In response to the Financial Times’ article, “The dark truth behind supermarket tuna,” released on 21^st November, which mentioned a case involving improper treatment of a fisher on a foreign-flagged fishing vessel invested by a Taiwanese national, the Taiwan Fisheries Agency reaffirms its commitment to continuing to safeguarding the labor rights of migrant fishers.

　　As a democratic nation governed by the rule of law, Taiwan shares common human rights values with most countries around the world. In 2022, the Executive Yuan approved the first phase of the Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights, which consists of seven major strategies and 23 action measures. These measures include strengthening the management of foreign-flagged vessels invested or operated by Taiwanese nationals, as well as enhancing labor rights for migrant fishers employed on such vessels.

　　Regarding the Vanuatu-flagged vessel mentioned in the article, the vessel has never been registered under the Taiwanese flag, nor is there any record of it being re-flagged from Taiwan to Vanuatu, as the article claims. The fisher, Bunanda, had lodged a complaint through the Foreign Crew Interactive Service Platform, with assistance from Stella Maris, on 22^nd March 2024. Upon receiving this information, the Agency immediately initiated an investigation.

　　According to the Agency’s investigation, Bunanda was working on the Vanuatu-flagged vessel invested in and operated by a Taiwanese national. When he became indisposed, the operator arranged for him to be admitted to a hospital in Kiribati. According to the hospital’s documentation, Bunanda was diagnosed with malaria and experienced weakness in his lower limbs. As the hospital in Kiribati was unable to provide the necessary treatment, the doctor recommended that Bunanda should be medically escorted back to his home country. After a doctor confirmed that his condition was fit to fly, the operator assisted in arranging his discharge and medical evacuation.

　　During a layover in Singapore, Bunanda suffered further complications and was hospitalised locally for 52 days. The operator then arranged for Bunanda to return to Jakarta in accordance with his preference, providing a medical escort team, a medical evacuation flight, and ambulance transport. All medical and travel expenses were covered by the operator and the Taiwanese recruitment agent.

　　After all the process, the operator secured disability insurance compensation for Bunanda totaling NT$1.35 million, and reached a settlement with Bunanda. The Taiwan Fisheries Agency also contacted Bunanda’s family directly to confirm that all payments due from the operator had been received. Based on the investigation, no evidence was found that the operator or the Taiwanese recruitment agent violated regulations governing Taiwanese investment of foreign fishing vessels.

　　Regarding the article’s claim that Taiwan is unwilling to ratify International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, it shall be noted that Taiwan is unable to ratify the relevant conventions due to diplomatic constraints. Nevertheless, to align with international standards and enhance protections for migrant fishers, the government has already amended domestic laws and regulations in accordance with the Work in Fishing Convention.

　　In addition, Taiwan is in the process of adopting an implementation act for the Work in Fishing Convention, which will grant the convention the same legal effect as domestic law. The draft Act for the Implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention has completed the public announcement conducted by the Taiwan Fisheries Agency and is currently under review by the Executive Yuan. Once approved, the bill will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation.

　　The Taiwan government remains committed to working with civil society, industry, and international partners to advance the Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan and to domestically implement the Work in Fishing Convention. Taiwan fully understands the international community’s concern for labor rights in the fishing sector and welcomes all interested parties to review the progress of domestic reforms. International media, organizations, and independent institutions are welcomed to conduct on-site visits to observe Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to enhance human rights in fisheries.

　　　　Contact Person: Deputy Director-General, Ding-Rong Lin

　　　　Email: dingrong@ms1.fa.gov.tw