Labor Laws: A Comparative Study of the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Children’s FundBrooh Hailu

Brief Overview

International labor laws need a need an enhancement to have a more effective system

There are multiple theories as to why Labor exploitation still exists today

UNICEF provides an example of an effective organization that the ILO could follow

Labor Exploitation Theories

Race to the Bottom Steven L. Willborn- Competition as a force that puts pressureon costs of labor

Redistribution of Wealth Alin Criotoru- Unequal incomes are the results of

unequal marginal productivity of workers

Cultures and Norms Heather Murray- Labor work in some nations is often

viewed as a family matter

The International Labor Organization (ILO)

What is the International Labor Organization? An international body that seeks to maintain labor

cohesion by setting and developing labor standards all over the world.

Objectives 1) Promote and realize standards and fundamental

principles and right at work 2) Create greater opportunities for women and men to

decent employment and income 3) Enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social

protection for all 4) Strengthen tripartism and social dialogue

Gulf States and the ILO

States which border the Persian Gulf, namely Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Kafala System الكفالة  نظام Requires a migrant worker to be sponsored by a citizen,

resident or government agency.

Barrier to ILO efforts Most of the Gulf States choose not to ratify ILO

conventions

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Quick Facts

Founded in 1946

Became a specialized fund of the UN in 1953

Present in more than 190 countries worldwide today

Works through private donations, sponsorships, and partnerships

UNICEF continued

Objective To provide longer term assistance Survival, nutrition, health, environmental safety, and

education Protection from violence, exploitation and abuse

The Implementation Handbook for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 4:

“All appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures must be taken, and those measures shall be undertaken to the maximum extent of their available resources and where needed, within the framework of international cooperation” .

Analytical Comparison

UNICEF as an example for the ILO

Implementation: UNICEF

Data collection- Accurate representation to make appropriate plans

Country specific- Works with national governments and NGOs in developing and executing plans to ensure compatibility

ILO Data Collection- One size fits all Country Specific- Study of Cultures

Conclusion

Enforcement: ILO needs a system that is vigorous and effective Repercussions to hold countries liable Leading nations of the ILO like the U.S. should carry the

responsibility of setting an example