"ILO Steps Up Moves to Protect Migrant Fishers," 23 September 2017

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a resolution aimed at boosting protection for migrant fishers last week.

The resolution addresses matters such as close cooperation between U.N. agencies for a rapid implementation of international instruments, including a formal campaign to increase ratification of Convention 188, the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007. It also calls for the development of guidelines on labor recruitment and calls for member states to cooperate on criminal cases and abuses against migrant fishers.

The Work in Fishing Convention sets minimum requirements for work on board including hours of rest, food, minimum age and repatriation and has been ratified by 10 States (Angola, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Congo, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Morocco, Norway and South Africa). It will enter into force in November 2017...

Migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to situations including: deception during recruitment; discrimination in employment; restrictions on freedom of association and collective bargaining; forced labor as well as to occupational safety and health concerns. Once on board, fishers may find the conditions of their employment contract not respected or their contracts substituted. They also face considerable challenges in accessing social protection, including health care and social security, due to their nationality, migration status, length of employment and residence and loss of entitlements in their home country...