Thai Union Group, Nestle, and non-profit Verite have launched a renovated demonstration boat to promote the rights of fishermen in the Thai fishing industry. It is the first of its kind in the country.
Maritime Herald reports that the boat aligns with ILO standards:
The renovated boat demonstrates the standards set for boats greater than 24 meters by the International Labor Organization’s C188 convention for human rights at sea, as well as Thailand’s updated fisheries regulations.
To meet these standards and regulations, boat owners are required to provide proper safety equipment as well as adequate and clean food and drinking water for the crew. Appropriate rest, dining and leisure areas, demonstrated with this vessel, are mandatory, along with a first-aid kit and toilet facility with proper sanitation standards.
The project began in March of last year and was supported by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the Thai Department of Fisheries (DOF).
Benjamin Ware, Global Head of Responsible Sourcing for Nestlé said that “Human rights abuses have no place in our supply chain. Nestlé is committed to improving livelihoods in the communities in which we operate. We will continue to work with the Thai fishing industry through our supply chain to exhibit best practices in respecting and promoting human rights for fishery workers.”
Thailand is the world’s fourth largest seafood exporter, generating annual revenues of over $6.5 million. However, the industry has come under intense scrutiny after investigative reports exposed forced labor and human trafficking in Thai supply chains.
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