Our Mission
To explicitly raise awareness, implementation and accountability of human rights provisions throughout the maritime environment, especially where they are currently absent, ignored or being abused
Our Vision
To end human rights abuse at sea
Latest News & Developments
-
International Project Initiative
Launched July 2020
Global Protection of Fisheries Observers
International Reviews and Scientific Surveys for the Safety, Security & Well-being of Observers at Sea
-
Original Project Initiative
Launched 4 April 2019
The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea©
The protection of human rights at sea rest on four fundamental principles:
1. Human rights apply at sea to exactly the same degree and extent that they do on land.
2. All persons at sea, without any distinction, are entitled to their human rights.
3. There are no maritime specific rules allowing derogation from human rights.
4. All human rights established under treaty and customary international law must be respected at sea.
-
International Project Initiative
Launched November 2020
Policy & Legislative Development
-
Original Project Initiative
Launched 24 March 2020
Arbitration as a Means of Effective Remedy for Human Rights Abuses at Sea©
L’arbitrage comme mécanisme permettant d’obtenir une réparation effective pour la violation des droits humains en mer
-
Original Project Initiative
Launched 30 January 2015
The Missing Seafarers & Fishers Reporting Programme©
The Missing Seafarers & Fishers Reporting Programme is a flagship programme delivered free to the international community by the independent human rights charity Human Rights at Sea.
-
SHORELINE PODCAST: Episode 3
The Escalating Crisis of Migration at Sea: What can we learn from the case of the Maersk Etienne?
Access & Download our Latest Work
Download
Hard-hitting Case Studies of our advocacy and investigation work, documenting human rights abuses at sea globally
Download
Free Educational Materials for a clear understanding of rights, including labour rights & an introduction to human rights
Download
Our latest Publications, Open letters, Policy Documents and legal research papers from the Legal Research Programme
-
Human Rights at Sea International (HRASi) Ltd
The Charity's non-profit Human Rights Consultancy
Independent, discreet and trusted internal, public and CSR reports, investigations and advocacy support to maritime stakeholders on a paid-for basis.
All profits reinvested into the Charity to ensure sustainability
“Over the past year Human Rights at Sea has successfully brought fundamental seafarers’ rights issues to the attention of a wider audience than ever before. The detailed list of achievements from David Hammond and his small but very dedicated team is impressive by any standards, bringing home the scale of the worldwide problem and shining a light on some of the darkest aspects of maritime life. Ongoing support from Seafarers UK continues to play a part in the development of welcome new HRAS initiatives, alongside essential maintenance of key projects such as the Missing Seafarers & Fishers Reporting Programme. Sadly, the need is undiminished for seafarers’ human rights to be respected wherever they may sail, and we would encourage others to join us in support of increased investment in the vital work of HRAS in 2018.”

Commodore Barry Bryant CVO RN
“HRAS provided the European Maritime Law Annual conference participants with a timely reminder of the human cost of not supporting human rights at sea and we ignore them at our peril.”
Sarah Murray
“HFW is delighted that the work of Human Rights at Sea has been recognised through the achievement of registered charity status. Having worked with HRAS from its inception, we fully support its aims and believe that recognition by the Charity Commission is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of those involved in progressing this important cause. We look forward to supporting HRAS through the next stage of their development.”

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
“The Nautical Institute is delighted to hear that Human Rights at Sea has achieved charitable status in the UK. We are sure that this not only confirms that a sound governance structure has been put in place to underpin their work on behalf of seafarers but that it will also assist the industry in supporting their important work financially. It is a sad but undeniable fact that seafarers continue to be unjustly criminalised for bona fide accidents in the course of their essential work for society and the world economy and to be denied shore leave in some countries, so the support HRAS provides to them is essential and The Nautical Institute looks forward to working with them to address these issues.”

Philip Wake OBE
‘This year we have been delighted to partner with the organisation ‘Human Rights at Sea’ as one of the projects upon which our students in our Human Rights Law Clinic worked. The Human Rights Law Clinic enables students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to team with an external organisation and practitioners, to carry out research for them which will be of benefit in their work. It provides the students with real-life practical application of their developing legal knowledge and gives them an opportunity to enhance their legal research and analytical skills. The students benefit enormously from the work and have found it stimulating and enjoyable’.
