Manila: A milestone declaration seeking stronger protection for seafarers was adopted in a Philippine government-led conference in Manila on Tuesday. The Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being outlines eight commitments that advance sailors' welfare amid the risks they face at sea, including global health crises and conflicts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the declaration was presented by Carlos Sorreta, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, at the International Conference on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being held at the Manila Diamond Hotel. Sorreta emphasized that the declaration is forward-looking, preparing stakeholders for the evolving maritime landscape with fairness, efficiency, and sustainability.
The eight commitments outlined in the declaration include upholding human rights at all times, fully enforcing the maritime labor convention, improving crisis preparedness, and respecting seafarers' right to refuse to sail in high-risk areas without reprisal. Additionally, the declaration promotes corporate human rights due diligence, women empowerment, just transition amid digitalization and decarbonization, and harnessing international cooperation for maritime education and training.
As of this posting, 10 countries have formally endorsed the declaration: Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The Philippine government is encouraging all maritime industry stakeholders, including foreign governments and representatives of seafarers' and ship owners' groups, to endorse the document.
Sorreta mentioned that Manila will strive to gain as much adherence to the declaration as possible and consider potential next steps. The international forum, held from September 1 to 3, gathered over 200 delegates from at least 40 countries.
Key figures present during the opening and closing ceremonies included Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Sonia Malaluan, and Philippine Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr.
The Philippines, being a primary source of sea-based workers, has long been a champion of seafarers' rights. The country has repatriated dozens of seafarers affected by persistent Houthi attacks on the Red Sea over the past years. Prior to the Manila Declaration, the Philippines also sponsored the historic UN Human Rights Council resolution adopted in 2024, marking the first-ever document recognizing the role of seafarers in society.
