ILO & International Labour — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. 1919

The ILO was founded in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I. It was established under Part XIII of the Treaty of Versailles. The ILO was created with the recognition that universal peace could only be achieved if it was based on social justice. It became the first specialised agency of the United Nations in 1946.

Correct Answer: C. Geneva

The ILO headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The International Labour Office, which is the secretariat of the ILO, is also based in Geneva. Geneva is a major hub for international organisations, hosting numerous UN agencies and international bodies. The ILO has maintained its headquarters in Geneva since its founding in 1919.

Correct Answer: A. Governments, Employers, and Workers

The ILO is the only tripartite UN agency, meaning it brings together representatives of governments, employers, and workers to jointly shape policies and programmes. Each member state is represented by two government delegates, one employer delegate, and one worker delegate. This unique structure gives equal voice to social partners and promotes consensus-building in labour standards. The tripartite approach ensures that ILO standards and policies are developed with input from all major stakeholders in the world of work.

Correct Answer: B. 1969

The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969, on its 50th anniversary. The prize was awarded in recognition of the ILO's efforts to improve labour conditions, extend social justice, and promote international peace. The Nobel Committee highlighted the ILO's unique role in bringing together governments, employers, and workers in the pursuit of social justice. This recognition affirmed the ILO's contribution to global peace through its work on labour rights and social protection.

Correct Answer: A. 1919

India is a founding member of the ILO, having been part of it since 1919 when the organisation was established under the Treaty of Versailles. India's participation as a founding member reflects its early engagement with international labour standards and workers' rights. Despite being under British colonial rule at the time, India was represented as a founding member. This long association has significantly influenced India's labour legislation and policy development.

Correct Answer: D. Part XIII

The ILO was established under Part XIII of the Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919 after World War I. Part XIII specifically dealt with labour matters and laid the foundation for the International Labour Organisation. It outlined the structure, mandate, and principles of the ILO. The inclusion of labour standards in the peace treaty reflected the belief that lasting peace required social justice.

Correct Answer: B. 1946

The ILO became a specialised agency of the United Nations in 1946, shortly after the UN was established in 1945. This relationship was formalised through an agreement between the ILO and the UN. The ILO thus became the first specialised agency to be associated with the newly formed United Nations system. This relationship allows the ILO to maintain its tripartite structure while cooperating closely with the broader UN family.

Correct Answer: C. Albert Thomas

Albert Thomas of France was the first Director-General of the ILO, serving from 1919 to 1932. He played a pivotal role in establishing the ILO's working methods and culture, including the development of international labour standards. Albert Thomas was a socialist politician and administrator who worked tirelessly to build the ILO into an effective international organisation. His leadership laid the foundation for the ILO's tripartite approach and its focus on workers' rights.

Correct Answer: C. Gilbert Houngbo

Gilbert Houngbo of Togo became the Director-General of the ILO in October 2022. He was elected by the ILO Governing Body and is the first African to head the ILO. Prior to his appointment as ILO Director-General, Houngbo served as President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and as Prime Minister of Togo. His appointment represents a significant milestone for Africa's representation in leading international organisations.

Correct Answer: B. Geneva, June

The International Labour Conference (ILC) meets annually in June in Geneva, Switzerland. It is often referred to as the 'international parliament of labour' as it sets international labour standards and adopts the ILO's policy and budget. The ILC is the supreme deliberative body of the ILO and brings together delegations from all member states. Each national delegation consists of two government delegates, one employer delegate, and one worker delegate.