Amunah, a fisherwoman from Pabean Customs Udik Village, Indramayu, West Java, delightfully received a package of mask and hand-sanitizer and an informative booklet about COVID-19 pandemic and occupational hazards in the fishery sector. She understood the importance of health and self-protection during the COVID-19 pandemic—not only for herself, but also for her family and fishing community.

“This will better protect fisherwomen and their families not only from COVID-19 but also from the danger of trafficking that can easily lure vulnerable fishers during this difficult time,” said Amunah who is also an active member of Indonesia Women’s Coalition (KPI), appreciated the booklet that also emphasized the important role of fishers and their communities in preventing human trafficking.

Small-scale fishers, fish workers and their communities are currently facing the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting the entire value chain and the livelihoods depending on the fishing sector. These new vulnerability factors emerging through lost livelihoods, lack of social protection might increase fishers’ vulnerability to exploitative employment or services and to human trafficking.

“Understanding the vulnerability of fishers and their communities during this pandemic situation, the ILO through its SEA Fisheries Project have collaborated with trade union organizations and a women’s fishing group. We raise the awareness so that they can better protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 pandemic, improve the application of occupational safety and health (OSH) and, at the same time, prevent trafficking,” stated Abdul Hakim, the ILO’s project manager for SEA Fisheries Project.

This collaborative programme was conducted with the following partners: The Indonesia Fishermen Association (INFISA), Indonesian Fisheries Trade Union (SPPI), Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (SBMI) and Indonesia Women’s Coalition (KPI). Through these organizations, the ILO’s SEA Fisheries Project distributed 4,000 masks and 4,000 hand sanitizers to their members.

The initiative also reached out to the health workers of community health centers (Puskesmas) in a number of locations by distributing 500 masks and hand sanitizers. These health centers have provided health services and treatments for fishers and their families.

Ilyas Pangestu, Chairperson of SPPI, said that SPPI reached out to its members at the south coast region in Pandeglang Regency, Banten. “They are in need of personal protective gears and assistance. This area is also known for its vulnerability to human trafficking and people’s smuggling and we hope through this joint awareness raising activity they can better protect themselves not only from the COVID-19 pandemic but also human trafficking,” he exclaimed.

This joint activity also marked the first direct activity by the ILO’s SEA Fisheries Project to the pandemic. “It is an important step that also demonstrates the important contribution of trade union members in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening and integrating OSH and, the most importantly, contributing to the elimination of human trafficking and slavery at sea,” Abdul concluded.

Funded by the United States Department of State, the ILO’s SEA Fisheries Project aims to reduce human trafficking in the fishing sector by strengthening coordination and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of existing national and regional level anti-trafficking efforts in Southeast Asia region.