Enhancing safety for artisanal fishers
Artisanal fishers in Bangladesh’s Pathorgatha District have long faced dangerous and disturbing conditions at sea. The lack of proper safety measures has left the fishers exposed to numerous hazards, such as extreme weather and frequent accidents. These challenges have further exacerbated the vulnerability of these communities which already experience poverty and marginalisation.
In response to such pressing concerns, the authorities have decided to set up local offices along the coast of the Pathorgatha District. They will be in charge of ensuring the compliance with regulations, thus safeguarding the safety and health of the fishers, and issuing registration licences of the small local boats.
This initiative – part of the Danish Institute for Human Rights’ Sustainable Oceans project – fills a gap in the protection of the fishers’ labour rights and their right to life, documented by the Institute, in collaboration with Manusher Jonno Foundation, the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies and COAST Trust.
In collaboration with partners in Chile, Honduras, Bangladesh and Africa, the Institute is leading the global project ‘Sustainable Oceans – Pursuing a Human Rights-Based Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture’. The project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA).
The role of the local authorities is to monitor all sea-faring vessels, including small-scale fishing boats, ensuring that safety regulations are upheld. The decision to strengthen the local presence on the coast follows the adoption of the Marine Fisheries Act in late 2020. The Act includes several provisions that shall ensure the safety and security of fishers, such as clear standards for the seaworthiness of vessels, mandatory safety equipment and pre-registration of crew members.
These developments are a crucial step in improving the safety, working conditions and livelihoods of vulnerable fishing-dependent communities.
Our partners in Bangladesh will continue to follow the working conditions and livelihoods of the artisanal fishers closely and pay particular attention to the accountability of the new offices.