Assembly of World Forum Fisher People meets in Pakistan
Colombo (AsiaNews) – The General Assembly of World Forum Fisher People (WFFP) was held on 25-30 April at the Regent Plaza Hotel in Karachi, Pakistan, with delegates from 15 countries. Securing international instruments for small-scale fisher people and global aquatic resource reform were the main theme of the event. AsiaNews interviewed Herman Kumara, former WFFP general secretary, on his return from the conference about the problems and issues addressed at the meeting. Kumara spoke from his office at the National Fisheries Solidarity (NAFSO) in Negombo.
What were the main issues and problems addressed at the general assembly?
We discussed international instruments for small-scale fisheries, the unfair impact of climate change on fishers, women rights, cross border issues, pollution of water bodies and industrial aquaculture, privatisation and access rights of small-scale fishers, child labour in fisheries and mangrove protection.
What are the main problems for fisher people in the Asia-Pacific region?
They are border issues, the privatisation of fishery resources, access rights for small-scale fishers, fuel costs and the impact of tourism on the fisheries.
Did the Fifth General Assembly take any steps to address these problems or improve the situation for fisher people in Asia?
Yes! We discussed all these problems and made some decisions that now should be implemented. In particular, we talked about relations between Sri Lankan and Indian fishers. We also looked at problems between Indian and Pakistan fishermen, which are even more serious. We decided to organise a global conference on the issue of maritime borders to better understand the issue. For Sri Lanka, a decision was taken in relation to child labour in the fisheries. For other issues touching Sri Lanka, steps will be taken as part of a broader action on single issues.
Were there any relevant changes in the organisation’s leadership?
Our constitution imposes a limit of two consecutive mandates. This meant that a new general secretary had to be elected. Mohammed Ali Shah of Pakistan is the new general secretary. It is also important to remember the hospitality, friendship and commitment of Pakistan to the success of the assembly. Local media devoted much coverage to the event.
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