Supply chains firms urged to protect seafarers’ rights

Awide-ranging set of guidance has been issued to help enterprises using shipping services to protect the human rights of seafarers, as hundred of thousands are still stranded on ships due to COVID-19 imposed travel restrictions.

The Human Rights Due Diligence Tool is a joint initiative of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Due Diligence Tool for cargo owners and charterers has been issued amid concerns that the number of crew stranded at sea by COVID-19 restrictions could surge from the current level of 200,000, potentially returning to the peak of 400,000 seafarers at the height of the crew change crisis in September 2020. UN agencies hope the new guidance will help ensure that the working conditions and human rights of seafarers are respected and comply with international standards.

The concept of “hub” ports to receive, quarantine, test for COVID-19 and potentially vaccinate seafarers in the Pacific region was explored at a roundtable meeting (25 February) involving representatives from States in the region, UN agencies, the shipping industry, the relevant trade union organization and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Seafarers from Pacific island States have faced circuitous and lengthy journeys to return home when this has been arranged, illustrating the complexities of the crew change crisis.

Transit and repatriation requirements, usually via indirect flights, include quarantine days and negative COVID test results before onboarding flights/entry into the country.

The meeting identified the potential for hub ports in Australia (Brisbane), Fiji and New Zealand, and welcomed those countries’ willingness to help. Limitations such as the need to book limited quarantine facilities in advance, short supply of medical resources, including PCR equipment and test kits, and the costs of repatriation were acknowledged.

The need for priority vaccination for seafarers was also highlighted.

The roundtable meeting was organized by IMO and attended by representatives from Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga; and from the International Labour Organization (ILO), IMO, World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), UN Resident Coordinators (Fiji and Samoa), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS).