Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe migration for decent work in the blue economy – Stakeholder institutional capacity-building strategy

Trade unions, employers’ organizations, civil society organizations and migrant worker associations play an important role in promoting safe labour migration and decent work in South-East Asia’s blue economy. However, many organizations face institutional challenges that limit their ability to deliver services, advocate for workers’ rights and sustain their operations. These include gaps in financial management, donor compliance, monitoring and evaluation, communications and long-term organizational planning.

Building on previous phases of the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia programme, this strategy responds to the need for more systematic and sustainable institutional capacity development. Drawing on a desk review, programme evaluations and 20 in-depth interviews with programme staff and partner organizations across six countries, it identifies institutional capacity needs and proposes a structured approach to addressing them.

Developed under the Ship to Shore Rights South-East Asia: Safe migration for decent work in the blue economy, the strategy outlines principles, capacity development objectives and recommended activities across seven thematic areas. It emphasizes tailored learning, practical tools, peer exchange and mentorship to strengthen organizational resilience and sustainability. By equipping implementing partners with the knowledge, skills and systems needed to operate effectively, the strategy aims to enhance their ability to support migrant workers and their communities beyond the programme’s lifespan.