last updated 14 May 2007

International Labor Organization (ILO)

The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the UN specialized agency that promotes internationally recognized human and labor rights. The ILO formulates policies to improve working conditions and employment opportunities, as well as global labor standards, through conventions and recommendations. The ILO, through its Conditions of Work and Employment Programme (TRAVAIL), addresses workplace violence and harassment. The ILO has produced several publications on this issue, including an information booklet on company practices to combat sexual harassment around the world, which can be ordered from the ILO directly. The ILO has also published a report called Sexual Harassment at Work: National and International Responses (2005) by D. McCann. It examines international and domestic standards, activities undertaken by NGOs, governments, employers and employees, workplace policies, and developments and trends.  

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO), through the Department of Gender, Women and Health, seeks to promote gender perspectives throughout WHO’s work. It uses research, training and advocacy to increase understanding about gender issues. WHO also addresses domestic violence, or interpersonal violence, through the Department for Injuries and Violence Prevention which was created in 2000. In 2002, WHO launched the Global Campaign for Violence Prevention to increase awareness about violence, emphasize the role of public health, and encourage action. The Global Campaign for Violence Prevention acts as a basis for implementation of the recommendations of the World Report on Violence and Health. In 2005, WHO launched its Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women, a study on domestic violence in ten countries based on interviews with 24,000 women.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The United Nations also maintains a close affiliation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an intergovernmental humanitarian organization. The IOM works in cooperation with national governments, the United Nations and with NGOs. The IOM has carried out a number of counter-trafficking activities in the CEE/FSU. The IOM conducts information campaigns and research on the issue of trafficking, and also provides services, such as rehabilitation and return assistance, for victims of trafficking. The IOM also offers technical assistance to governments to strengthen their legal systems.