ILO promotes human rights and decent working conditions.

• Position: International Labour Organisation

Action to advance the cause of human rights and decent labour conditions in a difficult economic climate was endorsed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body in its recommendations to the International Labour Conference.

The Governing Body at its three-week session (Geneva, 13 February3 March) also elected Michel Hansenne, Belgium's Minister for Civil Service, as Director-General of the International Labour Office, the secretariat of the ILO (see box).

The $350 million programme for 1990-1991, while putting stronger emphasis on defence of human rights and promotion of international labour standards, provides for action in all major spheres of ILO technical operations: employment and development, training, industrial relations and labour administration, working conditions and environment, social security and activities to strengthen employers and workers organizations and promote tripartism.

Follow-up to the 1987 High-Level Meeting on Employment and Structural Adjustment-described as a landmark in the Organisation's recent history-is a priority theme of the 1990-1991 programme. Other areas to get special attention are: equality of opportunity and treatment for women, environmental concerns and technological change, and the rural and informal sectors.

The programme represents a less-than-zero growth budget-in real terms, a reduction of 1.3 per cent compared to the current level.

Freedom of association

Of 68 current cases of alleged infringement of ILO standards on freedom of association, 17 were examined in substance, with definitive conclusions being adopted in nine and interim conclusions in eight.

The Body also adopted interim conclusions on a complaint lodged by the International Organization of Employers against Panama, noting an oral assurance from the Government that all...