The ILO Core Labour Standards are the fundamental principles and rights at work codified by the International Labour Organization, covering freedom of association and collective bargaining, the elimination of forced and child labour, non-discrimination, and a safe and healthy working environment. They are expressed through ratifiable conventions that member states commit to uphold. The standards form the baseline against which ethical sourcing and labour due-diligence are assessed.
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- The standards are anchored in the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, with health and safety added as a fifth category in 2022. Brands and suppliers reference them in codes of conduct, audits, and traceability programmes to demonstrate that goods are produced under acceptable labour conditions.