David Hammond

The Need for a Human Rights at Sea Declaration with Teeth

By David Hammond 2019-10-09 02:43:25

The recent publishing of our fifth annual Human Rights at Sea report on October 1, 2019 was another milestone in being able to publicly disseminate examples of the charity’s work, scope, current reach and increasing influence. Delivered on a surprisingly small budget, we are tackling one of the largest human rights topics within the maritime sector of recent times, that being the emerging understanding of the significant levels of impunity at sea, assertion of exclusive flag State jurisdiction with...

Sea-Watch Captain Freed: A Victory for Humanitarian Rescue at Sea

By David Hammond 2019-07-08 17:51:44

Captain Carola Rackete has now been freed, but the European political controversy continues. The judicial decision delivered a much needed victory for both common-sense and humanitarian acts of rescue at sea, thereby setting a precedent to be reflected on for all vessel Captains and policy makers alike. Judge Alessandra Vella made a decision that reflected no case to answer, as the charges raised by Italian prosecutors against the Sea-Watch Captain were non-applicable in this case. Sea-Watch, nonetheless, still anticipates further...

Human Rights at Sea Annual Review 2018

By David Hammond 2018-12-28 17:25:23

Looking back over past annual reviews there is a common theme of highlighting what we can do better in addition to discussing our successes and delivery. As our charity continues to evolve into its fifth year emerging as a recognized independent maritime human rights organization that theme continues. Importantly, it is now backed by a proven proof of concept and a clear need for our services. Consolidation of our internal work processes, external delivery of high-quality case studies and publications,...

MV Liberty Prrudencia: A Gross Failure in Protecting Seafarers' Rights

By David Hammond 2017-04-19 06:31:15

I have great respect for the mental and physical tenacity of the remaining 13 Indian crew of the MV Liberty Prrudencia. At the time of writing, they remain effectively abandoned by the owners in Zhoushan, China, having been paid just one month’s wages in six months, but to date have steadfastly refused to bow down to pressure exerted to get them to leave their vessel. In March, the outstanding wage bill was in excess of $148,000 from the papers supplied....

Human Rights at Sea: An Annual Review

By David Hammond 2016-12-27 17:26:06

When asked to provide an annual review the temptation is to list every subjective 2016 success to polish the corporate image and put one’s best foot forward. That part is easy, and to a degree it will follow, but first let me start with what could have been done better this year. Why? I strongly believe that honesty and transparency drives long-term support. International engagement: Our charity needs to do more to continue to raise the profile of our international platform,...

Human Rights: Stand Up for Someone

By David Hammond 2016-12-13 23:15:33

Today, we celebrate and promote Human Rights Day across the globe. This commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe December 10 of each year as Human Rights Day. This year the U.N. calls on everyone to stand up for someone’s rights....

Human Rights: Why BP Should be Congratulated

By David Hammond 2016-06-07 00:28:52

By David Hammond, CEO and Founder of Human Rights at Sea As a maritime human rights charity for whom the topic of business and human rights, its implementation in the maritime environment and advocacy in support of awareness of the U.N. guidance is a key part of our Charitable Objectives, the overt stance and the commitments explicitly articulated by BP is a refreshing read. The soft law guidance of...