COMPLAINTS Diagram of the complaints procedure Another ratifying member state, an International Labour Conference delegate or the Governing Body can bring a complaint. Government(s) Delegate(s) Governing Body The Governing Body decides whether to appoint a Commission of Inquiry. GOVERNING BODY If the complaint involves freedom of association, it may be referred to the Governing Body’s Committee on Freedom of Association. COMMITTEE ON FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION COMMISSION OF INQUIRY The independent Commission of Inquiry thoroughly investigates the complaint, setting its procedures as required by the case. The government concerned may be visited. Government concerned The Commission of Inquiry reports its findings, giving Recommendations and a time frame for their implementation. REPORT The report is sent to the government concerned, published, and transmitted to the Governing Body to take note. Government concerned ICJ GOVERNING Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations The government(s) concerned may refer the complaint to the International Court of Justice for a final decision. 2. Special procedures for complaints relating to freedom of association59 s the right to organize is pivotal to the ILO, mechanisms were established to protect this right regardless of whether the relevant Conventions had been ratified. The ILO has two committees to investigate complaints relating to freedom of association: • Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Associa- A 34 BODY The Committee of Experts follows up on implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. tion; • Fact-finding and Conciliation Commission on Freedom of Association. 2.1 Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association A complaint can be registered at this Committee irrespective of whether the country concerned has ratified the ILO Conventions relating to freedom of association. THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION: A HANDBOOK FOR MINORITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES