations

26. The final provisions of all Conventions contain Articles on the registration of ratifications
by the Director-General, their notification to member States and the communication of
particulars to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for registration in accordance
with article 102 of the United Nations Charter. All ratifications are reported to the
Governing Body and are notified to member States through publication in the Official
Bulletin. Declarations and other acts accepting or modifying obligations referred to in
paragraphs 21–24 above are dealt with in the same way.

7
See memorandum submitted by the ILO to the International Court of Justice in the Genocide Case
(ILO, Official Bulletin, Vol. XXXIV (1951), pp. 274–312).

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 17
Entry into force

27. Each Convention contains a provision as to how it comes into force. Most often, since
1928, Conventions come into force 12 months after registration of the second ratification
and afterwards for each State 12 months after its ratification. Several maritime and some
other Conventions contain different provisions. For instance, to come into force, the MLC,
2006, has to be ratified by at least 30 member States with a total share in the world gross
tonnage of ships of 33 per cent. Until a Convention comes into force, it can have no effect
in international law.

Obligations arising out of ratification

28. The obligation under article 19, paragraph 5(d), of the Constitution is to “take such action
as may be necessary to make effective the provisions” of a ratified Convention. 8 This
means ensuring their implementation in practice, as well as giving them effect in law or
other means that are in accordance with national practice (such as court decisions,
arbitration awards or collective agreements).

Incorporation in internal law

29. In some countries, the Constitution gives the force of internal law to ratified Conventions.
In those cases, it will still be necessary to take specific measures:

(a) to eliminate any conflict between the provisions of the Convention and earlier
national law and practice;

(b) to give effect to any provisions of the Convention which are not self-executing
(e.g. provisions requiring given matters to be prescribed by national laws or
regulations or determined by the competent authorities, or requiring special
administrative arrangements);

(c) to prescribe penalties, where appropriate;

(d) to ensure that all interested persons and authorities (e.g. employers, workers, labour
inspectors, courts, tribunals, other administrative bodies) are informed of the
incorporation of the Convention into internal law and where necessary given
guidance.

Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations

30. Paragraph 5(c) of Recommendation No. 152 provides for consultation of representatives of
employers’ and workers’ organizations, subject to national practice, on the preparation and
implementation of legislative or other measures to give effect to Conventions – especially
when ratified – and Recommendations. This applies in particular as regards measures
implementing provisions as to consultation and collaboration with employers’ and
workers’ representatives.

8
With regard to the termination of obligations under a ratified Convention through denunciation,
see paras 75–79 below.

18 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Non-metropolitan territories

31. Article 35 of the Constitution provides for declarations to be made by member States as to
the application of Conventions to non-metropolitan territories for whose international
relations they are responsible. 9

Effect of withdrawal from the ILO

32. Article 1, paragraph 5 (last sentence), of the Constitution provides:

... When a Member has ratified any international labour Convention,... withdrawal (from
the Organization) shall not affect the continued validity for the period provided for in the
Convention of all obligations arising thereunder or relating thereto.

Information on ratifications

33. The Office publishes a report to the Conference 10 listing ratifications by Convention and
by State. Regularly updated information on ratifications and denunciations are also
available on the Office’s website.

9
In 1964, the Conference adopted an instrument of amendment of the Constitution to replace
article 35 with new provisions in respect of non-metropolitan territories to be inserted in article 19.
The instrument of amendment has not come into force.
10
Report III (Part 2).

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 19
IV. Reports on ratified Conventions

Obligation to report

34. Article 22 of the Constitution provides: 1

Each of the Members agrees to make an annual report to the International Labour Office
on the measures which it has taken to give effect to the provisions of Conventions to which it
is a party. These reports shall be made in such form and shall contain such particulars as the
Governing Body may request.

Reporting system

35. In November 2001 and March 2002, the Governing Body approved a new reporting
system, which entered into force in 2003 for a period of five years. 2 Reports on ratified
Conventions were either due every two years for fundamental and governance
Conventions, or every five years for all the other Conventions, unless they were
specifically requested at shorter intervals. In March 2007, the Governing Body discussed
the possibility to extend the reporting cycle from two to three years for both fundamental
and governance Conventions in order to reduce the burden on governments, the Office and
the Committee of Experts. This new reporting cycle entered into force in 2012. 3 In

1
The obligation under article 22 to report on the application of ratified Conventions is distinct from
various other obligations laid down by individual Conventions, requiring information (such as
statistics or labour inspection reports) to be regularly supplied to the International Labour Office.
The obligations under individual Conventions are independent and remain unaffected by changes in
the article 22 reporting system described here.
2
Documents GB.282/LILS/5 of Nov. 2001 and GB.283/LILS/6 of Mar. 2002.

With regard to the reporting system, the Governing Body decided in Nov. 2001 to:

(a) maintain the two-year and five-year reporting cycles, with the Conventions presently in each
group;

(b) approve the grouping of fundamental and priority Conventions alphabetically by country for
reporting purposes;

(c) approve the arrangement of all other Conventions by subject groups for reporting purposes;

(d) discontinue detailed reports on fundamental and priority Conventions unless there are
changes, or they are requested by supervisory bodies;

(e) discontinue the automatic requirement to send a detailed report if the government fails in its
obligation to send a simplified report;

(f) discontinue the automatic requirement for detailed second reports.

With a view to the implementation of its decisions, in Mar. 2002 the Governing Body approved for
reporting purposes the grouping by subject matter of Conventions in the five-year cycle and the
arrangement of the groups of Conventions in two-year and five-year cycles for reporting purposes.
3
Document GB.310/LILS/3/2, paras 11–14.

20 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 addition, a new online reporting system, which is currently in a pilot phase, was launched
for the 2012 reporting exercise for a limited number of member States.

(a) Detailed reports. Detailed reports are to be drawn up in accordance with the report
form approved by the Governing Body of the ILO for each Convention. 4 Member
States are requested to provide a detailed report at their own initiative if there have
been significant changes in the application of a ratified Convention (for example, the
adoption of substantial new legislation or other changes affecting the application of a
Convention). Detailed reports are also required in the following cases:

(i) where they are explicitly requested by the Committee of Experts or the
Conference Committee (the Committee of Experts requests detailed reports by
means of a footnote in an observation or direct request and the Conference
Committee when adopting its conclusions);

(ii) a detailed first report is requested the year following the entry into force of a
Convention for a particular country.

(b) Simplified reports. Subsequent reports are requested periodically on one of the
following bases, on the understanding that the Committee of Experts may request
detailed reports outside the usual reporting cycle:

(i) Three-year cycle. Reports are automatically requested every three years for the
following 12 Conventions, which are considered to be fundamental or
governance Conventions. 5 Requests for reports are divided into three groups.
The first group includes a request for reports of States with names beginning
with the letters A to F. The second group includes States with names beginning
with the letters G to N. Finally, the third and last group concerns States from
O to Z.

Fundamental Conventions:

„ freedom of association and collective bargaining: Conventions Nos 87

and 98;

„ abolition of forced labour: Conventions Nos 29 and 105;

„ equality of opportunity and treatment: Conventions Nos 100 and 111;

„ child labour: Conventions Nos 138 and 182.

Governance Conventions:

„ employment policy: Convention No. 122;

„ labour inspection: Conventions Nos 81 and 129;

„ tripartite consultations: Convention No. 144.

4
For the content of a detailed report, see para. 36 below.
5
The Governing Body may periodically review the Conventions for which reports are required
every three years.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 21
 (ii) Five-year cycle. Simplified 6 reports are requested every five years for the other
Conventions, in accordance with their arrangement by subject matter. For certain
groups of Conventions with a large number of instruments, States are requested
to provide their simplified reports according to the same distribution by
alphabetical order as for the fundamental and governance Conventions:

„ freedom of association (agriculture, non-metropolitan territories):

Conventions Nos 11, 84 and 141;

„ industrial relations: Conventions Nos 135, 151 and 154;

„ protection of children and young persons: Conventions Nos 5, 6, 10, 33,

59, 77, 78, 79, 90, 123 and 124;

„ employment promotion: Conventions Nos 2, 88, 96, 159 and 181;

„ vocational guidance and training: Conventions Nos 140 and 142;

„ security of employment: Convention No. 158;

„ social policy: Conventions Nos 82 and 117;

„ wages: Conventions Nos 26, 94, 95, 99, 131 and 173;

„ working time: Conventions Nos 1, 14, 30, 47, 52, 89, 101, 106, 132, 153,
171 and 175;

„ workers with family responsibilities: Convention No. 156;

„ migrant workers: Conventions Nos 97 and 143;

„ occupational safety and health: Conventions Nos 13, 45, 62, 115, 119, 120,
127, 136, 139, 148, 155, 161, 162, 167, 170, 174, 176, 184 and 187;

„ social security: Conventions Nos 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 42, 44, 102, 118,
121, 128, 130, 157 and 168;

„ maternity protection: Conventions Nos 3, 103 and 183;

„ labour administration: Conventions Nos 63, 85, 150 and 160;

„ seafarers: Conventions Nos 7, 8, 9, 16, 22, 23, 53, 55, 56, 58, 68, 69, 71,
73, 74, 92, 108, 133, 134, 145, 146, 147, 163, 164, 165, 166, 178, 179, 180
and 185;

„ fishermen: Conventions Nos 112, 113, 114, 125 and 126;

„ dockworkers: Conventions Nos 27, 32, 137 and 152;

„ indigenous and tribal peoples: Conventions Nos 107 and 169;

„ specific categories of workers: Conventions Nos 110, 149, 172 and 177.

6
For the content of a simplified report, see para. 37 below.

22 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 The MLC, 2006, the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), and the Domestic
Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), have not entered in force yet. Concerning the
MLC, 2006, it will come into force on 20 August 2013.

(c) Non-periodic reports. Non-periodic reports on the application of a ratified

Convention are requested in the following cases:

(i) when the Committee of Experts, of its own initiative or that of the Conference
Committee on the Application of Standards, so requests;

(ii) when the Committee of Experts is called on to consider the follow-up to

proceedings instituted under articles 24 or 26 of the Constitution or before the
Committee on Freedom of Association; 7

(iii) when comments have been received from national or international employers’ or
workers’ organizations and the Committee of Experts considers that a detailed
report is warranted in the light of the government’s replies or the fact that the
government has not replied;

(iv) when no report is supplied or no reply provided to comments made by the

supervisory bodies (given that, where there is repeated failure to reply or the
reply is manifestly inadequate, the Committee of Experts may examine the
matter on the basis of the available information).

