The Government of the Republic of the Philippines is convening a defining conference on improving human rights' protections for all seafarers globally.
The ‘International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being’ is based on the theme: ‘No one left adrift: Seafarers at the cross currents of commerce, conflict and change’.
The state-led event to be held in Manila 1-3 September will bring together key decision-makers, diplomats, policy holders, judicial gatekeepers, international organisations, civil society and their representatives.
On invitation, Human Rights at Sea CIC representatives will attend, and will include participation in a side event under the UN Global Compact and Philippines Oceans Centre covering Search and Rescue and Human Rights at Sea.
Background
Triggered by the first UN Resolution (56/18) on “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Seafarers” and led by the Philippines at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council in July 2024, this resulted in what became the ‘Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers’ issued on January 8, 2025, at Malacañang Palace, Manila and signed by the President.
This progress was reinforced on 19 June 2025 at the 59th Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland where Philippine Government diplomats formally launched the September conference.
‘Upholding Human Rights at Sea for all and at all times’
The conference’s first panel discussion will cover the topic: ‘Upholding Human Rights at Sea for all and at all times.’
This notes that international human rights law applies to all, on land and at sea, and at all times; and which notably mirrors the longstanding founding principle (2014) of Human Rights at Sea CIC.
While normative frameworks exist on the promotion and protection of the human rights of seafarers, including under the International Labour Organization, challenges to seafarers' safety and wellbeing remain.
These include long periods of service on board, excessive workload and lack of access to social connectivity, unpaid wages, abandonment, lack of access to medical and welfare facilities, discrimination, and violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.
Conference Outcome
The Philippine Government envisions the issuing a Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being at the conclusion of the international conference whereby all maritime industry stakeholders, governments and representatives of seafarers' and ship owners’ groups will be invited to endorse the document.
Human Rights at Sea Comment
Human Rights at Sea Founder and President, David Hammond Esq., commented:
“The explicit profiling of human rights in the primary position of this event cannot be understated in terms of the increasing importance on fundamental rights' protections for seafarers, fishermen and all workers at sea.
In context, the Republic of the Philippines is the first state to take such demonstrable steps to better shape the human rights at sea narrative at the international level. If successful, it will enable systemic social change to occur.
We look forward to attending and witnessing the real-time decision-making.”
All eyes now are on the conference and the delivery of its outcomes as being the real test of state-led development in the field of human rights protections for persons living, working and moving at sea.
ENDS.
Useful Links
- https://ncmb.gov.ph/magna-carta-of-filipino-seafarers-implementing-rules-and-regulations-inked/
- https://dfa.gov.ph/authentication-functions/113-newsroom/public-advisory/35133-statement-of-the-secretary-of-foreign-affairs-enrique-a-manalo-on-the-first-ever-resolution-in-the-human-rights-council-on-the-rights-of-seafarers
- https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/news-from-our-foreign-service-postsupdate/36844-the-philippines-launches-upcoming-international-seafarers-rights-conference-at-the-united-nations-in-geneva
- https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/news/state-industry-snapshot-bullying-and-harassment-sea
- https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/news/un-hrc59-geneva-discussing-geneva-declaration-human-rights-sea
- https://gard.no/insights/the-magna-carta-rules-practical-implications/
Source: Human Rights at Sea 2025
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