6. International Labour Organization (ILO)

Abstract

As the world was still fighting COVID-19, 2021 brought in another first in the history of the ILO. The International Labour Conference (ILC), often called the world parliament of labour, was held virtually for the first time. It may be recalled that the 109th ILC, originally scheduled for 2020, had to be deferred due to the pandemic. The Conference was held in two parts: the first part in June and the second part in November. The Conference adopted a resolution, ‘A Global Call to Action,’ outlining measures for a human-centred recovery from COVID-19 that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. A resolution concerning inequalities and the world of work, a resolution concerning skills and lifelong learning, and a resolution concerning the second recurrent discussion on social protection (social security) adopted in the Conference have significance from an environmental and occupational, safety, and health (OSH) perspective. In addition to these Resolutions, the annual report covers the Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Textiles, Clothing, Leather and Footwear, and a declaration adopted at the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-26) to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change that draws heavily from the ILO’s work.