Promoting human rights in fisheries and aquaculture
Forced labour, limited access to marine resources and markets among small-scale fishers. Increasing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, commercial exploitation and lack of respect for indigenous peoples’ rights. In many parts of the world the fisheries and aquaculture sectors face severe human rights challenges that call for action. And so far, the human rights implications of the sectors have only been addressed in a fragmented and piecemeal manner.
In collaboration with various partners in Chile, Bangladesh and Africa the Danish Institute for Human Rights is leading the global project ‘Sustainable Oceans – Pursuing a human rights-based approach to fisheries and aquaculture’.
The fisheries and aquaculture industry
Like many industries, fisheries and aquaculture are not immune to human rights issues within their operations. Companies often lack the know-how to identify and tackle these challenges effectively.
This section offers in-depth reports and targeted recommendations, empowering all stakeholders — including businesses — to bolster human rights practices in their operations.
Sector-wide Human Rights Impact Assessment in small-scale artisanal fishing communities in Bangladesh
The Salmon industry and human rights in Chile: Sector-Wide Impact Assessment
Roundtable outcome document: Human Rights in the salmon farming industry
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and how they apply to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors
The Human Rights Impacts of Fisheries Subsidies: Analysis, Implications and Recommendations
A Human Rights Due Diligence guide for companies in the fisheries value chain
The human rights system
The human rights system, including National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), has been somewhat slow to tackle issues in fisheries and aquaculture. This is exacerbated by the lack of robust national policies and oversight mechanisms.
Our publications offer targeted advice for both NHRIs and state governments on how to strategically combat and prevent human rights violations within these sectors.
Engaging with the Blue Economy: A guide for National Human Rights Institutions in Africa
Fisheries, aquaculture and human rights in Chile: the duty of the state to promote, protect and respect human rights
Complaints-Handling in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector: A Case Study of the National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia
NANHRI Member Survey on Business and Human Rights & Sustainable Oceans
A human rights lens on the impacts of industrial illegal fishing and overfishing
Fear, hunger and violence: Human rights in Ghana's industrial trawl fleet
Indigenous peoples' rights
Around the globe, indigenous communities face significant challenges—from losing access to traditional fishing areas to workplace discrimination and environmental degradation. These issues have a profound impact on their well-being.
Both governments and companies have a role to play in safeguarding the rights of indigenous peoples within fisheries and aquaculture.
Explore below to learn more about how to better protect these rights.
State obligations related to the rights of indigenous peoples in the context of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
The rights of indigenous peoples in the context of fisheries and aquaculture
Key messages on indigenous peoples' rights in the context of fisheries and aquaculture
Using ILO International Labour Standards to address discrimination against indigenous peoples working in fisheries and aquaculture
Indigenous peoples’ customary fishing rights – Key issues and entry points for advocacy
Tools and methodologies
Find relevant tools and methods below.