The violation of human rights within the fishing sector and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

The global fisheries industry generates some $135 billion  in export revenues each year, provides jobs or incomes to an estimated one in ten people on the planet, and is the source of 17 percent of all animal protein consumed worldwide.

But fishing has a dark side, too. The sector is beset by human rights concerns such as pirate fishing, conflicts over fishing grounds, child- and forced labour, and human trafficking.

Despite progress at the national and international levels to promote sustainability in fisheries and combat such problems, labour protections often remain inadequate or unenforced – meaning that the very same industry that offers so many opportunities to coastal communities can also contribute to the victimization of society’s most vulnerable people.

These challenges – and what the international community can do about them – will feature prominently  at an event at FAO in Rome on 21 November to mark World Fisheries Day 2016.

Jointly organized by FAO and the Holy See , the event – “The violation of human rights within the fishing sector and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing” -- will call on countries, international organizations, fisherfolk organizations and the fishing industry to work together to promote human rights and guarantee decent work in this critical economic and food-producing sector.

At the start of the session, high-level representatives from the Vatican will issue a message by the Holy See focused on human rights issues in fisheries.

Presentations will be followed by an open discussion among attendees

Simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Spanish and Italian will be provided.

The event can also be followed online via webcast.