Following the police’s investigation into the potential human trafficking of dozens of Filipino seafarers in the country’s shipping industry, New Zealand transport workers’ unions are calling on their government to put Fiji on notice.
To remind, Fijian authorities launched an investigation into a ferry operator’s allegedly ongoing abusive treatment of dozens of Filipino seafarers.
In fact, ITF reported that staff at Goundar Shipping tried to confiscate a number of seafarers’ passports and other documents upon beginning work with the company.
Investigations by unions have uncovered allegations of widespread abuse, underpayment, unsafe conditions, and even of human trafficking and slavery, in New Zealand’s own backyard.
…said Paul Tolich, chair of the ITF New Zealand National Coordinating Committee.
In addition, Mr Tolich said that New Zealand unions welcomed news that a Police investigation has finally been launched, but that fears of a potential whitewash remain once the seafarers leave the country back to the Philippines.
“I am writing on behalf of our affiliates to the New Zealand ministers of Foreign Affairs and Workplace Relations, urging them to raise the seafarers’ case immediately with their counterparts in Suva. Fiji needs to know that, as New Zealanders, we expect a thorough investigation of the abuse that these workers suffered, and any offending employers fully prosecuted.
We want a commitment from Fiji to make changes, including legislative change and proper enforcement, so this doesn’t happen again to other workers. The New Zealand Government should offer to help with that, if that’s what’s required. We can’t have migrant workers being exploited and trafficked in our region”.
According to Mr. Tolich, under current Fijian laws migrant workers do not have the same protections as Fijian citizens, making it difficult for them to speak out when abuse does occur.
Overall, Tolich noted that Fiji recently won election to the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council pledging to stand up for human rights. “It’s time to show that leadership at home,” he concluded.
