Several countries have supported the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being since it was presented by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Carlos Sorreta before an international conference in Manila last week.
As of Tuesday, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said 14 countries have offered their support to the declaration.
These are Bangladesh, Belgium, Germany, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia and India.
“This declaration affirms our shared responsibility to protect and empower seafarers, to translate these principles into meaningful action, and to ensure that every seafarer’s rights are upheld at all times and in all circumstances,” the declaration read.
The declaration highlighted seafarers’ role as key workers in a strategic industry vital to international commerce and global supply chains and the risks to their rights, safety, and well-being when working and living at sea.
“In a world of change, crises and conflicts, protecting seafarers is both a human rights imperative and a shared responsibility among all maritime stakeholders. Enhanced social dialogue, strengthened enforcement mechanisms and close collaboration among these stakeholders are crucial,” it read.
It emphasizes that human rights are universal, inviolable on land and sea and must be upheld at all times, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties.
It seeks cooperation on respecting, protecting, and promoting the human rights and freedoms of seafarers; enforcing the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, as amended; improving emergency preparedness; and fostering an environment that respects the right of seafarers to earn their living by work they freely choose or accept.
The declaration also seeks to ensure that the global maritime industry mainstream processes that promote human rights, intensify efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity, address new realities presented by technological advancements, and promote technical cooperation and capacity-building in maritime education through several arrangements.
The Philippines hosted the international conference at Diamond Hotel in Manila on Sept. 1 to 3.
During the event, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the declaration stands as a “guiding compass for collective action, urging governments, industry, and global institutions to work together in ensuring that human rights, inclusivity, and just transition principles shape the future of maritime work.”
