DFA: UN resolution a ‘milestone’ in protecting Filipino sailors

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

[1/2] @UN_HRC has just adopted a landmark resolution initiated by the Philippines 🇵🇭 to protect & promote #SeafarersRights. Read @secmanalo statement here https://t.co/CJAsbEHNZB #DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/Xn7nRX5Tfc

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) July 11, 2024

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) hailed the newly adopted United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution promoting the rights of seafarers as a “milestone” in protecting sailors, including Filipinos around the world.

The UNHRC adopted by consensus the Philippine-initiated and first-ever resolution on the rights of seafarers during its 56th Session in Geneva on Thursday.

“This milestone resolution by the Human Rights Council advances an advocacy of the Philippines, other foreign governments, relevant international organizations, and stakeholders to protect and promote the well-being of some 1.9 million seafarers, over a quarter of them Filipinos,” DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement.

The resolution, the top diplomat said, acknowledges that seafarers brave challenging conditions at sea that pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being.

“Seafarers conduct their duties, even at times under dangerous conditions,” he said.

“This resolution affirms that safe and decent living and working conditions at sea is a human rights imperative,“ he added.

Manalo also lauded the body’s decision to foster a maritime industry where women are safe and their rights respected.

“As a seafaring nation with a considerable global diaspora, the Philippines will sustain its active engagement in the Council, the United Nations, and all relevant international bodies, to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to set the highest standards to promote and protect the dignity and rights of migrants worldwide,” he said.

The UN resolution titled “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Seafarers”, calls upon states parties, the representatives of shipowners and seafarers to enhance the enforcement of the Maritime Labor Convention to ensure safe and decent living and working conditions for all seafarers.

It urges shipping industry stakeholders to respect the rights of seafarers, including decisions on whether to sail or continue sailing in high-risk areas.

It also urges states to continue efforts to eliminate all forms of forced or compulsory labor in the shipping industry.

The draft resolution went through wide and inclusive consultations which started before and continued during the ongoing 56th Session of the Human Rights Council.

These include three informal consultations and briefings with interested delegations, as well as a panel discussion gathering major stakeholders in the shipping industry such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Transport Workers Federation, International Chamber of Shipping and Stella Maris.

The initiative was supported by the ILO and IMO.