Asian fishermen call for international convention to protect them
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Fishermen from southern Asia will be protected by an international convention that will enshrine their rights: this is the hope of trade unions and fishermen from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They have decided to form a united front to win approval for such a convention in the upcoming session of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The initiative to set up a lobby emerged during the recently held “South Asian Conference on ILO Labour Standards for the Fishing Sector”. The conference, organized by fishing organizations under the umbrella of the World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP), was held in Negombo on 10 and 11 February.
In a statement issued at the end of the meeting, participants resolved to “lobby our governments and trade unions to support an International Convention on Labour Standards in the Fishing Sector at the 96th session of the ILO in Geneva in June.” During the 94th session, the convention was not adopted as there was no quorum. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were missing.
The text of the proposed convention amends an existing norm that dates back to 1966. It regulates the minimum age of workers, health assistance, working hours and safety standards. The new document also recognizes that fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. What’s more, for the first time, fishermen of small boats will be considered on a par with those employed on big vessels. This will benefit South-East Asia where fishing on smaller vessels is widespread.
“Finally, Sri Lankan small-scale fishermen will be recognized as workers at international level,” said Herman Kumara, WFFP general secretary. “They will have an instrument to fight for their rights.”
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23/11/2020 13:34
13/06/2020 08:00