(d) Exemption from reporting. Subject to the conditions and safeguards laid down by the
Governing Body, 8 no reports are requested on certain Conventions, particularly those
which have been shelved. 9

7
In this respect, see paras 80–89 below.
8
In Mar. 1996, the Governing Body confirmed the suspension of requests for reports on certain
Conventions which no longer appear to be up-to-date, subject to the conditions and safeguards
established at its 229th Session (February–March 1985). Para. 4 of document GB.229/10/9 reads as
follows:
(a) Should circumstances change so as to give renewed importance to any of the Conventions
concerned, the Governing Body could again require detailed reports to be presented on their
application.
(b) Employers’ and workers’ organizations would remain free to present comments on problems
encountered in the fields covered by the Conventions concerned. In accordance with
established procedures, these comments would be considered by the Committee of Experts on
the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, which could request such information
(including a detailed report) as it might deem appropriate.
(c) On the basis of information given in the general reports or otherwise at its disposal (for
example, legislative texts), the Committee of Experts would be free at any time to make
comments and to request information concerning the application of the Conventions
concerned, including the possibility to ask for a detailed report.
(d) The right to invoke the constitutional provisions relating to representations and complaints
(articles 24 and 26) in respect of the Conventions concerned would remain unaffected.
9
The following 25 Conventions have been shelved and reports are no longer requested on them on
a regular basis: Conventions Nos 4, 15, 20, 21, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50,
60, 64, 65, 67, 86, 91 and 104. The shelving of Conventions is without incidence as to their effects
on the legal systems of the member States which have ratified them.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 23
Detailed reports

36. A detailed report should be in the form approved by the Governing Body for each
Convention. The form sets out the substantive provisions of the Convention, information
on which has to be supplied. It includes specific questions as to some of the substantive
provisions, designed to aid in the preparation of information which will enable the
supervisory bodies to appreciate the manner in which the Convention is applied. A typical
report form also contains questions on the following matters:

(a) Laws, regulations, etc. All relevant legislation or similar provisions should be listed
and – unless this has already been done – copies supplied.

(b) Permitted exclusions, exceptions or other limitations. Several Conventions allow

given categories of people, economic activities or geographical areas to be exempted
from application, but require a ratifying State which intends to make use of such
limitations to indicate in its first article 22 report the extent to which it has recourse
to them. It is therefore essential for the first report to include indications in this
respect, since, if it does not, the limitations will no longer be possible. The same
Conventions may call for information to be included in subsequent article 22 reports
indicating the extent to which effect is nevertheless given to the Convention in respect
of the excluded persons, activities or areas.

(c) Implementation of the Convention. Detailed information should be given for each
Article on the provisions of legislation or other measures applying it. Some
Conventions ask for particular information to be included in reports (as to the
practical application of the Convention or certain Articles or as to application in cases
of exclusion).

(d) Effect of ratification. Information is asked for as to any constitutional provisions

giving the ratified Convention the force of national law and any additional measures
taken to make the Convention effective. 10

(e) Comments by the supervisory bodies. Where the Committee of Experts or the
Conference Committee on the Application of Standards have made comments or
asked for information, the report should indicate the action taken and supply the
information wanted.

(f) Enforcement. Governments are asked to indicate the authorities responsible for
administration and enforcement of the relevant laws, regulations, etc., and to supply
information on their activities. Copies of the authorities’ own reports may be
appended or – if they have already been supplied – referred to.

(g) Judicial or administrative decisions. Governments are asked to supply either a copy
or a summary of relevant decisions.

The following Conventions are not subject to reporting under article 22 of the Constitution –
Conventions which have been withdrawn: Conventions Nos 31, 46, 51, 61 and 66; Conventions
which have not entered into force: Conventions Nos 54, 57, 70, 72, 75, 76, 93 and 109; and
Conventions on the final Articles: Conventions Nos 80 and 116.

Furthermore, the supervision of Convention No. 83 is carried out in the context of the examination
of the Conventions listed in the Schedule to that instrument.
10
See para. 29 above.

24 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (h) Technical cooperation. Governments are asked to indicate the measures taken as a
result of the assistance or advice provided in the context of ILO technical cooperation
projects.

(i) General appreciation. Governments are asked to give a general assessment of how
the Convention is applied, with extracts from any official reports, statistics of workers
covered by the legislation or collective agreements, details of contraventions of the
legislation, prosecutions, etc.

(j) Observations by employers’ and workers’ organizations. Full information should be

provided with any government response. 11

(k) Communication of copies of reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations. The

names of the organizations to which copies are sent should be given. 12

Simplified reports

37. These will contain only:

(a) Replies to the comments of the supervisory bodies: full particulars in reply to any
questions raised in the comments (observations and direct requests) of the Committee
of Experts concerning the application of the Convention.

(b) Laws, regulations, etc.: information on whether any changes have occurred in
legislation and practice affecting the application of the Convention and on the nature
and effect of such changes (if the changes are significant, a detailed report should be
provided).

(c) Implementation of the Convention: statistical or other information and

communications prescribed by the Convention in question (including required
information on any permitted exclusions).

(d) Communication of copies of reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations: an

indication of the employers’ and workers’ organizations to which copies of the
simplified report have been addressed.

(e) Observations of employers’ and workers’ organizations: the text of any observations
made by employers’ and workers’ organizations to which a copy of the simplified
report has been addressed, where these observations have not already been forwarded
to the Office, and any comments that the Government wishes to make on the
observations received.

Introduction of a personalized follow-up procedure

38. At the 93rd Session of the Conference in June 2005, the Conference Committee on the
Application of Standards, with the assistance of the Office, decided to strengthen the
follow-up in cases of serious failure by member States to comply with reporting and other
standards-related obligations, with a view to identifying appropriate solutions on a case-

11
See para. 41 below.
12
See para. 40 below.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 25
 by-case basis. Each year, the report of the Conference Committee lists specific cases of
failure to comply with reporting obligations, with particular reference to:

– failure to supply reports for the past two years or more on the application of ratified
Conventions;

– failure to supply first reports on the application of ratified Conventions;

– failure to supply information in reply to the comments of the Committee of Experts;

– failure to submit to the competent authorities the instruments adopted by the

Conference during at least seven sessions;

– failure to supply reports for the past five years on unratified Conventions and
Recommendations.

Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations

39. Article 5, paragraph 1(d), of Convention No. 144 and Paragraph 5(e) of Recommendation
No. 152 provide for consultation of representatives of employers’ and workers’
organizations on questions arising out of reports to be made on ratified Conventions.

Communication of reports to employers’

and workers’ organizations

40. Under article 23, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, copies of all reports on the application
of ratified Conventions should be communicated to representative organizations of
employers and workers. This may be done either prior to finalization of the report, inviting
comments which can yet be taken into account, or at the same time as the reports are sent
to the ILO. In any event, when forwarding their reports to the ILO, governments should
indicate the organizations to which communication has been made. Those organizations
may make any observations they wish on the application of ratified Conventions.

Observations of employers’ and workers’ organizations

41. Observations may be received by a government directly from an organization, concerning

the implementation of a ratified Convention or relevant legislation. They may or may not
relate specifically to one of the government’s reports. Full details – including, normally, a
copy of the observations – should be sent in the government’s report, together with the
government’s response, if any. Observations may alternatively be received by the Office
straight from an organization: in this case, the Office acknowledges receipt and
simultaneously forwards a copy to the government concerned, so that it might respond.

ILO procedures for requesting reports 13

42. (a) Letters requesting reports on the application of ratified Conventions are sent to
governments each February, together with a list of the Conventions on which
respectively detailed and simplified reports are due; the report forms adopted by the

13
Procedures for the examination of reports are described in para. 59 below.

26 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Governing Body in the case of the detailed reports; shorter questionnaires in the case
of simplified reports; copies of observations and direct requests of the Committee of
Experts to which replies are due; copies of any discussion of an individual case on
which a report is due in the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards;
and guidance notes on matters to be taken into account in preparing the reports.
Copies of the requests for reports and related comments of the Committee of Experts
are also sent to national organizations of employers and workers.

(b) In accordance with the Governing Body decision, reports are requested to reach the
Office between 1 June and 1 September at the latest each year. 14 Reminders are sent
to governments which do not transmit their reports on time, and the matter may be
raised with government delegates at the June session of the Conference. ILO field
offices and standards specialists in the field may also be asked to assist by contacting
governments concerned.

(c) In response to the Committee of Experts’ request, the Office, when it receives
governments’ reports, checks to see whether they contain information and documents
in reply to any observations or direct requests of the Committee of Experts itself or
observations of the Conference Committee. If they do not, the Office will, without
entering into the substance of the matter, draw the attention of the government
concerned to the need for a reply. The Office is also requested to write to
governments concerned when reports are not accompanied by copies of relevant
legislation, statistics or other documentation at issue and these are not otherwise
available, and to ask them to send such documentation. The substance of information
supplied is examined by the responsible supervisory bodies.

Summary

43. Under article 23, paragraph 1, of the Constitution, a summary of reports on the application
of ratified Conventions has to be laid before the next meeting of the Conference. Such
summary appears in an abbreviated, tabular form in Report III (Part 1A). In addition, the
Office (through the secretariat of the Committee on the Application of Standards) makes
copies of reports on ratified Conventions available for consultation at the Conference, if
required.

14
Governments may transmit their reports all together or in batches. The reports should cover the
period up to the time when they are transmitted.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 27
28

Proposed article 22 reporting cycles

Arrangement of Conventions 1 by group in the three-year

and five-year reporting cycles for reporting purposes
(English alphabetical order)

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Three-year reporting cycle (fundamental and governance Conventions) for article 22 reports (extension from two to three years)
Freedom of association Freedom of association C.87, C.98 C.87, C.98 C.87, C.98 C.87, C.98 C.87, C.98 C.87, C.98
and collective and collective bargaining (countries O–Z) (countries A–F) (countries G–N) (countries O–Z) (countries A–F ) (countries G-N)
bargaining C.87, C.98 (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW)
C.87, C.98 (countries A–J)
(countries K–Z)
Equality of opportunity Equality of opportunity and C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111
and treatment treatment (countries A–F ) (countries G–N) (countries O–Z) (countries A–F ) (countries G-N) (countries O–Z)
C.100, C.111 C.100, C.111 (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW)
(countries K–Z) (countries A–J)
Forced labour C.29, Forced labour C.29, C.105 C.29, C.105, C.138, C.29, C.105, C.138, C.29, C.105, C.138, C.29, C.105, C.138, C.29, C.105, C.138, C.29, C.105, C.138,
C.105 and Child labour and Child labour C.138, C.182 C.182 C.182 C.182 C.182 C.182
C.138, C.182 C.182 (countries G–N) (countries O–Z) (countries A–F ) (countries G-N) (countries O–Z) (countries A–F)
(countries A–J) (countries K–Z) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW) (FPRW)
Tripartite consultations Tripartite consultations C.144 C.144 C.144 C.144 C.144 C.144
C.144 C.144 (countries G–N) (countries A–F) (countries O–Z) (countries G-N) (countries A–F) (countries O–Z)
(countries K–Z) (countries A–J) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue)
Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx

1
The following Conventions are not included in the table because they are not subject to reporting under article 22 of the Constitution: withdrawn Conventions –
Conventions Nos 31, 46, 51, 61, 66; Conventions that have not entered into force – Conventions Nos 54, 57, 70, 72, 75, 76, 93, 109, MLC, 188, 189; Conventions
on final provisions – Conventions Nos 80, 116. In addition, supervision of Convention No. 83 takes place as part of the supervisory process for the Conventions
listed in the annex to that instrument. The following shelved Conventions are indicated between square brackets in the table: Conventions Nos 4, 15, 20, 21, 28, 34,
35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50, 60, 64, 65, 67, 86, 91, 104. Reports on the application of shelved Conventions are not requested on a regular basis.
However, detailed reports may become due on these Conventions following, among other things, observations submitted by employers’ and workers’ organizations.
Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Labour inspection Labour inspection C.81 and C.129 C.81 and C.129 C.81 and C.129 C.81 and C.129 C.81 and C.129 C.81 and C.129
C.81, C.129 C.81, C.129 (countries A–F ) (countries O–Z) (countries G–N) (countries A–F ) (countries O–Z) (countries G-N)
(countries A–J) (countries K–Z) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue) (Social dialogue)
Employment policy Employment policy C.122 C.122 C.122 C.122 C.122 C.122
C.122 C.122 (countries O–Z) (countries G–N) (countries A–F ) (countries O–Z) (countries G-N) (countries A–F )
(countries K–Z) (countries A–J) (Employment) (Employment) (Employment) (Employment) (Employment) (Employment)

