MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs chief Enrique Manalo disclosed on Thursday that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) in Geneva unanimously adopted a Philippine-led resolution promoting and protecting the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers.
In a statement, Manalo said the Department of Foreign Affairs spearheaded the initiative. It was co-sponsored by 28 countries and was the “first-ever resolution on seafarers to be introduced and adopted in the UN HRC.”
“The resolution acknowledges that seafarers brave challenging conditions at sea that pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being. Seafarers conduct their duties, even at times under dangerous conditions,” said Manalo.
“This resolution affirms that safe and decent living and working conditions at sea is a human rights imperative, and calls for 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Manalo pointed out that the resolution specifically advances the advocacy of the Philippines and foreign governments to protect and promote the welfare of around 1.9 million seafarers, over a quarter of whom are Filipinos, according to the DFA
“As a seafaring nation with a considerable global diaspora, the Philippines will sustain its active engagement in the Council, the United Nations, and all relevant international bodies, to contribute meaningfully to global efforts to set the highest standards to promote and protect the dignity and rights of migrants worldwide,” Manalo concluded.
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