Fundamental Rights in a Changing World of Work
Introduction to the course
This course seeks to strengthen participants' understanding of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and to equip them with the analytical capacity to assess how these universal rights are being challenged, reshaped and reaffirmed in a rapidly changing world of work. In light of widening implementation gaps and emerging global drivers the course aims to support participants in critically examining current trends, identifying risks and opportunities for the realization of all five categories of fundamental rights, and translating international commitments into coherent, evidence-based policy and practice that advance social justice, decent work and sustainable development. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES - Update participants' understanding of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and their relevance in a changing world of work. - Examine how key drivers of change affect the realization of fundamental rights. - Strengthen the ability to identify risks, interpret evidence, and assess impacts on different groups of workers, with particular attention to vulnerability and inequality. - Explore integrated entry points for action aligned with recent ILO policy directions and standards.
Who attends this course?
The course is designed for professionals involved in labour rights, labour governance and the world of work, including: - Officials and practitioners from ministries of labour and social development, labour administrations. - Representatives of workers' and employers' organizations. - Staff from national human rights institutions, equality bodies and public agencies working on labour rights and inclusion. - Researchers, trainers and practitioners from international organizations, development partners, academia, and civil society.
APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The course is delivered online through the eCampus, the ITCILO learning platform. Each week follows a structured learning pathway combining:
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Self-paced learning materials (short readings, interactive modules and guided activities).
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Two interactive live webinars per week (expert inputs, guided discussion and case clinics).
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A weekly quiz to consolidate key concepts.
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A final assignment to apply learning to participants’ contexts.
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Discussion forums and peer exchange.
Live webinars are scheduled in Central European Time (Rome/Turin).
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The course runs over three weeks (one module per week). Each module focuses on a set of drivers reshaping the world of work and their implications for fundamental principles and rights at work.
WEEK 1: 5 –9 OCTOBER
Module 1 – Foundations: FPRW at a critical crossroads in a changing world of work
WEEK 2: 1 2–16 OCTOBER
Module 2 – Climate change, informality and democratic space: protecting rights under pressure
WEEK 3: 1 9 –23 OCTOBER
Module 3 – New non-standard forms of employment and the irruption of new technologies
ASSESSMENT AND COMPLETION
Successful completion is based on:
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Completion of the weekly quizzes and self-guided modules.
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Submission of final assignment.
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Active participation in live webinars and/or discussion forums (recommended).