Five-year reporting cycle (technical Conventions) for article 22 reports (no change)
OSH Social security Social security Working time OSH OSH Social security Social security
(A–J) (K–Z) (A–J) (Social protection) (K–Z) (A–J) (K–Z) (A–J)
(Social protection) (Social protection) (Social protection) (Social protection) (Social protection)
Seafarers Protection of children and Protection of children Social policy Seafarers (A–J) Seafarers Protection of children Protection of children
(K–Z) young persons and young persons (Social protection) (not classified) (K–Z) and young persons and young persons
(A–J) (K–Z) (not classified) (A–J) (K–Z)
(related to FPRW) (related to FPRW) (related to FPRW)
Employment promotion Wages Wages Maternity protection Employment promotion Employment promotion Wages Wages
(A–J) (A–J) (K–Z) (Social protection) (K–Z) (A–J) (A–J) (K–Z)
(Social protection) (Employment) (Employment) (Social protection) (Social protection)
Labour administration Fishers Dockworkers Specific categories of Labour administration Labour administration Fishers Dockworkers
and inspection (not classified) workers and inspection and inspection (not classified) (not classified)
(K–Z) (not classified) (A–J) (K–Z)
(Social dialogue) (Social dialogue)
Workers with family Migrant workers Indigenous and tribal Industrial relations Workers with family Migrant workers
responsibilities (not classified) peoples (Social dialogue) responsibilities (not classified)
(not classified) (related to FPRW)
Security of employment Vocational guidance and Security of
training employment
(Employment) (Employment)
Freedom of association Freedom of association
(agriculture, NMTs) (agriculture, NMTs)
(related to FPRW)

The strategic objectives corresponding to the subjects are included simply for information.
29
V. Reports on unratified Conventions
and on Recommendations – the
1998 and 2008 Declarations

Obligation to report on unratified Conventions

44. Under article 19, paragraph 5(e), of the Constitution, a member State undertakes, in respect
of any Convention which it has not ratified, to:

… report to the Director-General of the International Labour Office, at appropriate

intervals as requested by the Governing Body, the position of its law and practice in regard to
the matters dealt with in the Convention, showing the extent to which effect has been given, or
is proposed to be given, to any of the provisions of the Convention by legislation,
administrative action, collective agreement or otherwise and stating the difficulties which
prevent or delay the ratification of such Convention.

Obligation to report on Recommendations

45. Under article 19, paragraph 6(d), of the Constitution, member States undertake to:
… report to the Director-General of the International Labour Office, at appropriate
intervals as requested by the Governing Body, the position of the law and practice in their
country in regard to the matters dealt with in the Recommendation, showing the extent to
which effect has been given or is proposed to be given, to the provisions of the
Recommendation and such modifications of these provisions as it has been found or may be
found necessary to make in adopting or applying them.

Federal States

46. Special provisions in respect of federal States as to the obligation to report on unratified
Conventions and on Recommendations are laid down in article 19, paragraph 7(b)(iv) and
(v), of the Constitution.

Choice of instruments for reports 1

47. Reports and their subsequent examination by the supervisory bodies are helpful when
drawing up the Organization’s programme of work, particularly in relation to the adoption
of any new or revised standards, in assessing the impact and continuing usefulness of the
instruments to be reviewed and in providing governments and the social partners with the
opportunity to review their policies and implement other measures in areas of major
interest, as well as deciding on new ratifications, where appropriate. The Governing Body
selects the instruments on which reports are to be requested each year on the following
basis:

1
In practice, the article 19 reporting procedure described here has been used by the Governing
Body rather than the separate clause included in the final provisions of all Conventions, whereby the
Governing Body may at any time present to the Conference a report on the working of the
Convention and examine the desirability of placing on the Conference agenda the question of its
revision in whole or in part.

30 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (a) the Conventions and Recommendations selected are grouped by subject matter;

(b) in order not to overburden national administrations which have to prepare the reports
or the ILO’s supervisory procedures, only a small number of instruments are selected;

(c) the subjects chosen are of current interest.

Follow-up of the 1998 Declaration

48. The follow-up of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work,
adopted by the International Labour Conference on 19 June 1998, is based on reports
requested from member States under article 19, paragraph 5(e), of the Constitution. The
forms for these reports are designed to obtain information on any changes in their law and
practice from governments which have not ratified one or more of the fundamental
Conventions. 2 The organizations of employers and workers may voice their opinion on the
reports. These reports, compiled by the Office, are examined by the Governing Body. With
a view to submitting an introduction to the reports that are compiled, the Office calls on the
services of a Group of Experts appointed for this purpose by the Governing Body.

49. In addition, a Global Report is drawn up under the responsibility of the Director-General
and is submitted to the Conference, based on official information or information compiled
and verified according to established procedures. In the case of member States which have
not ratified the fundamental Conventions, the Global Report is based in particular on the
findings of the annual follow-up. In the case of member States which have ratified the
corresponding Conventions, it is based mainly on the reports examined under article 22 of
the Constitution.

Follow-up of the 2008 Declaration

50. The International Labour Conference unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social
Justice for a Fair Globalization on 10 June 2008. This new Declaration builds on the
Philadelphia Declaration and the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at
Work of 1998. By adopting this text, the representatives of governments, employers and
workers commit to enhance the ILO’s capacity to advance these goals, through the Decent
Work Agenda. The follow-up of the Declaration demands a higher degree of coherence
between the 2008 Declaration social goals itself, the Strategic Policy Framework 2010–15
and the biennial budget. 3

51. Its follow-up requires reform of institutional practices, governance and other measures “to
make the fullest possible use of all the means of action provided under the Constitution of
the ILO to fulfil its mandate”. The implementation of the Declaration of 2008 led to the
setting up of recurrent items discussion on the agenda of the Conference whose theme
matches with one of the strategic objectives. In 2009, the Governing Body decided to

2
The eight fundamental Conventions concern freedom of association (Conventions Nos 87 and 98),
the abolition of forced labour (Conventions Nos 29 and 105), equality of opportunity and treatment
(Conventions Nos 100 and 111) and child labour (Conventions Nos 138 and 182). Member States
which have ratified fundamental Conventions have to provide reports on their application every
three years under article 22 of the Constitution (see para. 35 above).
3
GB.303/SG/DECL/2, November 2008, Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization –
Preliminary implementation plan.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 31
 adopt a seven-year cycle for the recurrent item discussions, with employment, social
protection and fundamental principles and rights at work being discussed twice in the
cycle. 4 In 2010, the Steering Group endorsed the topic of social dialogue for 2013. 5
Another aspect of the implementation of the Declaration of 2008 has consisted in obtaining
consistency between the themes of the General Surveys of the Committee of Experts and
the annual strategic objective.

Report forms

52. The Governing Body has adopted a standard form of questionnaire for reports on unratified
Conventions and on Recommendations. In recent years, more specific forms have been
adopted by the Governing Body asking precise questions relating to the instruments in
question.

ILO procedures for requesting reports 6

53. Letters requesting reports on unratified Conventions and on Recommendations are sent to
governments in September each year, together with the report forms and copies of the
instruments concerned. Copies of the requests are sent to national organizations of
employers and workers. By decision of the Governing Body, reports are requested for
30 April at the latest. Reminders are sent to governments which do not transmit their
reports by the due date.

Consultation of employers’ and

workers’ organizations

54. Paragraph 5(e) of Recommendation No. 152 calls for consultation of representatives of
employers’ and workers’ organizations on questions arising out of reports to be made on
unratified Conventions and on Recommendations. In addition, Article 5, paragraph 1(c), of
Convention No. 144 and Paragraph 5(d) of Recommendation No. 152 provide for tripartite
consultations at appropriate intervals to consider what measures might be taken to promote
implementation and ratification as appropriate of Conventions which have not been ratified
and Recommendations to which effect has not been given.

Communication of reports to employers’

and workers’ organizations

55. Under article 23, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, governments have to communicate
copies of all reports on unratified Conventions and on Recommendations to representative
organizations of employers and workers and indicate, when forwarding their reports to the
ILO, the organizations to which communication has been made. Those or any other
employers’ or workers’ organizations may make any observations they wish on the
subjects in question.

4
GB.304/7, Mar. 2009.
5
GB.309/10, Nov. 2010.
6
The procedures for the examination of reports and the preparation of General Surveys are
described in paras 59 and 63 below.

32 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Summary

56. Under article 23, paragraph 1, of the Constitution, a summary of reports on unratified
Conventions and on Recommendations has to be laid before the next meeting of the
Conference. Such summary appears in an abbreviated form in Report III (Part 1A), as a list
of reports received. In addition, the Office (through the secretariat of the Committee on the
Application of Standards) makes copies of the reports available for consultation at the
Conference, if required.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 33
VI. Regular machinery for supervising the
observance of obligations deriving from
Conventions and Recommendations

Regular supervisory bodies

57. On the basis of a resolution adopted by the Eighth Session of the International Labour
Conference in 1926, the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and
Recommendations and the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards were
given responsibility for regular supervision of the observance by member States of their
standards-related obligations.

A. Committee of Experts

Composition, terms of reference and working methods 1

58. Members of the Committee are appointed by the Governing Body on the proposal of the
Director-General for renewable periods of three years. Appointments are made in a
personal capacity among completely impartial persons of technical competence and
independent standing. They are drawn from all parts of the world, in order that the
Committee may enjoy first-hand experience of different legal, economic and social
systems. The Committee’s fundamental principles are those of independence, impartiality
and objectivity in noting the extent to which the position in each State appears to conform
to the terms of the Conventions and the obligations accepted under the ILO Constitution.
In this spirit, the Committee is called on to examine: 2

(i) the annual reports under article 22 of the Constitution on the measures taken by
Members to give effect to the provisions of Conventions to which they are parties,
and the information furnished by Members concerning the results of inspection;

(ii) the information and reports concerning Conventions and Recommendations

communicated by Members in accordance with article 19 of the Constitution;

(iii) information and reports on the measures taken by Members in accordance with
article 35 of the Constitution.

1
The fundamental principles, terms of reference and working methods of the Committee of Experts
are restated in the Committee’s report to the 73rd Session of the Conference (1987), Report III
(Part 4A), paras 37–49. Since 1999, the Committee of Experts has undertaken a thorough
examination of its working methods. It has paid particular attention to drafting its report in a manner
to make it more accessible and draw the attention of a broader readership to the importance of the
provisions of Conventions and their practical application. In 2002, the Committee of Experts
decided to create a subcommittee with the mandate of examining not only the working methods of
the Committee as strictly defined, but also any related subjects. Since 2003, information on the
work of the subcommittee have been included in the first part of the General Report of the
Committee of Experts (ILC, 91st Session (2003), Report III (Part 1A), General Report, paras 7–10).
2
These terms of reference are as revised by the Governing Body at its 103rd Session (1947).

