OSLO, 25-26 November 2015 – NEXUS Institute participated in the International Expert Meeting on Labor Exploitation in the Fishing Sector in the Atlantic Region in Oslo, Norway.
The Oslo Conference discussed good practices, innovative solutions and recommended ways to tackle labor exploitation in the fishing sector. It explored the responsibilities of state parties (flag states, coastal states, port states and fishers’ national states) in promoting effective national and international action to end forced labor and human trafficking and promote decent work in fishing.
Senior Researcher Rebecca Surtees spoke on the panel about remedies for trafficking victims, focusing on how to improve identification and assistance of trafficked fishers. Her presentation drew on the NEXUS Institute’s extensive research into human trafficking in the fishing industry, including how to enhance protection for trafficked fishers. The session was facilitated by Neville Donaldson (National Industry Strategy Director, New Zealand) and other panelists included Bruno Ciceri (International Coordinator, Fishers, Apostleship of the Sea, Vatican City) and Roger Andreassen (Senior Executive Officer, Norwegian Coast Guard)
The meeting focused on the Atlantic region, but it brought together experts and knowledge from around the world to facilitate cross-fertilization. Inputs from the conference were incorporated in ILO’s report: Fishers first: Good practices to end labour exploitation at sea, which presents interventions aimed at improving labor conditions and protecting vulnerable workers in the sector