In 1958, the International Labor Organization adopted the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (C111), which prohibits discrimination based on "any distinction, exclusion or preference made on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation." Under Convention 111, States Parties are required to undertake a national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in respect of employment and occupation, in order to eliminate discrimination.

As of 25 April 2007, 165 countries had ratified ILO Convention 111.