34 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Organization of the Committee’s work

59. (a) The Committee meets on dates determined by the Governing Body. 3

(b) At each session’s opening sitting, the Committee holds elections to the Chairperson
and the office of the Reporter.

(c) The Committee meets in private. Its documents and deliberations are confidential.

(d) The United Nations is invited to be represented at appropriate Committee sessions.

When the Committee deals with instruments or matters related to the competence of
other specialized agencies of the United Nations system, representatives of those
agencies may be invited to attend the sitting.

(e) The Committee assigns to each of its members initial responsibility for groups of
Conventions or subjects. Reports and information received early enough by the Office
are forwarded to the member concerned before the session. The member responsible
for each group of Conventions or subject may take the initiative of consulting other
members, and any other member may ask to be consulted, before the preliminary
findings are submitted to the Committee as a whole in the form of draft observations
and direct requests. The wording is at this stage at the sole discretion of the member
responsible. All the preliminary findings are then considered, for approval, by the
Committee as a whole.

(f) The Committee appoints working parties to deal with general or especially complex
questions, such as General Surveys of reports under articles 19 and 22 of the
Constitution. 4 Working parties include members with knowledge of different legal,
economic and social systems. Their preliminary findings are submitted to the
Committee as a whole.

(g) Documentation available to the Committee includes the information supplied by

governments in their reports 5 or in the Conference Committee on the Application of
Standards; relevant legislation, collective agreements and court decisions; information
supplied by States on the results of inspections; comments of employers’ and
workers’ organizations; reports of other ILO bodies (such as commissions of inquiry
or the Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association) and reports of
technical cooperation activities.

(h) The Committee has asked the Office, where necessary, to prepare a comparative
analysis of the ratifying State’s national law and practice vis-à-vis each Convention,
which is considered by the member responsible. It has also asked the Office to
prepare for the member responsible notes on legal questions necessary for the
examination of the information provided.

(i) Although the conclusions of the Committee have traditionally represented unanimous
agreement among its members, decisions can be taken by a majority. Where that
happens, it is the established practice of the Committee to include in its report

3
The meetings are held at the end of Nov.–beginning of Dec. each year.
4
See also paras 44–55 above.
5
See also para. 47(c) above.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 35
 opinions of dissenting members if they so wish, together with any response of the
Committee as a whole.

(j) The qualified secretariat which is necessary to the work of the Committee is placed at
its disposal by the Director-General of the ILO.

(k) The report of the Committee is in the first place submitted to the Governing Body (at
its session in March–April) for transmission to the Conference (which usually meets
in June each year). 6 The final findings take the form of:

Part I: 7 a general report (giving an overview of the Committee’s work and

drawing the attention of the Governing Body, the Conference and member States
to matters of general interest or special concern);

Part II: individual observations on: 8 (i) the application of ratified Conventions
in member States; (ii) the application of Conventions in non-metropolitan
territories for whose international relations member States are responsible; and
(iii) the submission of Conventions and Recommendations to the competent
national authorities;

– a series of direct requests: 9 further individual comments addressed to

governments by the Director-General of the ILO on behalf of the
Committee;

– a series of acknowledgements: 10 when a government has given a full reply

to a direct request asking for further information and there is no need for
further comment;

6
The Office posts on the ILO website the General Report of the Committee of Experts and its
observations on the application of Conventions. The entire findings of the Committee of Experts,
including direct requests, are accessible via the Internet once they have been sent to the
governments. See Appendix II below for basic documentation on Conventions and
Recommendations.
7
Parts I and II appear in a single volume, Report III (Part 1A) to the subsequent session of the
International Labour Conference.
8
(i) Observations are generally used in more serious or long-standing cases of failure to fulfil
obligations. In particularly important cases, the Committee may add a footnote requesting the
government to send a detailed report in advance of the date when a report would otherwise be due
under the reporting system described in para. 36 above. It may also add a footnote asking the
government to supply full particulars to the Conference. (ii) Observations expressing satisfaction
are used in cases of progress, where a government has taken the measures called for by earlier
comments of the Committee. A list of cases in which the Committee of Experts has been able to
express satisfaction or interest is drawn up each year and included in its General Report.
9
The full texts of direct requests do not appear in the report of the Committee of Experts to the
Conference. They are communicated directly to the governments concerned. Direct requests are
listed after the individual observations for each group of Conventions. They may relate to matters of
secondary importance or technical questions, or seek clarification to enable a more full assessment
to be made of the effect given to obligations. They may, like observations, include footnotes asking
for a detailed report in advance of the date on which it would otherwise be due.
10
Acknowledgements are also listed after the observations for each group of Conventions.

36 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Part III: 11 a General Survey of national law and practice in regard to the
instruments on which reports have been supplied on unratified Conventions and
on Recommendations under article 19 of the Constitution.

Communication of the comments of the

Committee of Experts to governments

60. (a) Each year, the requests for reports on ratified Conventions sent to governments in
February are accompanied by copies of any relevant comments of the Committee of
Experts, including those adopted by the Committee at its session the previous
December.

(b) The Committee of Experts’ report is published in March and immediately sent to
governments.

(c) Direct requests concerning submission to the competent authorities (as well as
observations, which are already published in the report of the Committee) are
transmitted together with the Memorandum on submission approved by the
Governing Body. 12

B. Conference Committee on the Application

of Standards

Composition and officers

61. The Committee is set up under article 7 of the Standing Orders. It is tripartite, consisting of
representatives of governments, employers and workers. 13 The Committee holds elections
from among each of the three groups to the Chairperson and two Vice-Chairpersons and to
the office of the Reporter. 14

Terms of reference 15

62. (i) The Committee has to consider:

(a) the measures taken by Members to give effect to the provisions of Conventions
to which they are parties and the information furnished by Members concerning
the results of inspections;

11
This forms a separate volume, Report III (Part 1B). The General Survey also covers information
received under article 22 from countries which have ratified the Conventions in question. General
Surveys allow the Committee, in addition to reviewing national law and practice in member States,
to examine difficulties raised by governments as standing in the way of the application of
instruments, clarify their scope and indicate possible means of overcoming obstacles to their
implementation.
12
In this respect, see para. 13 above.
13
Any voting is weighted so as to yield equal strength for each group (SO, article 65, and the
standing practice of the Conference).
14
SO, article 57.
15
SO, article 7.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 37
 (b) the information and reports concerning Conventions and Recommendations
communicated by Members in accordance with article 19 of the Constitution;

(c) the measures taken by Members in accordance with article 35 of the

Constitution.

(ii) The Committee has to submit a report to the Conference.

Organization of the Committee’s work

63. Following the independent, technical examination of documentation carried out by the
Committee of Experts, the proceedings of the Conference Committee present an
opportunity for representatives of governments, employers and workers to meet and review
the manner in which States are discharging their obligations under and relating to
Conventions and Recommendations. Governments are able to amplify information
previously supplied; indicate further measures proposed; draw attention to difficulties met
with in the discharge of obligations; and seek guidance as to how to overcome such
difficulties.

(a) Documents before the Committee. The Committee has to consider Report III
(Parts 1A and 1B), which is the report of the Committee of Experts. 16 It also takes
notice of documents containing the substance of written replies to observations of the
Committee of Experts and supplementary information received by the Office since
the meeting of the Committee of Experts. 17

(b) General discussion. In an opening general discussion, the Committee may review the
matters covered by the general part of Report III (Part 1A), of the Committee of
Experts’ report. It may then discuss the General Survey in Report III (Part 1B). 18

(c) Consideration of individual cases

(i) The Officers of the Committee prepare a list of observations contained in the
Committee of Experts’ report, in respect of which they consider it desirable to
invite governments to supply information to the Committee. The list is submitted
to the Committee for approval.

(ii) Governments addressed by the observations in the approved list have a further
opportunity to submit written replies, the substance of which will appear in a
document for the information of the Committee. The Committee may then
decide whether or not it wishes to receive supplementary oral information from a
representative of the government concerned.

(iii) The Committee invites representatives of the governments concerned to attend

one of its sittings to discuss the observations in question. Governments which
are not members of the Committee are kept informed of its agenda and the date
on which it wishes to hear statements from their representatives through the
Conference Daily Bulletin.

16
See para. 58(k) above.
17
In addition, subject to the decision of the Governing Body and the Conference, the Committee
has before it a report of the Joint ILO–UNESCO Committee of Experts on the Application of the
Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
18
And, as the case may be, the report of the Joint ILO–UNESCO Committee.

38 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (iv) Following statements of government representatives, members of the Committee
may put questions or make comments, and the Committee may reach
conclusions on the case.

(v) A summary of governments’ statements and the ensuing discussion is

reproduced in an appendix to the Committee’s report to the Conference. In
addition, the Committee includes in the body of its report information on its
discussions as to various States’ compliance with specific obligations:
submission to the competent authorities; failure to comply with reporting
obligations; mention of cases of progress, in which the Committee notes changes
in law and practice which overcome difficulties previously discussed by it;
paragraphs drawing the Conference’s attention to discussions of certain special
cases; other paragraphs drawing attention to cases discussed previously by the
Committee where there has been continued failure over several years to
eliminate serious deficiencies in the application of ratified Conventions;
communication of copies of reports to employers’ and workers’ organizations;
and participation in the work of the Committee.

(d) The report of the Conference Committee is submitted to the Conference and
discussed in plenary, which gives delegates a further opportunity to draw attention to
particular aspects of the Committee’s work. The report is published in the Record of
Proceedings of the Conference and separately for circulation to governments. The
attention of governments is drawn to any particular points raised by the Committee
for their consideration, as well as to the discussions of individual cases, so that due
account may be taken in the preparation of subsequent reports.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 39
VII. Role of employers’ and workers’
organizations 1

Communication of reports and information

to employers’ and workers’ organizations
2
64. By virtue of the constitutional obligations on all member States, representative
organizations of employers and workers have to receive copies of:

(a) information communicated to the Office concerning measures taken to submit

Conventions and Recommendations to the competent national authorities;

(b) reports on the application of ratified Conventions;

(c) reports on unratified Conventions and on Recommendations.

In addition, the Office procedures in relation to these obligations 3 endeavour to ensure that
national organizations receive copies of relevant comments of the supervisory bodies and
the requests for reports.

Consultation of representative organizations

65. Convention No. 144 and Recommendation No. 152 provide for tripartite consultations on:

(a) government replies to questionnaires and comments on proposed new instruments to

be discussed at the Conference;

(b) proposals to be made to the competent authorities when Conventions and

Recommendations are submitted to them;

(c) questions arising out of reports on ratified Conventions; 4

(d) measures relating to unratified Conventions and Recommendations; 5

(e) denunciation of Conventions.

1
See also the Office’s Note on the role of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the
implementation of ILO Conventions and Recommendations (paper D.40.1987). As to the role of
employers’ and workers’ organizations in relation to special procedures, see paras 80–89 below.
2
See paras 16, 40 and 55 above.
3
See paras 14, 42 and 53 above.
4
Under Recommendation No. 152, consultations should also take place on questions arising out of
article 19 reports (on submission to the competent authorities and on unratified Conventions and
Recommendations); and, subject to national practice, on questions of legislation to give effect to
Conventions (particularly when ratified) and Recommendations.
5
This question should be re-examined “at appropriate intervals”.

