Geneva Declaration On Human Rights At Sea Launched

Today marks the launch of the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea, a landmark publication protecting the human rights of all people living, working, and crossing the sea. The Declaration is one of our most important pieces of work to date; it brings into effect our founding principles that human rights apply at sea as they do on land.

With 30 million people at sea at any given moment, there is evidence of widespread and deliberate human rights violations. These include piracy, slavery, abandonment, trafficking, child labour, and discrimination and harassment.

The extent and severity of these abuses are partially attributed to an issue known as ‘sea blindness’, describing the tendency we all have to overlook or ignore what happens at sea because it is far from the media spotlight. This sea blindness has created a culture of impunity in an already challenging environment.

Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea poster with flags of nations
Image Credits: @HRatSea – Twitter

We believe that if these human rights abuses were occurring on land, they’d be publicised and addressed. However, when they unfold beyond the horizon and out of sight, those with the power to intervene aren’t always aware of the problem.

The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea is structured around four principles central to the protection of human rights at sea:

  • Human rights are universal; they apply at sea, as they do on land.
  • All persons at sea, without any distinction, are entitled to their human rights.
  • There are no maritime specific reasons for denying human rights at sea.
  • All human rights established under both treaty and customary international law must be respected at sea.

The launch of the Declaration follows three years of research by our drafting team, comprised of experts in public, international, humanitarian, and refugee law. The Declaration unpacks evidence of human rights abuses and provides guidance for port states, coastal states, and flag states.

The Declaration is now open for public consultation for the next 6 months (closing on 1st September 2022). We welcome your feedback on the Declaration and its contents.

Reference: humanrightsatsea.org

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The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.

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