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ITF calls for measures to improve seafarers’ lives
10 July 2008
The ITF has addressed the grim reality of life at sea today and called for the prompt ratification of vital international conventions to tackle poor working conditions.
Participating in a panel on seafarers at the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS) in New York, US, on 23-27 June, ITF Seafarers Section Secretary Jon Whitlow highlighted the importance of improving quality of life at sea. He argued that seafaring was becoming increasingly difficult, not least as a result of poor shore leave access, the criminalisation of seafarers and inadequate facilities for communication with family and friends. It was crucial to promote the ratification and proper implementation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention and ILO convention 185 on seafarers' identity documents he claimed. Respect for the people who underpinned world trade was vital. He also reminded delegates of the need for real and effective flag states, drawing attention to the new report: Real and present danger, flag state failure and maritime security and safety, produced jointly by the ITF and the independent conservation organisation WWF.
Following the discussions, participants agreed on a number of points, which will be put to the UN General Assembly. Among them were proposals that the General Assembly emphasise the need to promote a culture of safety in the shipping industry; ensure that security and safety measures are implemented with minimal negative effects on the working conditions of seafarers and fishers and invite all states to ratify and implement effectively the Maritime Labour Convention, the Work in Fishing Convention and the Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention.
Related documents:
Real and Present Danger (466kb PDF)
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