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A group of workers being held in a private jail on Ambon Island, Indonesia. (Photo: Stove Boat Communications)
New effort to combat labour abuse in Thai fishing sector
UNITED STATES
Friday, March 18, 2016, 01:50 (GMT + 9)
A new initiative will promote human and labour right defense in Southeast Asia's seafood sector intended to stop human trafficking and slavery.
The initiative is led by Sompong Srakaew, founder of Labor Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN), who was recognized by the US State Department with a Trafficking in Persons Hero Award in 2008 for his efforts to combat modern day slavery and improve the lives of migrant workers in Thailand.
Founded in 2004, LPN has advocated for migrant worker rights, conducted raids to free migrant workers in forced labor situations, and helped strengthen The Kingdom of Thailand's human trafficking laws.
The Multi-stakeholder Initiative for Accountable Supply Chain of Thai Fisheries (MAST) brings together LPN and TLCS Legal Advocate Company in Bangkok.
MAST's efforts in the US are coordinated by human rights consultancy The Mara Partners and law firm Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
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| A group of migrant workers at an immigration detention facility on Ambon Island, Indonesia. (2014) |
"MAST will continue the work of reforming Thai fisheries to eliminate human trafficking and all other forms of forced labour, as well as illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing practices," Sompong said.
"We will work together with civil society, industry, and governments to help put an end to these abuses," he stressed.
MAST's immediate goals include the creation of a Thai fishermen's union; the establishment of centers at ports to provide shelter, food, and first aid to fishermen; and the strengthening of public awareness of migrant worker living conditions.
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| On Ambon Island, Indonesia, Samak Tubtanee, head of the Human Trafficking Office at the LPN, works to return forced labourers to their homes. (2014) |
It aims to serve as a watchdog to prevent human trafficking and to open a legal clinic for trafficking victims.
MAST will also begin exploring effective and achievable ways to help track and monitor fishing vessels of all sizes and ensure the integrity of the supply chain from the sea to the factory.
It seeks to promote full compliance with Thailand's new law combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and requiring an ethical supply chain.
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| LPN Program Manager Patima Tangprachakoon, alongside Laotian officials, meets with the family of a missing Laotian fisherman at the Laotian embassy in Thailand. The fisherman was eventually returned home safely. (2014) |
Nine Thai fishing organizations have already committed to joining MAST's efforts, including the National Fisheries Association of Thailand, the Pair Trawlers Association of Thailand, and the Coalition of Peeling Sheds.
The group will work to build a coalition of governments, international organizations, private sector companies, trade associations, NGOs, human rights lawyers, and academics.
Illegal practices in Thailand's multi-billion-dollar fishing industry have been the focus of recent reports in international media.
Related articles:
- Seafood exports unaffected by slavery accusations, Govt. ensures
- ASPA applauds AP revelations into 'slave-peeled' Thai shrimp
- Thai PM promises actions against shrimp-slavery
- New report proves abuses persist in Thai seafood industry
- Thai Union suspends purchases from over 1,200 vessels
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