Document
Prof. Steven Haines
Professor of Public International Law, University of Greenwich
The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea
About the Project
The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea confirms that human rights apply at sea as they do on land.
Initiated and conceived in February 2019 by Founder and CEO, David Hammond as a response to the ongoing systematic abuse of human rights at sea globally, the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea brings together existing international law into one document.
The Geneva Declaration gives practical guidance to states on how to ensure that human rights abuses at sea are detected, remedied, and ultimately ended. We are now working with individual states and the UN to promote the adoption of the Declaration.
Four fundamental principles
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Human rights are universal; they apply at sea, as they do on land.
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All persons at sea, without any distinction, are entitled to their human rights.
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There are no maritime specific reasons for denying human rights at sea.
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All human rights established under both treaty and customary international law must be respected at sea.
"As a city very connected to human rights, Geneva is proud to support the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea. This international declaration is important for the protection of people in international waters. I am happy to witness the realisation of a concept born in Geneva three years ago and to have been the first to receive this document"
Mayor of Geneva Frédérique Perler, 1 March 2022
Download Geneva Declaration Translations
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Download International Commentary
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Download Ukrainian Commentary
“While the Geneva Declaration is firmly based on existing international legal obligations, it refines and explains them and thus provides practical guidance to states on how to ensure human rights at sea. Enhancing clarity is key for better protection of people at sea. The Geneva Declaration has thus the potential to induce change.”
Professor. Dr. iur. Anna Petrig, Chair of International and Public Law, University of Basel, Switzerland
The Drafting Team
Prof. Irini Papanicolopulu
British Academy Global Professor of International Law (SOAS)
Dr, Sofia Galani
Assistant Professor Public International Law, Panteion University
Prof. Dr. iur. Anna Petrig
Chair of International and Public Law, University of Basel
Dr. Elizabeth Mavropoulou
Lecturer in Law University of Westminster, London
David Hammond
Chief Executive Officer
Gard - Marine Insurer
"What can we, as an industry, do in the meantime? We can take every opportunity to highlight the issue. Huge strides have been made in this respect by, amongst others, the charity Human Rights at Sea since its foundation in 2014. The rest of the industry needs to support those efforts. We can ensure that in our dealings directly or indirectly with those at sea - seafarers, migrants, stowaways, pirates, fishers - their human rights are recognised and protected."
"What can we, as an industry, do in the meantime? We can take every opportunity to highlight the issue. Huge strides have been made in this respect by, amongst others, the charity Human Rights at Sea since its foundation in 2014. The rest of the industry needs to support those efforts. We can ensure that in our dealings directly or indirectly with those at sea - seafarers, migrants, stowaways, pirates, fishers - their human rights are recognised and protected."
Live Jacob Sydness, Gard Vice President, Sustainable Business & Neil Henderson Gard Senior Executive, Industry Liaison
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