The International Labour Organization (ILO)(opens in new window) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is responsible for developing and overseeing international labour standards. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA)(opens in new window) is a global mechanism that is applicable to all ILO member states. The CFA is one of several ILO grievance mechanisms.

The CFA will handle complaints from government/workers’/employers’ organisations that allege an ILO member state has violated workers’ rights. Individuals cannot file complaints. There is no requirement that ILO member states being accused of violating workers’ right must have ratified the relevant conventions. Complaints may also be filed against UN member states that are non-members of the ILO.