International Workers Rights

In 1998, the International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted a “Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” in response to growing concerns about the effects of global competition on workers. The Declaration affirms that all ILO member nations have an obligation to respect, promote, and realize the most fundamental workers’ rights:

• Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
• Elimination of all Forms of Forced or Compulsory Labor
• Effective Abolition of Child Labor
• Elimination of Discrimination in respect of Employment and Occupation

Unfortunately, existing laws and international standards are often violated.
Many countries and states:

• lack effective laws to protect children
• include exemptions that make laws unenforceable or only cover children in certain industries
• rarely enforce existing laws on child labor, or are under pressure from employers or local governments not to enforce laws
• lack funds or trained personnel to enforce laws