On 11 July 2024, the UN Human Rights Council adopted without a vote: Resolution 56/18: Promoting and protecting the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers (currently available as UN. Doc A/HRC/56/L.4 with oral revision). The Philippines was the main sponsor. As highlighted by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, the Philippine initiative “co-sponsored by 28 countries, as of this date, is the first-ever resolution on seafarers to be introduced and adopted in the UN HRC”. Among the contents of the Resolution –to be read in full–, Resolution 56/18 provides:
The Human Rights Council,
HRC Resolution 56/18
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Recognizing the human rights, as well as labour rights, of seafarers, including the right to freedom of association and the effective recognition of collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, as well as a safe and secure workplace, fair terms of employment, decent working and living conditions on-board ships, health protection, medical care, welfare measures and other forms of social protection,
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2. Calls upon States parties, shipowners’ representatives and seafarers’ representatives to enhance the enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended, to ensure safe and decent living and working conditions for all seafarers;
3. Calls upon States and other relevant shipping industry stakeholders to promote and protect effectively the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by seafarers, including their right to life, right to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work, including safe and healthy working conditions, and right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;
4. Urges shipping industry stakeholders to respect the right of seafarers to the opportunity to gain their living by work that they freely choose or accept, including decisions on whether to sail or continue sailing in high-risk areas, and that the realization of this right should not negatively affect a seafarer’s employment competitiveness or future deployment;
5. Urges States to continue efforts to eliminate all forms of forced or compulsory labour in the shipping industry;
De Maribus 