The respect of human and labour rights in the fisheries and aquaculture value chains still remains as one of the main challenges of the sector. In recent years, human and labour rights abuses have been identified at the different stages of the value chains, mainly in the fishing, fish harvesting, farming, and processing. 

Thus, unsustainable practices may cause numerous social problems, particularly for vulnerable people such as migrant workers, women and children. This is especially evident given that, for example, migrant workers are more susceptible to modern slavery, bondage, forced labour and other abuses, particularly when illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities occur. As Pope Francis recalled on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Stella Maris, "the life of the sailor, the fisherman and their families is very hard. Sometimes it is characterized by forced labour or being abandoned in distant ports. Without seafarers, many parts of the world would go hungry". 

VIGO DIALOGUE 2023 

Since 2014, the Vigo Dialogue has been promoting decent working conditions in the fisheries and aquaculture sector by enabling an open discussion among participants in order to share knowledge and experiences. 

This year’s edition will focus on the importance of promoting decent working conditions in the sector, where the FAO’s work on social responsibility, decent work and social protection in the fisheries and aquaculture sector will be presented. In addition, the Vigo Dialogue 2023 will serve as a forum to exchange experiences and good practices to ensure social responsibility in the fisheries and aquaculture value chains.