The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) applauded the adoption of the first-ever resolution aimed at promoting and protecting the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers which was sponsored by the Philippines and introduced during the 56th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland recently.
In a statement Friday night, July 12, the Marina said that the Philippines stands to benefit from the resolution as the country remains as the largest single source of certified seafarers around the world.
“As the largest single source of certificated seafarers, the Philippines stands to benefit from this resolution which has a total certificated seafarers of 798,309 as of 30 June 2024,” the agency said.
Adopted on July 11, the resolution was shepherd by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine mission in Geneva and was co-sponsored by 28 countries.
The resolution acknowledged that seafarers brave challenging conditions at sea which pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being.
It noted that seafarers conduct their duties, even at times under dangerous conditions.
As such, the resolution affirmed that safe and decent living and working conditions at sea "is a human rights imperative."
It called for a stronger collaboration between States, shipowners’ representatives, seafarers’ representatives, the International Labor Organization, the International Maritime Organization, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders “to uphold and protect the rights and dignity of all seafarers around the world.”
“With this development, the Marina commends the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Mission in Geneva for leading this initiative that seeks to promote and protect the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers,” the Marina said.
“The Marina will continue to engage various fora to sustain the government’s campaign to ensure the realization of the intent of this first ever UNHRC Resolution for seafarers,” it added.