Human Rights Day

The fundamental connection between human rights and labour rights

"We join our efforts with those of the international community to ensure that the rights of women and men, girls and boys everywhere are respected. We are committed to action in the world of work to respond to the call for Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always," says ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

Statement | 10 December 2015
© John Isaac / UN Photo
Today the ILO joins the global community in launching a year-long campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of two landmarks in the history of human rights: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, founded on the principles that all people are born equal in rights and in dignity.

The campaign under the motto "Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always" will centre on human rights and “four freedoms” – freedom of speech and worship, freedom from want and fear.

While many nations have made great strides in delivering on these freedoms and protecting rights, there is still some way to go in assuring worldwide respect for the principles they enshrine.

The ILO continues to highlight the fundamental connection between human rights and labour rights and the realization of decent work for all: work carried out in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity.

The provisions of the two Covenants echo the fundamental principles and rights at work concerning freedom from child labour and forced labour, freedom from discrimination at work and freedom of association and collective bargaining. They are enabling rights, underpinning fairness and justice in the world of work. The related ILO Conventions form an integral part of the United Nations’ overall human rights framework.

Universal ratification of these instruments is an important goal but beyond ratification, implementation is key. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – an ambitious global framework strongly anchored in human rights – offers a timely opportunity to mobilize for a renewed effort to make respect for these rights a reality for all. The 2030 Agenda sends a powerful message that without universal respect for human rights there is no sustainable development.

We join our efforts with those of the international community to ensure that the rights of women and men, girls and boys everywhere are respected. We are committed to action in the world of work to respond to the call for “Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always”.