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How do ILO conventions differ from ILO recommendations?
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Labour law
Diorite stela inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi, 18th century bce.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopts international standards in the form of conventions and recommendations to influence and harmonize labour law globally. The primary difference between these two instruments lies in their legal status and application:1
- Conventions: These are international treaties that, once ratified by a member state, become binding legal obligations for that country. The ILO employs follow-up arrangements, such as the examination of regular reports and commissions of inquiry, to ensure that these obligations are fulfilled.1
- Recommendations: These instruments are not legally binding. Instead, they are designed to serve as non-mandatory guides for national legislation, collective agreements, and administrative measures.1
Both conventions and recommendations are developed and revised during the annual sessions of the International Labour Conference to address important branches of labour law.1