The British Retail Consortium (BRC) issued a statement today in support of a report from the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) alleging human trafficking in the Thai fishing industry.
The report, released on 29 May, accused some fishing boat owners of forced labor, holding workers against their will, beatings, and even murder in fisheries that support the seafood industry, either directly or through providing fishmeal.
"We welcome this report, which highlights some challenging issues which retailers have identified and are working hard to address,” said Catherine Pazderka, the BRC’s sustainability policy adviser. “The BRC encourages the Thai Government to follow the report's recommendations as a matter of urgency, to combat trafficking and ensure that there are robust systems in place to monitor working conditions in the fishing industry.”
Pazderka said the BRC wants to do its part as a buyer to help put an end to any trafficking practices.
"It is very clear that we cannot address this issue alone, but retailers are committed to working with the Thai government and industry partners to change the industry in a positive way, improving the livelihoods of both migrant and domestic workers,” she said.