40 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Transmission of comments by employers’
and workers’ organizations

66. Any employers’ or workers’ organization, whether or not it has received copies of
government reports, may at any time transmit its comments on any of the matters arising in
connection with paragraphs 61 and 62 above. The Committee of Experts and the
Conference Committee have emphasized the value of such comments as a means of
assisting them, in particular, in assessing the effective application of ratified Conventions.

Participation in the Conference

67. Through their presence at the International Labour Conference, and particularly in the
Committee on the Application of Standards, representatives of employers’ and workers’
organizations may raise matters concerning the discharge of standards-related obligations.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 41
VIII. Interpretation of Conventions
and Recommendations

Interpretation by the International Court of Justice

68. The International Court of Justice is, by virtue of article 37, paragraph 1, of the
Constitution, considered to be the only body competent to give authoritative interpretations
of ILO Conventions and Recommendations. It reads as follows: 1

Any question or dispute relating to the interpretation of this Constitution or of any

subsequent Convention concluded by the Members in pursuance of the provisions of this
Constitution shall be referred for decision to the International Court of Justice.

69. Furthermore, according to article 37, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, the Governing Body
can, after approval of the Conference, set up a tribunal in order to settle a dispute related to
the interpretation of a Convention:

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of this article the Governing Body may
make and submit to the Conference for approval rules providing for the appointment of a
tribunal for the expeditious determination of any dispute or question relating to the
interpretation of a Convention which may be referred thereto by the Governing Body or in
accordance with the terms of the Convention. Any applicable judgement or advisory opinion
of the International Court of Justice shall be binding upon any tribunal established in virtue of
this paragraph. Any award made by such a tribunal shall be circulated to the Members of the
Organization and any observations which they may make thereon shall be brought before the
Conference.

Informal opinion of the International Labour Office

70. Governments which are in doubt as to the meaning of particular provisions of an ILO
Convention or Recommendation may request the Office to express its opinion. The Office,
always with the reservation that it has no special authority under the Constitution to
interpret Conventions and Recommendations, has assisted governments when asked for its
opinion. 2 Where the request is for a formal or official opinion or the issue raised is likely
to be of general interest, a Memorandum by the International Labour Office will be
published in the Official Bulletin, containing the Office’s opinion. A simple letter of reply
will normally be sent by the Office in cases where a formal or official opinion is not
specifically requested.

Explanations by the supervisory bodies

71. Explanations as to the scope and meaning of provisions of Conventions may be found in
the reports of the Committee of Experts and the Conference Committee on the Application
of Standards, Commissions of Inquiry appointed under article 26 of the Constitution, the

1
Only one formal interpretation has at the time of printing been given: see Official Bulletin,
Vol. XVII (1932), p. 179.
2
In practice, the Office endeavours to assist employers’ and workers’ organizations similarly.

42 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association and the Fact-Finding and
Conciliation Commission on Freedom of Association. 3

3
Given that there are special procedures for complaints alleging infringement of freedom of
association, the Office has generally considered it inappropriate to express an opinion on the
interpretation of standards in that field (Minutes of the Governing Body, 122nd Session (1953),
p. 110).

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 43
IX. Revision of Conventions
and Recommendations 1

Nature of revision of Conventions

72. The formal revision (including the “partial” revision) of one, or sometimes several
Conventions, results in most cases in the adoption of an entirely new Convention. The
Conference may also undertake the partial revision of a Convention through the adoption
of a Protocol or of provisions in a new Convention, the acceptance of which brings to an
end the obligations under the corresponding provisions of an earlier Convention. 2 Certain
Conventions also provide for specific procedures for the amendment of annexes. 3 Finally,
without formally constituting a revision, the updating of certain technical or scientific data
is envisaged in certain Conventions through a technique of reference to the most recent
data published on the subject. 4

Method and effect of revision of Conventions

73. A Convention is not regarded as revising an earlier instrument unless the intention to
revise is explicitly or implicitly stated in the title, preamble or operative provisions of the
later Convention.

(a) Conventions Nos 1–26. These contain no provisions as to the consequences of the
adoption or ratification of a revising Convention. The adoption of a revising
Convention by the Conference in itself therefore neither closes the earlier one to
further ratifications nor involves automatic denunciation of it. 5

(b) Conventions Nos 27 and after. These contain a final Article specifying that, unless the
new revising Convention provides otherwise, the following are the consequences of
the ratification and coming into force of a later revising Convention:

1
For the revision procedure, see para. 5 above.
2
See Convention No. 173, which partially revises Convention No. 95. Similarly, following the
ratification of Conventions Nos 121, 128 and 130, and where appropriate the acceptance of certain
parts of those Conventions, the corresponding provisions of Convention No. 102 cease to apply;
however, the term “revision” is not explicitly used in this context. The Final Articles Revision
Conventions (Nos 80 and 116) are other specific examples of partial revisions.
3
See Conventions Nos 83, 97, 121 and 185. The procedure provided for in Convention No. 185
differs from that of the other Conventions.
4
See, for example, Conventions Nos 102, 121, 128 and 130, which refer to the International
Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, adopted by the Economic and Social
Council of the United Nations, “as at any time further amended”, and Convention No. 139, which
refers to “the latest information contained in the codes of practice or guides which may be
established by the International Labour Office”.
5
A revising Convention may provide that ratification, under given conditions, constitutes an act of
denunciation of the earlier Convention (e.g. Convention No. 138 (Article 10, para. 5), as regards
Conventions Nos 5, 7, 10 and 15, and Convention No. 179 (Article 9) in relation to Convention
No. 9). With regard to denunciation, see paras 75–79 below.

44 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (1) ratification by a Member of the revising Convention will involve the automatic
denunciation by it of the earlier Convention from the date on which the revising
Convention comes into force;

(2) from the date when the new revising Convention comes into force, the earlier
Convention will be closed to further ratification;

(3) the earlier Convention, once it has come into force, will remain in force as it
stands for Members which have ratified it but not the later revising Convention.

(c) Alternative provisions. The final Articles of each Convention have to be referred to in
order to determine whether the above provisions apply.

Revision of Recommendations

74. The revision or replacement (the two terms have been used synonymously) of a
Recommendation, or sometimes several Recommendations, has given rise in almost all
cases to the adoption of a new Recommendation. Moreover, certain Recommendations
envisage specific procedures for the amendment of annexes. As Recommendations do not
have the binding force of Conventions, their revision or replacement has lesser
consequences. Nevertheless, a Recommendation which revises or replaces one or more
earlier Recommendations replaces the earlier instrument(s). In such cases, reference should
only be made to the new Recommendation.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 45
X. Denunciation of Conventions

Conditions for denunciation

75. Every Convention 1 contains an Article determining the conditions in which States which
have ratified it may denounce it (i.e. terminate their obligations). 2 Each Convention’s
precise terms have to be referred to, but in general:

(a) Conventions Nos 1–25. Denunciation is possible at any time after an initial period of
five or ten years (as indicated) of the Convention first coming into force;

(b) Conventions Nos 26 and after. Denunciation is possible after an initial period of five
or (more often) ten years (as indicated) of the Convention first coming into force, but
only during an interval of one year. Denunciation similarly becomes possible again
after subsequent periods of five or ten years, as indicated.

Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations

76. (a) The Governing Body has stated as a general principle that, in any case in which the
denunciation of a ratified Convention may be contemplated, it is desirable for the
government, before taking a decision, fully to consult the representative organizations
of employers and workers on the problems encountered and the measures to be taken
to resolve them. 3

(b) Article 5, paragraph 1(e), of Convention No. 144 requires the consultation of
representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations on any proposals for the
denunciation of ratified Conventions. 4

Form of communication of denunciation

77. Denunciation, according to the relevant Article in each Convention, is effected by an act
communicated to the Director-General of the International Labour Office for registration.
The instrument of denunciation must: 5

(a) clearly identify the Convention being denounced;

1
Except the Final Articles Revision Conventions Nos 80 and 116.
2
Such an Article is additional to one providing for automatic denunciation by virtue of the
ratification of a revising Convention – see para. 73 above. In three cases (Conventions Nos 102, 128
and 148), denunciation is possible also in respect of separate Parts only.
3
Minutes of the Governing Body, 184th Session (November 1971), pp. 95 and 210.
4
For States which have not ratified Convention No. 144, see Paragraph 5 of the Tripartite
Consultation (Activities of the International Labour Organisation) Recommendation, 1976
(No. 152).
5
For the requirements relating to instruments of ratification, see para. 20 above.

46 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (b) be an original document (on paper, not a facsimile or photocopy) signed by a person
with authority to engage the State (such as the Head of State, Prime Minister,
Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs or Labour);

(c) clearly indicate that it constitutes a formal denunciation of the Convention concerned.

Office procedures

78. (a) On becoming aware of any case in which the denunciation of a Convention is
contemplated, the Office will draw the attention of the government concerned to the
general principle as to consultation referred to in paragraph 70(a) above.

(b) In any case in which a government communicates the denunciation of a Convention

without any indication of the reasons which have led to its decision, the Office will
request the government concerned to provide such indications for the information of
the Governing Body. States which have ratified Convention No. 144 are under the
obligation to include information on the tripartite consultations held prior to a
denunciation in the reports provided under article 22 of the Constitution.

(c) Registration of denunciations. Every denunciation registered by the Director-General

is notified to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, reported to the Governing
Body and published in the Official Bulletin.

Effect of denunciation

79. Denunciations take effect in accordance with the final Articles of each Convention (usually
one year after they are registered by the Director-General).

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 47
XI. Special procedures

A. Representations as to the observance

of ratified Conventions

Constitutional provisions

80. Articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution read as follows:

Article 24
In the event of any representation being made to the International Labour Office by an
industrial association of employers or of workers that any of the Members has failed to secure
in any respect the effective observance within its jurisdiction of any Convention to which it is
a party, the Governing Body may communicate this representation to the government against
which it is made, and may invite that government to make such statement on the subject as it
may think fit.
Article 25
If no statement is received within a reasonable time from the government in question, or
if the statement when received is not deemed to be satisfactory by the Governing Body, the
latter shall have the right to publish the representation and the statement, if any, made in reply
to it.

Procedure for the examination of representations

81. When adopting the new amendments in November 2004, the Governing Body decided that
the special Standing Orders should be preceded by an Introductory note summarizing the
various stages of the procedure and indicating the options available to the Governing Body
at each stage: 1

(a) the Office acknowledges receipt and informs the government concerned;

(b) the matter is brought before the Officers of the Governing Body;

(c) the Officers report to the Governing Body on the receivability of the representation,
for which purpose it must:

(i) be communicated to the ILO in writing;

(ii) come from an industrial association of employers or workers;

(iii) make specific reference to article 24 of the Constitution;

(iv) concern a Member of the ILO; 2

1
Document GB.291/9(Rev.) contains the text of the Standing Orders concerning the procedure for
the examination of representations under articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution of the International
Labour Organization and the Introductory note referred to above. The Standing Orders and the
Introductory note are available on the ILO website. Offprints are also available.
2
Or a former Member which remains bound by the Convention in question.

