The ilo Stumbling towards Its Centenary Anniversary

Abstract

Throughout the 20th century, the International Labour Organization ('ilo') has played a significant and successful role in the international advancement of social justice. However, in the past 10-15 years the impact of the organization has decreased. Its legislative machinery seems to have come to a standstill. Hardly any influential modern legal instruments have been developed in these years. The ilo's monitoring system via the Committee of Experts is in danger to be weakened, mainly due to questions from within the organization. The boat that passed by flying the corporate social responsibility ('csr') flag, has been missed. A powerful and unanimous signal, for instance by adopting a Framework Convention on Decent Work, is necessary if the organization is to survive in the 21st century.