International Instruments

Monique CloutierActrav

INSTRUMENTS• Universal Declaration of Human rights• International Labour Standards• Tripartite Declaration of principles

concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy

• 1998 ILO Declaration• UN Global compact

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• Adopted in December 1948• Rights to life, liberty and freedom and work

(Many articles and especially art. 23)

International Labour Standards

• Next module

Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises

and Social Policy• Adopted in 1977, amended in 2000 and 2006

What is it?• Only set of guidelines of its kind globally agreed

by business, labour (2) and governments• Follow-up conducted in consultation with ILO

Governing Body and ILC

How MNE Declaration address FDI and decent

work• General policies• Employment• Training• Conditions of worl and life• Industrial relations

1998 ILO Declaration• The principles and rights are found in

the Constitution, and have been expressed in the 8 fundamental Conventions

• Unlike Conventions, the Declaration is not subject to ratification, nor does it give rise to any new obligations

Overview of the Follow-up• The Annual Review is based on reports from

governments who have not yet ratified one or more of the fundamental Conventions.

• The Global Report provides a dynamic world picture that highlights trends in respect of the fundamental principles and rights, regardless of whether or not a country has ratified any of the fundamental Conventions. 

UN Global compact• In an address to the World Economic Forum on

31 January 1999, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, challenged business leaders to join an international initiative – the Global Compact – that would bring companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support universal environmental and social principles.

• The Global Compact is a purely voluntary initiative with two objectives:

• Mainstream the ten principles in business activities around the world

• Catalyse actions in support of UN goals

The ten principles• Human rights (2 principles)

Respect human rights and not complicit in human rights abuses

• Labour standards (4 principles)Those of the Declaration 

• Environment (3 principles)Protection of environment, promotion of responsability and development of friendly technologies

• Anti-corruption (1 principle)