HRAS CEO Speaks at the Propeller Club

Human Rights at Sea CEO, David Hammond, was the guest of honor at the London Chapter of the Propeller Club of the United States for the Members and guest’s lunch held at the Navy Club, Mayfair, London, Wednesday September 7, 2016.

On invitation to speak by the President, Cdr Ian Millen RN (Retd), the CEO introduced the charity and outlined its development from April 2014 to the present day. 

He clarified the need for the charity’s work as set against the gaps in the subject matter being covered, or not as the case may be, and he outlined all the international organizations and individuals alongside whom the charity works in partnership for the benefit of seafarers, fishermen and their families globally. Importantly, he stressed that the charity did not replicate other organization’s work, but instead sought to innovate through unique publications, e-learning, public advocacy, education and advisory work.

The talk commenced with a moving and tough-to-watch short film about the plight of African migrants subject to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment in a Libyan detention center based on factual accounts. The CEO explained that the charity had part-funded the production and that this was an example of some hard issues the charity dealt with, alongside other work with seafarers and fisher’s issues.

The second film shown was the new promotional film for the charity’s Internship Programme which can be viewed here. The forthcoming International Maritime Human Rights Conference on Wednesday 14 September 2016 was also introduced and the program of speakers and subjects covered.

The CEO further outlined the charity’s expanding Internship Programme, and he was also able to personally introduce two of the current interns, Miss Elisabeth Mavropoulou and Miss Melanie Glodkiewicz to the Members, alongside two of the charity’s Trustees Mrs Rachel Sexton, a partner at EY and Captain Jessica Tyson, Master Mariner.

Established in 1936, the Port of London Chapter of the Propeller Club is a focal point for those interested in the enhancement and well-being of all sectors of the maritime industry, including the welfare of the world’s seafarers. The club is part of a network of similar clubs around the world with a total membership estimated at over 13,000.