Gabriel, LL.M. in Maritime Law, Gujarat Maritime University
ABSTRACT
The maritime sector plays a vital role in the global economy, but workers and seafarers in this sector often face numerous human rights challenges, including poor working conditions, exploitation, and human trafficking. This paper examines the international legal framework for the protection of human rights in the maritime sector, including key conventions such as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping for Seafarers, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Despite the existence of comprehensive legal frameworks, the implementation of these provisions remains a challenge due to weak enforcement mechanisms, the practice of registering ships under flags of convenience, and other factors. To ensure the effective protection of human rights in the maritime sector, a comprehensive approach is necessary that includes increased cooperation between states, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and greater efforts to prevent and address human trafficking and forced labor. This paper provides an overview of the international legal framework for the protection of human rights in the maritime sector and the challenges faced in its implementation. It highlights key conventions such as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Despite the existence of comprehensive legal frameworks, the effective protection of human rights in the maritime sector remains a challenge due to weak enforcement mechanisms and other factors. The paper concludes that a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the legal framework and the protection of human rights in the maritime sector.
Keywords: Human Right, Maritime Law, Legal framework, Labour Law
