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PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT TO THE CELEBRATION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION AND OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE ILO'S DECLARATION OF PHILADELPHIA

Resolution adopted without a vote by the Inter-Parliamentary Council at its 153rd session
(Canberra, 13 September 1993)


The Inter-Parliamentary Council,

Considering that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 1994, having been established by the Treaty of Versailles signed in 1919,

Noting that 1994 also marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the ILO's Declaration of Philadelphia, a landmark in the definition of universal human rights,

Recalling that in 1969, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its pursuit of its constitutional objective of establishing social justice as the imperative foundation for universal and lasting peace,

Noting the ILO's affirmation that all human beings have the right to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in conditions of freedom and dignity, of economic security and equal opportunity, and that "the attainment of the conditions in which this shall be possible must constitute the central aim of national and international policy",

Considering that the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the ILO share the same values and that their action is based on the same principles,

Taking particular note of the ILO's unique tripartite character, whereby "the representatives of workers and employers, enjoying equal status with those of governments, join with them in free discussion and democratic decision with a view to the promotion of the common welfare",

Considering that the ILO sets an example in applying and safeguarding the principles of parliamentary democracy, demonstrated in the practice of tripartite dialogue and decision-making both in the determination of social policy and the conduct of industrial relations in its member States,

Noting that the ILO's standard-setting work confirms its faith in the rule of law and the role of national legislation as an instrument for orderly social progress,

Considering that this activity has resulted in the formulation of international labour standards and specific international instruments which are open to ratification by States,

Convinced that the ILO's aims and purposes remain fully valid in the rapidly evolving world of labour of our times,

1. Commends the ILO for its enunciation of rights, freedoms, principles and duties which lie at the heart of humane civilization and for the steadfast dedication with which it has defended and enlarged these values throughout 75 years of turbulent global change;

2. Reaffirms the support of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to the ILO's objectives, principles and democratic methods of operation, and hopes that the fruitful relations of co-operation hitherto existing between the two Organizations will be strengthened, notably in view of the holding of the Social Development Summit in Copenhagen in 1995;

3. Calls on each of the parliaments represented in the Union to take the necessary measures to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the ILO and the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Philadelphia, for example by holding a special sitting and adopting a motion of support to the ILO's activities;

4. Calls on each of the parliaments represented in the Union to take the following measures:

(a) Enquire into its country's ratification of the ILO conventions and, if appropriate, take the necessary initiatives for the rapid ratification of those conventions concerned;

(b) Take the necessary initiatives so that the grounds for reservations that may have been expressed at the time of ratification of an ILO convention be reviewed with a view to their being lifted;

(c) Take initiatives to ensure that, particularly by adapting national labour legislation, the standards set by the ILO are fully implemented;

(d) Foresee using the ILO's technical advisory services in their national development programmes;

(e) Ensure that its country's financial obligations towards the ILO are discharged in full and within the deadlines set;

5. Requests the Secretary General to send this resolution to all members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union as soon as possible so that the requisite follow-up measures are taken in each country.


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