Human Rights at Sea was pleased to attend and support the launch event of the forthcoming London International Shipping Week 2023, which took place at the London offices of the international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright on Tuesday, 17 January.
The LISW Event is a significant occurrence in the international shipping industry’s calendar and will be attended by key multi-national stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain.
The week of 11-15 September will provide numerous opportunities, not just for commercial and government interests, but for civil society entities to connect and demonstrate the utility of wider ESG engagement with a focus on the ‘Social’ part of ESG.
Of particular note during the launch was the explicit comment around the need for greater protection of the human rights of seafarers (and de facto maritime workers) by the responsible Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK Department for Transport.
CEO, David Hammond who joined the attendees, said: “Baroness Vere’s public comment in getting behind better protecting the human rights of seafarers was a significant statement which should be applauded and warmly welcomed for placing this fundamental issue firmly on the 2023 LISW agenda.”
Hammond added, “Importantly, it is not just the 10-year anniversary of LISW. It is also the 10-year anniversary of the first public event in which the concept of a civil society platform initiative around Human Rights at Sea was introduced in 2013 onboard the HQS Wellington. It is, therefore, a double celebration of mutual achievements.”
Notably, in the past, LISW 2015 saw a focus on seafarer welfare in The Big Welfare Debate and which gave the floor to the charities and welfare organisations in which HRAS took part.
Comment
Human Rights at Sea supports the various initiatives being undertaken within the shipping industry to enhance transparency, accountability and effective remedy for victims of abuse at sea.
Our NGO does, nonetheless, continue to call for greater engagement with civil society under the ESG banner and does not condone any form of ESG activities which avoid scrutiny and independent review.
Contact: If you have any questions, please write to us at enquiries@humanrightsatsea.org
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