The seafood sector, a perilous field for millions, is now under scrutiny for human rights violations linked to certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Although MSC has pledged clarity by declaring it does not serve as a human rights solution, businesses must now realize that mere certification is insufficient. They must embrace genuine human rights diligence to protect the workers in this industry.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has faced criticism for failing to adequately address human rights issues in the seafood industry. Despite efforts to mitigate forced labor, reports indicate ongoing abuses. Businesses are urged to move beyond certification reliance and adopt meaningful human rights policies to protect workers.
The message is clear: businesses must adopt rigorous Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) strategies instead of relying solely on certifications like MSC. Audits alone are inadequate and often fail to address the root causes of abuses. Companies should engage proactively with workers and ensure their voices are heard, aligning policies with genuine commitments to human rights across the seafood supply chain.
In 1997, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) emerged to combat over-fishing, but its role has expanded to encompass human rights issues. Despite its focus on sustainability, growing critiques highlight that MSC cannot guarantee human rights protection. Reports of forced labor have surfaced in fisheries certified by MSC, prompting the need for a reassessment of how certifications can truly safeguard workers’ rights.
Original Source: politicsofpoverty.oxfamamerica.org
