The Philippines, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNCHR), is set to issue a Manila Declaration to protect those who move the world: the seafarers.
The three-day “International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being” will open tomorrow, September 1-3 at the Manila Hotel. For the first time, Manila becomes the anchor point of a global movement as maritime leaders, seafarers, and industry partners will set sail toward one united call – The Manila Declaration – at the conclusion of the conference.
The Manila Declaration will acknowledge the critical role seafarers play in moving trade and commerce around the world. It will ensure that “No seafarer is left adrift.” The conference is co-organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines.
The international conference will also serve as a platform for approximately 200 senior government officials, senior representatives of international organizations, and shipping industry stakeholders from over 30 countries to discuss major issues affecting seafarers, their impact on the continued dynamism and sustainability of global shipping, and ways forward.
The crafting of the Manila Declaration stemmed from the adoption by United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, during its 56th Session on June 18 to 12 July 2024), of its first-ever resolution recognizing the vital role seafarers play in society, the human rights risks seafarers face at sea, and the urgency of strengthened collaboration among all maritime shipping stakeholders to promote and protect the human rights, safety, and well-being of seafarers.
HRC Resolution 56/18 acknowledges that ensuring safe and decent living and working conditions at sea, especially during crisis situations, is a human rights imperative. Sustained efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for seafarers’ human rights, safety, and well-being are important for their rippling effect on global supply chains and economy and the realization of the sustainable development goals.
Seafarers are essential workers in global logistics and trade. Through the hard work of thousands of seafarers, mostly from developing countries, international shipping and supply chains flow in regular and predictable manner, ensuring the normal functioning of all societies worldwide.
At this point in time, seafarers endure the cross currents of commerce, conflict and change.
In pursuit of this objective, the Philippine government sought to host an International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being in Manila.