48 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (v) refer to a Convention to which the Member in question is a party;

(vi) indicate in what respect it is alleged that that Member has failed to secure the
effective observance within its jurisdiction of that Convention;

(d) the Governing Body reaches a decision on the receivability without discussing the
substance of the matter;

(e) if the representation is receivable, the Governing Body either sets up a tripartite
committee to examine the matter according to rules laid down in the Standing Orders;
or, if the matter relates to a Convention dealing with trade union rights, it may refer it
to the Committee on Freedom of Association;

(f) the Committee reports to the Governing Body, describing the steps taken to examine
the representation and giving its conclusions and recommendations for decisions to be
taken by the Governing Body;

(g) the government concerned is invited to be represented in the Governing Body

consideration of the matter;

(h) the Governing Body decides whether to publish the representation and any
government statement in reply and notifies the association and government
concerned.

B. Complaints as to the observance of

ratified Conventions

Main constitutional provisions

82. Article 26 of the Constitution reads as follows:

1. Any of the Members shall have the right to file a complaint with the International
Labour Office if it is not satisfied that any other Member is securing the effective observance
of any Convention which both have ratified in accordance with the foregoing articles.
2. The Governing Body may, if it thinks fit, before referring such a complaint to a
Commission of Inquiry, as hereinafter provided for, communicate with the government in
question in the manner described in article 24.
3. If the Governing Body does not think it necessary to communicate the complaint to
the government in question, or if, when it has made such communication, no statement in
reply has been received within a reasonable time which the Governing Body considers to be
satisfactory, the Governing Body may appoint a Commission of Inquiry to consider the
complaint and to report thereon.
4. The Governing Body may adopt the same procedure either of its own motion or on
receipt of a complaint from a delegate to the Conference.
5. When any matter arising out of article 25 or 26 is being considered by the Governing
Body, the government in question shall, if not already represented thereon, be entitled to send
a representative to take part in the proceedings of the Governing Body while the matter is
under consideration. Adequate notice of the date on which the matter will be considered shall
be given to the government in question.

Other constitutional provisions

83. The following articles of the Constitution deal with other aspects of the complaints
procedure:

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 49
 Article 27: Members’ cooperation with a Commission of Inquiry;

Article 28: report of the Commission of Inquiry, embodying its findings and
recommendations;

Article 29: communication and publication of the report of a Commission of Inquiry,

indication of governments concerned whether they accept its recommendations, and
possible reference to the International Court of Justice (ICJ);

Article 31: decision of the ICJ to be final;

Article 32: power of the ICJ over the findings or recommendations of a Commission of
Inquiry;

Article 33: Governing Body recommendation as to action by the Conference in the event of
failure to carry out recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry or the ICJ;

Article 34: verification of compliance with recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry

or the ICJ and subsequent Governing Body recommendation as to discontinuance of action
by the Conference.

Commission of Inquiry procedure

84. There are no standing orders for the procedure of Commissions of Inquiry: the Governing
Body has in each case left the matter to the Commission of Inquiry itself, subject only to
the Constitution’s and its own general guidance. The reports of the respective
Commissions of Inquiry describe the procedure followed for the examination of
complaints, including the procedure for receiving communications from the parties and
other interested persons or organizations, and holding hearings. 3

C. Complaints as to the infringement of

freedom of association

1. Governing Body Committee on

Freedom of Association 4

Composition and terms of reference

85. The Committee is a tripartite organ of the Governing Body, comprising nine of its
members and nine substitute members sitting in a personal capacity, plus an independent
Chairperson. Its sittings are private, its working documents confidential and, in practice, its
decisions are taken by consensus. The Committee examines complaints of infringement of
freedom of association and submits its conclusions and recommendations to the Governing

3
See, for example, Official Bulletin, Vol. LXXIV (1991), Series B, Supplements 2 and 3.
4
The procedures of the Committee on Freedom of Association are described in Governing Body
decisions taken between its 117th (November 1951) and 209th (May–June 1979) Sessions, and in
separate ILO brochures and publications. During its March 2002 session, the Committee adopted
certain decisions relating to its procedure (see 327th Report, paras 17–26).

50 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Body. Complaints may be entertained regardless of whether the country concerned has
ratified any of the Conventions in the field of freedom of association. 5

Receivability of complaints

86. (a) Complaints must be in writing, signed and supported by proof of allegations relating
to specific infringements of freedom of association.
6
(b) Complaints must come from organizations of employers or workers or from
governments. An organization may be:

(i) a national organization directly interested in the matter;

(ii) an international organization of employers or workers which has consultative

status with the ILO; 7

(iii) another international organization of employers or workers, where the

allegations relate to matters directly affecting affiliated organizations.

87. The Committee has a full margin of appreciation to decide on the receivability of
complaints regarding the applicant. In fact, according to the special procedures for the
examination of complaints alleging violations of freedom of association, the Committee
has full freedom to decide whether an organization may be deemed to be an employers’ or
workers’ organization within the meaning of the ILO Constitution, and it does not consider
itself bound by any national definition of the term. The fact that a trade union has not
deposited its by-laws, as may be required by national laws, is not sufficient to make its
complaint irreceivable since the principles of freedom of association provide precisely that
the workers shall be able, without previous authorization, to establish organizations of their
own choosing. Finally, the fact that an organization has not been officially recognized does
not justify the rejection of allegations when it is clear from the complaints that this
organization has at least a de facto existence. 8

Organization of the Committee’s work

88. (a) The Committee meets three times a year.

(b) The Office may at any time ask a complainant to specify what infringements are
complained of, where a complaint is not sufficiently detailed.

5
This is because of the obligation on all member States, by virtue of their adherence to the ILO
Constitution, to recognize the principle of freedom of association.
6
The Committee itself decides whether a complainant may be deemed an organization for this
purpose. The Office is authorized to request further information from a complainant organization in
order to ascertain its precise nature.
7
At the time of printing, the International Organisation of Employers; the International Trade
Union Confederation; the Organization of African Trade Union Unity; and the World Federation of
Trade Unions.
8
Special procedures for the examination in the International Labour Organization of complaints
alleging violations of freedom of association.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 51
 (c) The Office informs complainants that they should supply any supplementary
information intended to substantiate their complaints within one month. 9

(d) The allegations are transmitted by the Office to the government concerned for reply
within a given period.

(e) The Committee decides whether to reach a conclusion or ask the government
concerned for additional information.

(f) The Committee may recommend the Governing Body to communicate them to the
government concerned, drawing attention to anomalies, and inviting measures to
remedy them as well as the transmission of further information on such measures. It
may also recommend referral to the Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission. 10

(g) The Committee’s Report is published in the Official Bulletin.

(h) The Committee agreed to adopt on a trial basis a procedure which would allow
seeking, as the case may be, the comments of all the parties affected, so that the
government may transmit to the Committee the most exhaustive reply possible. The
practical application of this new rule of procedure should not result in a delay
concerning the recourse to urgent appeals made to governments nor in the
examination of cases. 11

(i) The Office systematically requests governments to ensure that they obtain
information from all parties concerned by the allegations.

(j) The Committee may invite its Chairperson to hold consultations with a governmental
delegation during the International Labour Conference, to draw their attention to the
seriousness of some problems and to discuss the various means that would allow their
resolution.

(k) If a country has ratified the relevant Conventions on freedom of association, the
Committee can draw the legislative aspects of the case to the attention of the
Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations.

(l) In the course of the procedure, it is possible to undertake various missions (direct
contacts, technical assistance, etc.) with the government’s consent.

2. Fact-Finding and Conciliation Commission

on Freedom of Association

Composition, terms of reference and procedure

89. The Commission is composed of nine independent persons appointed by the Governing
Body, who normally work in panels of three. It examines complaints of infringements of
freedom of association referred to it by the Governing Body, including on the request of a

9
Only new evidence which could not have been adduced within that month will subsequently be
receivable.
10
See para. 86 below.
11
See 327th Report, paras 17–26.

52 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 government against which allegations are made. 12 The Commission’s procedure is
comparable to that of a Commission of Inquiry, 13 and its reports are published.

D. Failure to submit Conventions and

Recommendations to the competent authorities

Constitutional provision

90. Article 30 of the Constitution provides:

In the event of any Member failing to take the action required by paragraphs 5(b), 6(b)
or 7(b)(i) of article 19 with regard to a Convention or Recommendation, any other Member
shall be entitled to refer the matter to the Governing Body. In the event of the Governing Body
finding that there has been such a failure, it shall report the matter to the Conference.

12
These may relate to: (i) Members which have ratified the Conventions on freedom of association;
(ii) Members which have not ratified the relevant Conventions and which consent to the referral;
(iii) non-members of the ILO which are member States of the United Nations, where the Economic
and Social Council of the UN has transmitted the matter to the ILO and the State has consented to
the referral.
13
See para. 84 below.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 53
XII. Assistance available from the
International Labour Office in relation to
international labour standards

International labour standards and

technical cooperation

91. The International Labour Office undertakes various kinds of activities designed to assist
governments and employers’ and workers’ organizations fulfil their functions and roles in
the standard-setting and supervisory system. These should be seen in the context of the
Organization’s basic aims and principles as enshrined in its Constitution and international
labour standards, and its overall policy, which involves working closely with all three
constituents and other relevant institutions in each country in order to ensure that country
objectives are identified and served in terms of both labour standards and technical
cooperation.

Informal advisory services

92. The International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Office in
Geneva works together with the regional and subregional offices, and especially the
specialists in international labour standards in those offices, in the field, to give all kinds of
training, explanations, advice and assistance on the matters dealt with in this Handbook.
These services are offered both in response to specific requests received from governments
or employers’ or workers’ organizations and through routine advisory missions and
informal discussions initiated by the Office. Matters which may be dealt with include
questionnaires on items on the agenda of the Conference for possible new standards;
comments of the supervisory bodies and measures they might call for; new legislation;
government reports to be drafted; documents prepared for submission to the competent
authorities; arrangements for consultations between governments and employers’ and
workers’ organizations in relation to labour standards and ILO activities; ways in which
employers’ and workers’ organizations might fully participate in standard-setting and
supervisory procedures.

Direct contacts

93. The direct contacts procedure enables the examination by a representative of the Director-
General of the ILO with representatives of the country concerned of problems affecting the
ratification or implementation of Conventions or the discharge of obligations relating to
Conventions and Recommendations or a case before the Committee on Freedom of
Association. According to the principles elaborated by the responsible supervisory bodies,
the practical or legal difficulties met with should be sufficiently important to warrant direct
contacts. The procedure is as follows:

(a) Direct contacts may be suggested by the Committee of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations, the Conference Committee on the Application of
Standards or the Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association, or
requested by the government concerned.

(b) The Director-General explores the matter with the government concerned, whose full
consent must be given.

54 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 (c) The points to be dealt with should be clearly specified in advance.

(d) While direct contacts are taking place, the supervisory bodies may suspend their
examination of the matters in question for a period not normally exceeding one year,
so as to be able to take account of the outcome.

(e) Direct contacts should take a form appropriate to their purpose, which is to enable the
government concerned to explain all the elements of the case, in order that the
supervisory bodies may in turn be enabled to assess all relevant facts.

