On 14 May 2024, the ILO supported the Human Rights and Development Foundation to organize a workshop on “Labour Protection Law: Exploring Challenges, Enhancing Knowledge and Collaboration” in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop aimed to foster collaboration, develop labour laws aligned with international standards and address labour abuses and human trafficking in the fishing sector.
At the workshop, the ILO presented good practices for protection of labour rights in the fishing industry from across South-East Asia. During the discussions, it was highlighted that many challenges remain in protecting the rights of fishers, such as loopholes in labour laws, inadequate enforcement and poor coordination among the respective agencies. It was also noted that migrant workers often prefer to seek assistance from civil society organizations rather than government agencies when they need assistance and support. The workshop emphasized the need for a common understanding of the legal framework among stakeholders, acknowledging the varied interpretations that currently exist.