International organizations rallied in support of the rights of seafarers, reaffirming their commitment to fair treatment, due process and coordinated action to protect the rights of maritime professionals.

This was amid reports that thousands of seafarers are now languishing in jails in various countries, including the five Filipinos who are now incarcerated in Algeria after they were sentenced to 15-year prison terms.

They were among the eight seafarers arrested last July 2023 after Algerian authorities discovered 35.8 kilograms of alleged cocaine on board MV Harris, a Maltese-flagged container vessel.

During a recent meeting in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom, the IMO, along with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Chamber of Shipping, and the International Transport Workers’ Federation, were one in saying that seafarers detained in connection with their professional duties must be treated fairly and with dignity, and with full respect for human rights.

The groups also urged commitment to due process and the fair treatment of seafarers, allowing them to be swiftly repatriated to their families under IMO/ILO Guidelines. They acknowledged that the unfair criminalization of seafarers continues to be a significant concern to seafarers and the wider industry, reducing industry confidence.

“Global trade depends on the people — the seafarers — who are onboard ships day in, day out. The well-being of seafarers must remain a shared global priority. Stronger legal protections, increased awareness and continued collaboration across the maritime community are essential,” IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said.