Page "International labor standards" Paragraph 16

Overall, the ILO structure essentially created a system of voluntary compliance with labor standards based on ratification of the established conventions.

In general the enforcement system of representation and complaints has been successful – success being measured by the fact that only one representation or complaint has reached the most severe sanction.

On the other hand, due to the absence of strong sanctions, the ILO lacks a strong enough deterrent factor for countries inclined to violate the standards the ILO upholds.

Further, the “ flexibility ” of standards allows too much leeway for adaptation based on independent circumstances, diminishing the force of the conventions.