Human rights abuses unfortunately remain widespread throughout the supply chains of some of the world’s largest brands and retailers. Those importing seafood from Thailand must now acknowledge that these abuses include slavery.
The decimation of our oceans
The Thai seafood sector employees about 800,000 people. Overfishing has decimated the oceans and companies are exploiting undocumented, underpaid workers on their fishing boats.
At EJF, we have been working across the globe to improve the standards in fisheries. We have conducted investigations to document the extent of these activities, reporting violations to the EU, whilst also working with nations such as Thailand to enforce regulations that act against illegal fishing and seafood slavery.
Seafood slavery
Many workers are trafficked into Thailand from neighbouring countries including Burma, Cambodia and Laos. Some are even sold into slavery to work on these boats. Whilst the Thai government is making strides forward to end seafood slavery, other fishing fleets continue the abuse on the high seas.
What can you do?
- Write to the head of a retailer or manager of a restaurant. Ask them if they can be 100% sure that there’s no trace of slavery in the entire supply chain for the seafood they sell.
- Ask supermarkets and restaurants to question their suppliers - have independent and unannounced spot checks been undertaken? They need to know the truth about their supply chains, not just what they’ve been told.
- Only buy seafood from retailers and restaurants that source from sustainable, well-managed ethical fisheries, backed up by organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society – look out for their ‘Green Fish Guide’ to help you do this.
- Don’t spend your money with a retailer or restaurant who can’t confirm that they’re 100% certain there has been no slavery involved at any stage of the supply chain. It’s important that you let them know why you won’t be spending money with them, so that they understand how important this issue is to you.
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