Working conditions at sea and in processing plants were on the agenda of a Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) organised regional meeting in Nadi this week.
The meet discussed human rights issues which affect an estimated 27,000 Pacific Islanders employed in the tuna fisheries sector.
Delegates at the meeting were from national government, the private sector, and civil society.
Fisheries is a major source of government revenue for most FFA members and the meeting discussed the linkages between human rights issues such as working conditions at sea and in processing plants, gender equality, social inclusion — and productivity.
“It is vital that the management and development of tuna fisheries is sustainable — biologically, economically and socially — and that the benefits and opportunities are equitably shared and accessed by all Pacific peoples,” said FFA director general, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen.
“Promoting gender equality and social inclusion leads to better and more socially sustainable outcomes for all; the industry, government and, most importantly, our communities.”
The initiative is supported by the European Union under The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) which has a funding of $102 million.
