Global Maritime Human Rights Reporting Platform Launched

Human Rights at Sea is pleased to announce a new and unique partnership with the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) through the launching of the new global platform for recording cases of maritime human rights abuses. The platform highlights pertinent international cases from the shipping and fisheries industries, and publishes cases relevant to identifying best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices for companies operating in the maritime sector.

This is the first such dedicated international maritime reporting platform to be linked with the global reporting hub hosted by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, and is a joint initiative to continue the ongoing advocacy efforts centered around highlighting human rights abuses at sea.

At the time of launch, there are references to over 50 international companies and multiple links to corporate cases which can be identified using the online search function across the maritime industry, fishing industry and shipbreaking resource pages.

Maritime industries continue to face serious human rights and labor rights abuses, from modern-day-slavery in the fisheries industry to labor rights violations of seafarers and those who work in shipbreaking yards. Businesses, through their operations and supply chains, should uphold human rights equally as they do on land and at sea, says Human Rights at Sea (HRAS).

The new in-depth area (on the BHRRC website) will look into the specific labor rights issues and human rights abuses in the maritime industry with a focus on three sub-categories: seafaring, fisheries and shipbreaking.

Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre said: "From working conditions of ship workers to modern-day-slavery in the fishing industry, to violent attacks by pirates and others, to environmental contamination affecting human health, the industry is in need of norms and standards to address these issues effectively."

David Hammond, Founder and Trustee of HRAS commented that: "This is another positive step forwards for the ongoing advocacy drive aiming to tackle the current lack of transparency in the maritime supply chain, particularly when it comes to identifying and highlighting cases of abuse at sea. The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre is a trusted international hub known for objective reporting and which encourages transparency through recording cases on the public record. The platform also allows us to identify and showcase examples of best practice to further elevate standards of CSR reporting and related activities within the corporate maritime sector."