Tell New Zealand to Help End Slavery at Sea
- by: Walk Free
- recipient: Prime Minister John Key
'I was a slave, but then I became useless… so they sent me home with nothing' - Ruslan, aged 36.[1]
Ruslan’s story of appalling exploitation aboard a fishing ship in New Zealand waters made headlines around the world in 2012 – and it is not an isolated case. Evidence suggests that hundreds are working in slavery-like conditions at sea in New Zealand: threatened, abused, and forced to work 30-hour shifts.[2]
After a slow response, the Government of New Zealand now has an opportunity to show its strong support for a proposed new law which would help end modern slavery at sea. But this is not the end. We need to act now to ensure that the Government supports the progression of this new law, without exemptions and with immediate effect.
By taking bold, necessary action, New Zealand has an opportunity to send a signal to other nations that slavery in the fishing industry can never be tolerated.
Call on the New Zealand Government telling them to pass comprehensive laws preventing slavery at sea with immediate effect.
[1] http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-02-23/the-fishing-industrys-cruelest-catch
[2]
http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/country/new-zealand/
Dear Prime Minister,
I was shocked to learn that the New Zealand government has delayed ending slavery in its seas having pledged to take action more than two years ago.
Evidence suggests hundreds are working in slavery-like conditions at sea in New Zealand: threatened, abused, and forced to work 30-hour shifts. This underscores the need for strong legislation preventing slavery at sea in New Zealand, and provides an opportunity for your Government to help set a global benchmark on this important issue.
I therefore request that you support the passage of planned laws guaranteeing protections to maritime workers without exemptions and with immediate effect.
[Your comment here]
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
Update #19 years ago
July 31: Today, the Parliament of New Zealand passed the Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Bill as its very last piece of business before the pre-election recess, guaranteeing basic labour protections for every maritime worker in New Zealand waters. Thank you to all of you who took part in this campaign, and helped achieve this important milestone in ending slavery at sea.
