Innovatively linking actual implementation to ratification of International Labour Office (ILO) Core Conventions, the author develops a new method and uses unexploited data from the ILO’s supervisory system to rate the achievement of basic human rights in the world of work – freedom of association and freedom from forced labour, child labour and discrimination – for 159 countries during the period 1985-2003. It will appeal to the human and labour rights communities as well as to social scientists interested in indicators or international relations.