(f) Direct contacts should bring together those thoroughly acquainted with all aspects of
the matter, including government representatives with sufficient responsibility and
experience to speak with authority as to the national situation and their government’s
attitudes and intentions in the matter.

(g) The Director-General of the ILO will designate a representative who is either an
independent person or an ILO official fully conversant with the matter.

(h) The representative of the Director-General may, in agreement with the government
concerned, visit the country to hold discussions with government representatives,
explain the comments of the supervisory bodies, obtain a detailed acquaintance with
the government’s position and the exact nature of the difficulties met with, and make
available to the supervisory bodies all relevant information supplied by the
government.

(i) The representative of the Director-General will, in the course of the assignment,
contact employers’ and workers’ organizations so as to keep them informed of the
topics discussed and elicit their opinions.

(j) The establishment of the direct contacts and the terms of reference of the
representative of the Director-General may not in any way be construed as limiting
the functions and responsibilities of the supervisory bodies.

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 55
Appendix I
Calendar of action on international labour standards

Period ILO action Action by national administrations

Adoption of Conventions and Recommendations 1
November (year 1) and March ILO Governing Body considers and decides
(year 2) agenda of ILO Conference in year 4
November–December (year 2) ILO circulates report on law and practice, with Consult employers’ and workers’ organizations
questionnaire on content of possible new on replies (articles 38 and 39 of Conference
instrument Standing Orders and – for States parties to it –
C.144). Prepare replies to questionnaire and
send to ILO by 30 June (year 3), at the latest
January–February (year 4) ILO circulates report analysing replies, with Prepare position for Conference discussion
proposed conclusions
June (year 4) International Labour Conference – first Participate in work of technical committee, as
discussion of item appropriate
August–September (year 4) ILO circulates draft texts on basis of first Consult employers’ and workers’ organizations
discussion on comments (articles 38 and 39 of the
Conference Standing Orders and – for States
parties to it – C.144). Study and, if necessary,
send comments to ILO by 30 November
(year 4), at the latest
February–March (year 5) ILO circulates revised texts, in light of Prepare position for Conference discussion
comments received
June (year 5) International Labour Conference – second Participate in work of technical committee, as
discussion and adoption appropriate
Submission of Conventions 2 and Recommendations to the competent authorities
August 3 ILO circulates newly adopted Conventions and Study instruments and compare national
Recommendations, with Governing Body legislation and practice. States parties to
Memorandum on submission to the competent C.144: consult employers’ and workers’
authorities organizations on the proposals to be made
Prepare document summarizing the position
and proposals for further national action (if
appropriate) and on possible ratification of
Conventions. Submit to the competent
legislative authorities by June (or,
exceptionally, December) of following year
Report to the ILO, in accordance with
questionnaire in Governing Body
Memorandum, on measures taken to submit
the instruments to the competent authorities.
Send copies to employers’ and workers’
organizations
Reports on ratified Conventions
February ILO sends request for (detailed/simplified) States parties to C.144: consult employers’
reports due that year, with individual report and workers’ organizations on questions
forms and any comments by ILO supervisory arising out of reports to be made. Prepare
bodies reports and send (if necessary, in batches) to
reach the ILO between 1 June and
1 September at the latest. Send copies of
reports to employers’ and workers’
organizations

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 57
Period ILO action Action by national administrations
March ILO sends copies of request for reports due Study comments with a view to initiating any
that year with any comments by ILO measures needed to ensure compliance
supervisory bodies to the national States parties to C.144: consult organizations,
organizations of employers and workers as above
April ILO sends copies of comments by supervisory
bodies concerning Conventions on which
reports are due only in subsequent years
July ILO circulates report of Committee on the Examine, with a view to considering any action
Application of Standards at June Conference called for and, where necessary, taking the
session Committee’s comments into account in the
finalization of reports
June–August Send to ILO reports due (if necessary, in
batches)
November–December Committee of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations meets
March of the following year Publication of report of Committee of Experts Study in preparation for general discussion in
Conference Committee. Prepare information
(as appropriate) for Conference Committee, in
writing or to be given orally
June Conference Committee on the Application of Participate in proceedings and, as
Standards meets appropriate, in discussion of any cases
concerning own country selected for
consideration
Reports on unratified Conventions and Recommendations
September ILO sends request for reports, with report Prepare reports and send to ILO by 30 April of
forms the following year, at the latest. 4
Send copies to employers’ and workers’
organizations
November–December (in year Committee of Experts on the Application of
following request for reports) Conventions and Recommendations makes
General Survey
March of the following year Publication of Committee of Experts’ General Study, in preparation for discussions in
Survey Conference Committee and consideration of
general issues and comments
June Conference Committee on the Application of Participate in proceedings
Standards discusses the General Survey
1 This describes the double-discussion procedure and will be simplified in cases of single-discussion. 2 The term “Convention” also refers to any

Protocol adopted by the Conference in accordance with article 19 of the Constitution of the ILO. 3 When Conventions and Recommendations are
adopted by a Maritime Session of the Conference taking place in a different month than June, the Office will circulate them similarly the month
following their adoption; the action by national administrations is the same, the submission being due 12 (or, exceptionally, 18) months following the
session of the Conference at which the instruments were adopted. 4 Recommendation No. 152 (accompanying Convention No. 144) calls for
consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations on questions arising out of reports to be made.
Note: Reference to sending copies of reports and information to employers’ and workers’ organizations refers to the obligation laid down in article
23(2) of the ILO Constitution. The indications concerning “States parties to C.144” refer to obligations of States which have ratified the Tripartite
Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144). Similar provisions appear in the Tripartite Consultation (Activities of the
International Labour Organization) Recommendation, 1976 (No. 152).

58 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Appendix II

Information resources

Basic documents on ILO Conventions

and Recommendations
Constitution of the International Labour Organization and Standing Orders of the International
Labour Conference (ILO, 2009).
Report of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and
Recommendations. The annual report of the Committee is composed of:
General Report (Report III (Part 1A));
Observations (Report III (Part 1A));
General Survey (Report III (Part 1B)).
Information document on ratifications and standards-related activities (Report III (Part 2)).
Report of the Committee on the Application of Standards. Extracts from the Record of
Proceedings of the annual International Labour Conference. Published since 2007.
Report of the Committee on Freedom of Association. Published three times a year as a
Governing Body document and in the ILO’s Official Bulletin (Series B).
Official Bulletin of the International Labour Office (published since 1919). Series A contains
texts of adopted instruments, information on ratifications and denunciations of Conventions,
summaries of the decisions of the Governing Body, resolutions and decisions of the International
Labour Conference and regional meetings, interpretations of Conventions adopted by the
Conference, and conclusions of tripartite and experts’ meetings. Series B contains the reports of the
Committee on Freedom of Association.

Selected ILO publications

Rules of the game: A brief introduction to International Labour Standards (revised
edition 2009).
Freedom of Association – Digest of decisions and principles of the Freedom of Association
Committee of the Governing Body of the ILO. Fifth revised edition, 2006.
The Committee on the Application of Standards of the International Labour Conference: A
dynamic and impact built on decades of dialogue and persuasion, 2011.

CD-ROMs
International Labour Standards Electronic Library (ILSE CD-ROM). Contains Conventions,
Recommendations and other basic documents in English, French and Spanish, and a selection of
documents in other languages. Published annually.
Application of International Labour Standards (ANITA CD-ROM). Contains the general
report and comments of the Committee of Experts of its latest report, pending comments, and
discussions of observations that were selected for examination by the Conference Committee on the
Application of Standards at the International Labour Conference. Published annually.
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Electronic Library. Published annually.

Internet resources
NORMLEX is a new information system which brings together information on international
labour standards (such as ratification information, reporting requirements, comments of the ILO’s
supervisory bodies, etc.) as well as national labour and social security laws. NORMLEX has been
designed to provide comprehensive and user-friendly information on these topics and includes the

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 59
 NATLEX database as well as the information which was previously contained in the former
APPLIS, ILOLEX and Libsynd databases.
NATLEX: bibliographic database of national laws on labour, social security and related
human rights. Includes numerous laws in full text.
The above databases are available at the International Labour Standards website at:
www.ilo.org/normes.

60 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
Appendix III

Official titles of the Conventions adopted by the

International Labour Conference, 1919–2011
● Convention no longer open to ratification as a result of the entry into force of a revising
Convention.
♦ Convention not in force.
■ Convention withdrawn.
* Convention revised in whole or in part by a subsequent Convention or Protocol.

ILC, 1st Session, 1919

C.1 Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 1)

C.2 Unemployment Convention, 1919 (No. 2)
* C.3 Maternity Protection Convention, 1919 (No. 3)
* C.4 Night Work (Women) Convention, 1919 (No. 4)
* C.5 Minimum Age (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 5)
* C.6 Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 6)

ILC, 2nd Session, 1920

* C.7 Minimum Age (Sea) Convention, 1920 (No. 7)

C.8 Unemployment Indemnity (Shipwreck) Convention, 1920 (No. 8)
* C.9 Placing of Seamen Convention, 1920 (No. 9)

ILC, 3rd Session, 1921

* C.10 Minimum Age (Agriculture) Convention, 1921 (No. 10)

C.11 Right of Association (Agriculture) Convention, 1921 (No. 11)
* C.12 Workmen’s Compensation (Agriculture) Convention, 1921 (No. 12)
C.13 White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)
C.14 Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 (No. 14)
* C.15 Minimum Age (Trimmers and Stokers) Convention, 1921 (No. 15)
C.16 Medical Examination of Young Persons (Sea) Convention, 1921 (No. 16)

ILC, 7th Session, 1925

* C.17 Workmen’s Compensation (Accidents) Convention, 1925 (No. 17)

* C.18 Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention, 1925 (No. 18)
C.19 Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation) Convention, 1925 (No. 19)
C.20 Night Work (Bakeries) Convention, 1925 (No. 20)

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 61
ILC, 8th Session, 1926

C.21 Inspection of Emigrants Convention, 1926 (No. 21)

ILC, 9th Session, 1926

C.22 Seamen’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1926 (No. 22)

* C.23 Repatriation of Seamen Convention, 1926 (No. 23)

ILC, 10th Session, 1927

* C.24 Sickness Insurance (Industry) Convention, 1927 (No. 24)

* C.25 Sickness Insurance (Agriculture) Convention, 1927 (No. 25)

ILC, 11th Session, 1928

C.26 Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26)

ILC, 12th Session, 1929

C.27 Marking of Weight (Packages Transported by Vessels) Convention, 1929 (No. 27)
● C.28 Protection against Accidents (Dockers) Convention, 1929 (No. 28)

ILC, 14th Session, 1930

C.29 Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29)

C.30 Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1930 (No. 30)

ILC, 15th Session, 1931

■ C.31 Hours of Work (Coal Mines) Convention, 1931 (No. 31)

ILC, 16th Session, 1932

● C.32 Protection against Accidents (Dockers) Convention (Revised), 1932 (No. 32)
● C.33 Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention, 1932 (No. 33)

ILC, 17th Session, 1933

● C.34 Fee-Charging Employment Agencies Convention, 1933 (No. 34)

