Italics and underlining
 
  1. In ILO instruments italic script is used only in a limited number of cases. First, italics are used for foreign words and expressions not in common use, like Gallicisms or Latin phrases, or other words not in the drafting language) that are obscure to the average reader. Thus, the Latin expressions "mutatis mutandis" and "bona fide" normally appear in italics. Drafters should be careful here, since English words are often italicized in French, likewise words from other languages which are neither English nor French, like "dhows", are not italicized in English or French. Secondly, italics are used for the titles of official publications referred to in a Convention or a Recommendation: for example, Article 6(3) of the Health Protection and Medical Care (Seafarers) Convention, 1987 (No. 164), refers, in italic script, to the International medical guide for ships and the Medical first-aid guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods. The same practice relates to the Code of practice on safety in the use of asbestos.
  1. Certain terms appear in italics for stylistic reasons, to give emphasis to a word or phrase that has particular importance in an instrument. Articles 9 and 11 of the Social Security (Seafarers) (Revised) Convention, 1987 (No. 165), for example, use italics to draw attention to the various benefits available and which are listed in subparagraphs.
  1. Lastly, there is no underlining in ILO Conventions and Recommendations.
  1. In ILO Conventions and Recommendations, words or expressions foreign to the language in which the instruments are drafted should be avoided. Where an expression - originally borrowed from a foreign language - has become common usage or is a recognized technical term, it can be used but, in that case, not italicized. A list of such words in English appears in the ILO house style manual, and includes expressions such as: "ad hoc", "apartheid", "in extenso", "in extremis", "de facto", "de jure", "status quo" and certain currency units.
  1. When the context makes it absolutely necessary (for example, where there is no English language alternative, equivalent phrase), expressions not in the drafting language should be written in italics. Italics are also the rule for titles of foreign language laws, decrees and protocols, publications, etc. For the latter, where the exact title is reproduced in the instrument, initial capitals in the original language are respected. Practice determines the words that have become a common usage or recognized technical terms.