UN resolution promoting seafarers' rights lauded

UN resolution promoting seafarers' rights lauded
Genivi Verdejo July 17, 2024 https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/17/business/maritime/un-resolution-p...

HE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) welcomed the adoption of the first-ever resolution on seafarers introduced and adopted during the 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The resolution, introduced and approved between June 18, 2024 and July 12, 2024, acknowledges the formidable challenges that seafarers face at sea, jeopardizing their human rights, safety, and well-being as they carry out their duties under often dangerous conditions.

Marina pledged to uphold the principles outlined in the UNHRC resolution, ensuring its effective implementation.

The resolution underscores the critical necessity of ensuring safe and decent living and working conditions for seafarers worldwide. It calls for enhanced collaboration among states, shipowners' and seafarers' representatives, international bodies such as the International Labor Organization and the International Maritime Organization, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders. This unified effort aims to safeguard and uphold the rights and dignity of all seafarers globally.

The resolution also highlights the need to foster a maritime industry where women are safe and their rights respected — an impactful milestone with only 2 percent of women in the maritime sector worldwide.

With this development, the Marina commended the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Mission in Geneva.

It said this leadership underscored the Philippines' commitment as the largest single source of certificated seafarers, totaling 798,309 as of 30 June 2024, to advance seafarers' rights on an international platform.

Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Francisco Sarmiento said, "Taking these into account, it is imperative for the government to ensure the protection of their interest and welfare, especially in the ever-evolving landscape of the maritime industry."

He highlighted the significant economic contribution of seafarers, estimating around $6.5 billion annually to the Philippine economy. This financial support sustains numerous families and bolsters national resilience and development.