● C.35 Old-Age Insurance (Industry, etc.) Convention, 1933 (No. 35)
● C.36 Old-Age Insurance (Agriculture) Convention, 1933 (No. 36)
● C.37 Invalidity Insurance (Industry, etc.) Convention, 1933 (No. 37)
● C.38 Invalidity Insurance (Agriculture) Convention, 1933 (No. 38)
● C.39 Survivors’ Insurance (Industry, etc.) Convention, 1933 (No. 39)
● C.40 Survivors’ Insurance (Agriculture) Convention, 1933 (No. 40)

62 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
ILC, 18th Session, 1934

● C.41 Night Work (Women) Convention (Revised), 1934 (No. 41)

* C.42 Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention (Revised), 1934 (No.
42)
C.43 Sheet-Glass Works Convention, 1934 (No. 43)
● C.44 Unemployment Provision Convention, 1934 (No. 44)

ILC, 19th Session, 1935

C.45 Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45)

■ C.46 Hours of Work (Coal Mines) Convention (Revised), 1935 (No. 46)
C.47 Forty-Hour Week Convention, 1935 (No. 47)
● C.48 Maintenance of Migrants’ Pension Rights Convention, 1935 (No. 48)
C.49 Reduction of Hours of Work (Glass-Bottle Works) Convention, 1935 (No. 49)

ILC, 20th Session, 1936

C.50 Recruiting of Indigenous Workers Convention, 1936 (No. 50)

■ C.51 Reduction of Hours of Work (Public Works) Convention, 1936 (No. 51)
● C.52 Holidays with Pay Convention, 1936 (No. 52)

ILC, 21st Session, 1936

C.53 Officers’ Competency Certificates Convention, 1936 (No. 53)

♦● C.54 Holidays with Pay (Sea) Convention, 1936 (No. 54)
C.55 Shipowners’ Liability (Sick and Injured Seamen) Convention, 1936 (No. 55)
● C.56 Sickness Insurance (Sea) Convention, 1936 (No. 56)
♦● C.57 Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) Convention, 1936 (No. 57)

ILC, 22nd Session, 1936

* C.58 Minimum Age (Sea) Convention (Revised), 1936 (No. 58)

ILC, 23rd Session, 1937

* C.59 Minimum Age (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1937 (No. 59)

* C.60 Minimum Age (Non-Industrial Employment) Convention (Revised), 1937 (No. 60)
■ C.61 Reduction of Hours of Work (Textiles) Convention, 1937 (No. 61)
● C.62 Safety Provisions (Building) Convention, 1937 (No. 62)

ILC, 24th Session, 1938

● C.63 Convention concerning Statistics of Wages and Hours of Work, 1938 (No. 63)

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 63
ILC, 25th Session, 1939

C.64 Contracts of Employment (Indigenous Workers) Convention, 1939 (No. 64)

C.65 Penal Sanctions (Indigenous Workers) Convention, 1939 (No. 65)
■ C.66 Migration for Employment Convention, 1939 (No. 66)
● C.67 Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport) Convention, 1939 (No. 67)

ILC, 28th Session, 1946

C.68 Food and Catering (Ships’ Crews) Convention, 1946 (No. 68)
C.69 Certification of Ships’ Cooks Convention, 1946 (No. 69)
♦● C.70 Social Security (Seafarers) Convention, 1946 (No. 70)
C.71 Seafarers’ Pensions Convention, 1946 (No. 71)
♦● C.72 Paid Vacations (Seafarers) Convention, 1946 (No. 72)
C.73 Medical Examination (Seafarers) Convention, 1946 (No. 73)
C.74 Certification of Able Seamen Convention, 1946 (No. 74)
♦● C.75 Accommodation of Crews Convention, 1946 (No. 75)
♦● C.76 Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) Convention, 1946 (No. 76)

ILC, 29th Session, 1946

C.77 Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1946 (No. 77)
C.78 Medical Examination of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations) Convention,
1946 (No. 78)
C.79 Night Work of Young Persons (Non-Industrial Occupations) Convention, 1946 (No.
79)
C.80 Final Articles Revision Convention, 1946 (No. 80)

ILC, 30th Session, 1947

* C.81 Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81)

* C.82 l Policy (Non-Metropolitan Territories) Convention, 1947 (No. 82)
C.83 Labour Standards (Non-Metropolitan Territories) Convention, 1947 (No. 83)
C.84 Right of Association (Non-Metropolitan Territories) Convention, 1947 (No. 84)
C.85 Labour Inspectorates (Non-Metropolitan Territories) Convention, 1947 (No. 85)
C.86 Contracts of Employment (Indigenous Workers) Convention, 1947 (No. 86)

ILC, 31st Session, 1948

C.87 Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948
(No. 87)
C.88 Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88)
* C.89 Night Work (Women) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 89)
C.90 Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 90)

64 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
ILC, 32nd Session, 1949

● C.91 Paid Vacations (Seafarers) Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 91)

C.92 Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 92)
♦● C.93 Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 93)
C.94 Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94)
* C.95 Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95)
● C.96 Fee-Charging Employment Agencies Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 96)
C.97 Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97)
C.98 Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)

ILC, 34th Session, 1951

C.99 Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99)
C.100 Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)

ILC, 35th Session, 1952

* C.101 Holidays with Pay (Agriculture) Convention, 1952 (No. 101)

* C.102 Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102)
● C.103 Maternity Protection Convention (Revised), 1952 (No. 103)

ILC, 38th Session, 1955

C.104 Abolition of Penal Sanctions (Indigenous Workers) Convention, 1955 (No. 104)

ILC, 40th Session, 1957

C.105 Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105)

C.106 Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1957 (No. 106)
● C.107 Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 (No. 107)

ILC, 41st Session, 1958

● C.108 Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (No. 108)

♦● C.109 Wages, Hours of Work and Manning (Sea) Convention (Revised), 1958 (No. 109)

ILC, 42nd Session, 1958

* C.110 Plantations Convention, 1958 (No. 110)

C.111 Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

ILC, 43rd Session, 1959

* C.112 Minimum Age (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 112)

C.113 Medical Examination (Fishermen) Convention, 1959 (No. 113)
C.114 Fishermen’s Articles of Agreement Convention, 1959 (No. 114)

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ILC, 44th Session, 1960

C.115 Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

ILC, 45th Session, 1961

C.116 Final Articles Revision Convention, 1961 (No. 116)

ILC, 46th Session, 1962

C.117 Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117)
C.118 Equality of Treatment (Social Security) Convention, 1962 (No. 118)

ILC, 47th Session, 1963

C.119 Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

ILC, 48th Session, 1964

C.120 Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120)

C.121 Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964 [Schedule I amended in 1980] (No.
121)
C.122 Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122)

ILC, 49th Session, 1965

* C.123 Minimum Age (Underground Work) Convention, 1965 (No. 123)

C.124 Medical Examination of Young Persons (Underground Work) Convention, 1965 (No.
124)

ILC, 50th Session, 1966

C.125 Fishermen’s Competency Certificates Convention, 1966 (No. 125)

C.126 Accommodation of Crews (Fishermen) Convention, 1966 (No. 126)

ILC, 51st Session, 1967

C.127 Maximum Weight Convention, 1967 (No. 127)

C.128 Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors’ Benefits Convention, 1967 (No. 128)

ILC, 53rd Session, 1969

C.129 Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129)

C.130 Medical Care and Sickness Benefits Convention, 1969 (No. 130)

ILC, 54th Session, 1970

C.131 Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131)

C.132 Holidays with Pay Convention (Revised), 1970 (No. 132)

66 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
ILC, 55th Session, 1970

C.133 Accommodation of Crews (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1970 (No. 133)

C.134 Prevention of Accidents (Seafarers) Convention, 1970 (No. 134)

ILC, 56th Session, 1971

C.135 Workers’ Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135)

C.136 Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136)

ILC, 58th Session, 1973

C.137 Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137)

C.138 Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

ILC, 59th Session, 1974

C.139 Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

C.140 Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140)

ILC, 60th Session, 1975

C.141 Rural Workers’ Organisations Convention, 1975 (No. 141)

C.142 Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142)
C.143 Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143)

ILC, 61st Session, 1976

C.144 Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144)

ILC, 62nd Session, 1976

C.145 Continuity of Employment (Seafarers) Convention, 1976 (No. 145)

C.146 Seafarers’ Annual Leave with Pay Convention, 1976 (No. 146)
* C.147 Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147)

ILC, 63rd Session, 1977

C.148 Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No.
148)
C.149 Nursing Personnel Convention, 1977 (No. 149)

ILC, 64th Session, 1978

C.150 Labour Administration Convention, 1978 (No. 150)

C.151 Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 (No. 151)

Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx 67
ILC, 65th Session, 1979

C.152 Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152)
C.153 Hours of Work and Rest Periods (Road Transport) Convention, 1979 (No. 153)

ILC, 67th Session, 1981

C.154 Collective Bargaining Convention, 1981 (No. 154)

* C.155 Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
C.156 Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156)

ILC, 68th Session, 1982

C.157 Maintenance of Social Security Rights Convention, 1982 (No. 157)

C.158 Termination of Employment Convention, 1982 (No. 158)

ILC, 69th Session, 1983

C.159 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983

(No. 159)

ILC, 71st Session, 1985

C.160 Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160)

C.161 Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

ILC, 72nd Session, 1986

C.162 Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

ILC, 74th Session, 1987

C.163 Seafarers’ Welfare Convention, 1987 (No. 163)

C.164 Health Protection and Medical Care (Seafarers) Convention, 1987 (No. 164)
C.165 Social Security (Seafarers) Convention (Revised), 1987 (No. 165)
C.166 Repatriation of Seafarers Convention (Revised), 1987 (No. 166)

ILC, 75th Session, 1988

C.167 Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

C.168 Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention, 1988
(No. 168)

ILC, 76th Session, 1989

C.169 Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169)

68 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
ILC, 77th Session, 1990

C.170 Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

C.171 Night Work Convention, 1990 (No. 171)

ILC, 78th Session, 1991

C.172 Working Conditions (Hotels and Restaurants) Convention, 1991 (No. 172)

ILC, 79th Session, 1992

C.173 Protection of Workers’ Claims (Employer’s Insolvency) Convention, 1992 (No. 173)

ILC, 80th Session, 1993

C.174 Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

ILC, 81st Session, 1994

C.175 Part-Time Work Convention, 1994 (No. 175)

ILC, 82nd Session, 1995

C.176 Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

ILC, 83rd Session, 1996

C.177 Home Work Convention, 1996 (No. 177)

ILC, 84th Session, 1996

C.178 Labour Inspection (Seafarers) Convention, 1996 (No. 178)

C.179 Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers Convention, 1996 (No. 179)
C.180 Seafarers’ Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996 (No. 180)

ILC, 85th Session, 1997

C.181 Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181)

ILC, 87th Session, 1999

C.182 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182)

ILC, 88th Session, 2000

C.183 Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183)

ILC, 89th Session, 2001

C.184 Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

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ILC, 91st Session, 2003

C.185 Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003 (No. 185)

ILC, 94th Session, 2006

♦ MLC – Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

ILC, 95th Session, 2006

C.187 Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

ILC, 96th Session, 2007

♦ C.188 Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188)

ILC, 100th Session, 2011

♦ C.189 Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189)

70 Normes-HANDBOOK-Rev-[NORME-130319-1]-En.docx
 Handbook of procedures
relating to international
labour Conventions
and Recommendations

For more information:

International Labour Standards Department (NORMES)

International Labour Office Revised Edition 2012

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