First Task Force Meeting of the Combatting Unacceptable Forms of Work in the Thai Fishing and Seafood Industry Project funded by the European Union (EU)

Both Task Forces are brought together to review the Terms of Reference and governance structure, share feedback on the 12 month work plan proposed for project implementation, and to provide inputs on indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation of the project. During project implementation, each Task Force provides a forum for different stakeholders to share their expertise, communicate experiences, and coordinate services; act as a link between program operations and the Project Steering Committee; and ensure that the interests of specific units, programs, and services within a larger agency are represented and supported. Subsequent meetings pursue an independent agenda and schedule as determined by members and in alignment with various project activities.

Objective – Task Force #1

Task Force #1 on the Legal, Policy and Regulatory Framework and Access to Support Services of Workers and Victims of Labour Abuses will bring together technical experts and key staff of ministries/departments/organizations engaged in the delivery of work and activities that directly contribute to the achievement of the following project objectives:

• Objective 1. The legal, policy and regulatory framework in the fishing and seafood sectors strengthened by raising labour standards and facilitating more regular migration into the seafood and fishing sectors;
• Objective 4. Access to support services of workers and victims of labour abuses, including children, enhanced through engagement and empowerment of civil society organizations and trade unions.

Objective – Task Force #2

Task Force #2 on Labour Inspection, Enforcement, and Good Labour Practices will bring together technical experts and key staff of ministries/departments/organizations engaged in the delivery of work and activities that directly contribute to the achievement of the following project objectives:

• Objective 2. Enhanced capacity of the Thai Government, including the labour inspectorate, to more effectively identify and take action against human trafficking and other labour rights abuses in the fishing and seafood processing sectors;
• Objective 3. Compliance with fundamental principles and rights at work in the seafood and fishing industries improved through the implementation of the Good Labour Practices (GLP) Programme, featuring an effective dispute resolution mechanism and with increased awareness and ownership for action across the supply chain.

Mandate and Functions

The Task Force provides a platform for regular technical inputs and activity coordination throughout project implementation. The Task Force also acts as a link between program operations and the Project Steering Committee. The Task Force operates initially with a 16 month mandate starting 01 September 2016.

Specifically, the Task Force:

• provides a forum for exchanging experiences and technical knowledge;
• provides specialist inputs to analyze, discuss, and negotiate how the project can be translated into activities which complement, support, and strengthen Thai institutional frameworks and related initiatives;
• supports and represent the interests of a unit/program/service within a larger agency;
• performs quality assurance and monitoring of activities during project implementation;
• reports on project progress to constituents and those responsible at a high level, such as Heads of agency, units or organization;
• promotes the development and testing of innovative solutions to further the project objectives;
• promotes the use of common standards and procedures among Task Force members;
• promotes the project through their respective networks and identify opportunities for synergies with other initiatives;
• provides recommendations and technical advice to the PSC and ILO during project implementation;
• assumes any other relevant responsibilities assigned by the Steering Committee

Task Force members serves as representatives of their ministry / department / constituency, engaging others in their respective ministry/department/constituency and bringing ministry / department / constituency perspectives back to the Task Force.