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Slavery at Sea

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40M

people held in slavery, globally

76%

of migrant workers in the Thai fishing industry held in slavery conditions

$1.3M

total compensation won by victims of human rights abuses against a fisheries company in 2016.

 

 

It is almost impossible to guarantee that the fish you eat has not been caught by people in slavery.

Slavery at sea is a particular problem because of the lack of visibility.

The 'distant water fleets’ who are responsible for catching most of the words Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines, and Cod are particularly vulnerable to sea slavery. Crew are often at sea for months or even years at a time. 

Being a sea slave can mean 20-hour work shifts, torture and, in the worst cases, death.

 

man on boat

 

 

How is our work helping? 

We highlight the problem and bring public and policymaker attention to the prevalence and impact of this terrible human rights abuse.

We engage with states and encourage them to adopt ILO 188 and to adopt crew registration requirements.

We highlight states who are not doing enough to detect, prosecute, and prevent this practice.

We work with supply chain leaders to promote traceability and a 'net to plate' approach.

We highlight companies and individuals who use slavery and human trafficking through investigative work.

We highlight best practice in slavery prevention, detection, and prosecution.

We support victims of slavery and trafficking to obtain justice. We will support other NGOs and CSOs who are working in this space.

man looking out to sea

Related Content

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Download

Insight Briefing Note: Slavery at Sea and Emperors of the Deep (26 July 2020)

26 Jul 2020

Slavery at Sea
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2015 – The UK modern slavery act

20 Mar 2016

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Slave Free Seas Case Study Part 2

22 Dec 2017

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Sustainable Development Goals 

Our Slavery at Sea programme takes action to eliminate slavery and human trafficking.

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SDG 8
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SDG 16

 

Help us end slavery at sea

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Organisation in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022

Human Rights at Sea is a Registered Charity in England and Wales, No. 1161673

Registered Office: Langstone Technology Park, Langstone Road, Havant PO9 1SA, United Kingdom

© 2022 | Human Rights at Sea

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  • Who we are
    • Our Mission
    • Our Strategy
    • Our People
      • Our Team
      • Board of Trustees
      • Advisory Board
      • Our Patron
    • Donors
    • Finances and Annual Reports
    • Consultancy Services
  • What we do
    • Access to Justice
      • Human Rights at Sea Arbitration
      • Fisheries Observer Project
      • HRAS Seawatch
      • Ukraine: Supporting Coastal Communities
    • Law Reform and Policy
      • The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea
      • Maritime Levy Campaign
      • Fisheries and Aquaculture Certification, Standards and Ratings Review
    • Slavery at Sea
    • Children at Sea
    • Equality at Sea
  • Impact
  • News
  • Resources
    • Resources Listing
  • Contact us
  • Need help?
    • eyeWitness at Sea