Human rights At Sea and Access to Justice
Problems
The global fishing industry has long been plagued by human rights abuses, where Indonesian migrant fishers endure poor work conditions, labor exploitation, and limited access to essential services. The existing policy frameworks remain insufficient to establish safe migration corridors for migrant fishers. At sea, the conflicting jurisdictions between international human rights law and the law of the sea hinder law enforcement and rescue operations, leaving fishers vulnerable when they experience abuses on board fishing vessels. Fishers also lack representation across borders to challenge abusive business practices and fight for their rights.
Our Approach
IOJI advocates for the rights of Indonesian migrant fishers who are vulnerable to or have suffered exploitation and human rights abuses. We aim to ensure that these fishers work under decent conditions, are meaningfully engaged in relevant decision-making processes, and have access to legal and social support systems resulting in effective remedies.
Our research highlights the need for robust policy frameworks at local, national, bilateral, and international levels to establish safe migration corridors for migrant fishers. We partner with governments, NGOs, trade unions, and other stakeholders to work toward effecting systemic change and policy improvements that prioritize the rights of migrant fishers. Through evidence-based and worker-centered recommendations, we assist governments in the development and implementation of policies. Furthermore, through the development of a digital platform, in collaboration with Stanford University, Tufts University, and ‘Fifty Eight’, we aim to empower Indonesian Migrant Fishers in making informed and safe migration decisions, as well as to track the fulfillment of their rights.
Publications

Policy Brief – Proposal of Civil Society and Trade Union on Placement of Migrant Fishers Onboard Distance Water Vessels.

Policy Brief – Action Plan and Strategies Strengthening Migrant Fisher Crews in Central Java Province.

Policy Brief – Protection of Indonesia fishing migrant workers in foreign vessels governance reform.

Policy Brief – The Vicious Cycle of Working At Sea. A Strenuous Journey of Indonesian Migrant Fishers.

Policy Brief – Portrait of Work Vulnerability of Fishers Crews on Foreign Vessels. Legal, Human Rights and Institutional Reviews.