The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have issued a series of recommendations in a concerted effort to address violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault in the maritime sector.
The measures were discussed during a Joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) meeting held at the IMO headquarters in London from 27 to 29 February 2024.
The recommendations include amendments to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006), aligning it with the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019. The changes also call for mandatory IMO training for seafarers, and extra guidance for shipowners.
The IMO and ILO, along with government representatives, shipowners, and seafarers, said they are committed to launching an international awareness campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the pressing issue of violence and harassment in the maritime sector. They will also explore potential legislative and policy advancements to prevent and address this issue.
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, and ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, both emphasised the need for a safe and respectful working environment onboard ships, asserting zero tolerance for any form of violence and harassment.
Part of the recommendations include the use of the terminology “violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault” in relevant IMO and ILO instruments and guidance. The recommendations also include mandatory training for seafarers, the adoption of measures for maritime administrations and shipping companies, removal of perpetrators from service, and amendments to medical guides.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.
