The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) welcomes the adoption of the first-ever resolution on seafarers introduced and adopted during the 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland from 18 June 2024 to 12 July 2024.
Accordingly, the resolution acknowledges that seafarers brave challenging conditions at sea that pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being.

Seafarers conduct their duties, even at times under dangerous conditions.

This resolution affirms that safe and decent living and working conditions at sea is a human rights imperative, and calls for stronger collaboration between States, shipowners’ representatives, seafarers’ representatives, the International Labor Organization, the International Maritime Organization, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to uphold and protect the rights and dignity of all seafarers around the world.

With this development, the MARINA commends the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Mission in Geneva for leading this initiative that seeks to promote and protect the enjoyment of human rights by seafarers.

As the largest single source of certificated seafarers, the Philippines stands to benefit from this Resolution which has a total certificated seafarers of 798,309 as of 30 June 2024.

The MARINA will continue to engage various fora to sustain the government’s campaign to ensure the realization of the intent of this first ever UNHRC Resolution for seafarers.