The ILO’s Endeavour to Eliminate Child Labour Worldwide: A Discourse on Legitimacy and Standards Fit for Purpose

Abstract

The article examines the extent to which International Labour standards (ILS) have contributed to combating child labour. Child labour is regarded as an impediment to children’s development and their human rights. The ILO’s endeavour to improve labour relations and eradicate child labour globally has seen the organisation engaged in adopting Conventions and Recommendations focusing on current critical issues in the labour environment. The idea that the International labour Organisation is a necessity which the world has been waiting for years (Thomas, 1921: p. 5, 22) is underpinned by the working mechanisms that are well accepted among member states. More significantly, the optimism of the founders and their desire to thrive were the driving forces necessary to put the ILO on the track to longevity. Hence, the article evaluates the working mechanisms of the organisation which facilitate the materialisation of its approaches to various labour issues. The approach taken is a textual analysis and justification of the International Labour Standards (ILS). The article concludes that the ILO has the legitimacy to set international labour standards and that its standards are fit for purpose. Indeed in the light of its focus, its working mechanism, and its efficient approach to labour issues, the ILO cannot be denied the status of “most adequate institution” in addressing child labour issues with a view to eradicating the phenomenon worldwide.