New Partnership hosts dialogue on the ratification and implementation of the ILO Work in Fishing Convention

BRUSSELS (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission (EC) convened the first major event under the new Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries aimed at translating political momentum into technical exchanges about how best to strengthen labour protection in the fishing sector.

The launch event, which took place in Brussels and focused on one of the world’s most hazardous and underserved sectors, brought together representatives of governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, international institutions and civil society to advance the ratification and effective implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188).

Fishing is essential to food security, livelihoods and coastal economies. Yet many fishers still face dangerous working conditions, limited access to social protection and medical care, and a heightened risk of abuse and exploitation. Convention No. 188 sets minimum standards for work on board fishing vessels and provides an important framework for improving working and living conditions across the sector.

Opening the event on behalf of the ILO, Frank Hagemann, Director of the Sectoral Policies Department, stressed the urgency of moving from commitment to action. “When we talk about decent work in fisheries, we are talking about basic protections: clear terms of work, safe and healthy conditions, access to medical care and decent living conditions on board,” Hagemann explained.

Speakers from ILO partner institutions highlighted the growing recognition that decent work in fisheries is central to sustainable ocean governance and to a fair and resilient blue economy.

Representing the European Commission, Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, emphasized the importance of integrating labour rights into fisheries governance and broader sustainability efforts and said “embracing the ILO Convention 188 enhances the sustainability of the EU fisheries sector and protects fishers’ health and rights.”

Speaking on behalf of France, Éric Banel, Director General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture, said “it is important to ratify this Convention to protect the fishers, the coastal territories, but also the maritime ecosystems by guaranteeing a level-playing field between all partners. I call upon your diplomatic influence and technical expertise to help us carry out this effort, inspire other nations and partners to make sure that this initiative is a global success. You can count on France.”

Representing the United Kingdom, Lola Fadina, Director, Maritime at the Department for Transport, drew attention to the need to extend decent work protections to fishers and highlighted the value of sustained international cooperation to support implementation.

The event also featured a video message from the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, who reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to advancing decent work in fisheries and to supporting member States and social partners in strengthening protection for fishers through the ratification and implementation of Convention No. 188. Houngbo also invited others to join the Partnership.

© Fernanda Luck, ILO.

© Fernanda Luck, ILO.

Moreover, the ILO and the EC convened a two-day capacity-building workshop that brought together governments and social partners from eight targeted countries to examine practical steps and develop a roadmap for advancing ratification and implementation.

The workshop provided an opportunity to exchange experiences on labour inspection, compliance and the role of social dialogue in supporting effective national frameworks. Participants discussed how the implementation of Convention No. 188 can improve safety at sea, reduce operational and reputational risks, and contribute to a more level playing field for responsible fishing operators.

The Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries was announced at the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice in June 2025 at a special event organized by France, the Environmental Justice Foundation and the ILO. The Partnership is implemented by the ILO, with initial funding from the European Commission and the Governments of France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Through awareness-raising, tripartite cooperation and capacity-building, it aims to help ensure that fishers everywhere benefit from safer, fairer and more dignified working and living conditions.

Contact:

• Mr Tariq Haq, Head, Transport and Maritime Sectors Unit ([email protected])
• Ms Fernanda Luck Santos Cafiso, Technical Officer, Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries Project, Transport and Maritime Sectors Unit ([email protected])