The ILO is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It was founded in 1919 and is the only surviving major creation of the Treaty of Versailles which brought the League of Nations into being. It became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946.

A specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) developing international standards of labour rights covering such areas as working conditions, equal opportunity, social security, forced labour, freedom of association and minimum age restrictions.

was founded in 1919 to advance social justice and better living conditions throughout the world. In 1946 it became the first specialized agency associated with the United Nations. It is a tripartite organization: workers' and employers' representatives take part in its work with equal status to that of governments. The number of ILO member States is 174 as of 1 February 2000. Functions set out for the Office in the ILO Constitution