UN agencies urge supply chains to protect seafarers’ rights

Several UN agencies have issued a set of guidance to help supply chain enterprises protect seafarers’ rights, amid concerns that the number of crew stranded at sea by COVID-19 restrictions could surge from the current level of 200,000.

The Human Rights Due Diligence Tool is a joint initiative of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The new guidance aims to ensure that seafarers have their rights safeguarded in areas such as physical and mental health, access to family life and freedom of movement.