In response to the report published by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Taiwan Fisheries Agency will continue to implement and enhance measures to protect the rights of migrant crew members.
- Update
- 2024-09-06
- hit
- 11
On October 6, the Taiwan Fisheries Agency stated that the U.S. Department of Labor released its "List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor" on September 5, 2024, which Taiwan's distant water fishing catches still remain on the list. The agency indicated that Taiwan has been implementing the "Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Right" since 2022, which has significantly enhanced the rights of migrant crew members. In addition, the agency will continue to enforce measures to protect the rights of these crew members.
The agency indicated that the "Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Right" systematically enhances the rights of migrant crew members across several aspects, including labor and living conditions, social security, recruitment agents management, monitoring mechanisms, international cooperation, and establishment of partnerships for common good. Such measures taken, include raising the minimum wage and insurance coverage for crew members, ensuring direct and full payment of wages, maintaining attendance records on board, and installing CCTV on fishing vessels. In addition, the TFA has hired 60 inspectors to ensure compliance and inspects over 50% of distant water fishing vessels in both domestic and foreign ports each year. For instance, from January to June 2024, the compliance rate for the full payment of wages to migrant crew members reached 98%.
In addition, TFA stated that Taiwan is actively informing the U.S. about its progress in enhancing human rights in fisheries. In February 2024, representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor were invited to gather information on the actual circumstances in Taiwan. They engaged in discussions with official institutions, industries, and civil organizations. The U.S. representatives indicated that removal from the list would require independent and objective verification, in addition to assessments based on various sources of information.
TFA emphasized that the agency will continue to implement the 'Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights' while urging the stakeholders to actively enhance labor conditions for migrant crew members and fulfill their corporate social responsibility. The agency also calls for collaboration with migrant crew members and civil organizations to protect their rights and promote the sustainability of fisheries.
Contact person: Xue Poyuan
Email: poyuan0720@ms1.fa.gov.tw